BREAKING: Three offshore wind projects in Western Australia’s Geographe Bay have just received final feasibility licences from the Federal Government, marking a major step forward in renewable energy development. The projects, led by Westward Wind and two Bunbury Offshore Wind Farm initiatives, are poised to deliver approximately 4 gigawatts of renewable energy and create thousands of local jobs.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced the significant development today, emphasizing the potential for these sites to transform the energy landscape of Western Australia. The designated area spans nearly 732 square kilometers, with the Bunbury Offshore Wind project “North” being the largest at 280 square kilometers, located about 48 kilometers off Bunbury. The other two projects will be situated approximately 42 kilometers from the coast, ensuring a substantial offshore wind energy footprint.
“These licences are another important step towards up to 4GW of cleaner energy for Western Australian communities and industries,” Bowen stated. He highlighted that harnessing natural resources would not only provide cleaner energy but also lead to thousands of construction jobs and ongoing maintenance roles across local supply chains, ports, and regional communities.
While the North project received initial permissions in June 2025, the South and Westward Wind projects faced earlier setbacks due to overlapping licence applications. Bowen urged both parties to collaborate and resolve these issues, paving the way for a united approach to offshore wind development.
Federal Assistant Energy Minister Josh Wilson reinforced the significance of the offshore wind zone, stating it would ensure the South West maintains its status as the “engine room of WA’s electricity supply” during the clean energy transition.
However, community opposition has emerged, with residents voicing environmental concerns during public protests and on social media. Critics, including Forrest Liberal MP Ben Small, Canning Liberal MP Andrew Hastie, and WA One Nation Senator Tyron Whitten, have expressed strong opposition to the projects. Whitten described the area as a “whale super-highway” and called for a moratorium on wind farms to protect marine life, while Small criticized the consultation process as “botched.”
In a bold political stance, former Opposition Leader Peter Dutton pledged to abolish offshore wind farms in WA if elected in the 2025 Federal election. The controversy surrounding the projects highlights the delicate balance between renewable energy advancements and environmental concerns.
In addition to these developments, Bowen revealed that the Albanese Government is opening applications for research and demonstration (R&D) licences for trial and testing in Australia’s six offshore wind zones. This initiative aims to position Australia as a hub for technological advancements in offshore wind development, attracting both domestic and international investment.
As these projects advance, the focus will remain on how they can benefit local communities while addressing environmental concerns. The future of offshore wind energy in Western Australia is now on the horizon, and stakeholders are watching closely to see how negotiations and community feedback will shape the next steps.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story continues to develop.
