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Climate change caused by burning fossil fuels is the biggest threat facing Australia’s oceans. To protect the life, livelihoods and cultural value our oceans sustain, Australia needs to shift to renewable energy and ensure that transition is done well.
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Australia’s ocean environments are among the most biodiverse in the world, and also directly support over $25 billion in economic activity each year and underpinning 462,000 jobs
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Six priority zones already identified by the Federal Government across the Hunter, Bunbury, Illawarra, Bass Strait, South West Victoria, and Gippsland regions
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Urges government to coordinate research to fill critical knowledge gaps, strengthen legal protections for marine biodiversity, and better engage with host communities
Experts from the Australian Centre for Offshore Wind Energy (ACOWE) and the Biodiversity Council (BC) in collaboration with the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) have released the ‘Improving decision-making in relation to offshore wind’ report – a roadmap for harnessing offshore wind to tackle climate change, while safeguarding marine biodiversity, cultural heritage, and community confidence.
Australians have backed the clean energy transition, now it’s time to deliver it with communities, not to them. Voters have shown strong support for renewable energy. The returned government must act swiftly to partner with communities and First Nations peoples to ensure offshore wind is rolled out in a fair, inclusive and respectful way.
Drawing on expert analysis and technical research, the report sets out clear recommendations to strengthen decision-making, improve First Nations and community involvement to ensure Australia’s offshore wind rollout is environmentally, socially, and culturally responsible.
Tooni Mahto, Campaigns Director, from Australian Marine Conservation Society, says, “Australia has a unique opportunity to lead on offshore wind in a way that delivers both clean energy and ocean protection. This report shows how we can get it right – by investing in the science, listening to First Nations and communities, and putting nature at the heart of the process.”
“Our oceans are battling the impacts of climate change, with two World Heritage reefs under threat from bleaching. Ningaloo Reef and reefs further north in WA are experiencing record water temperatures and the sixth mass bleaching event in nine years has been declared for the Great Barrier Reef, following catastrophic bleaching last year.”
Offshore wind represents a major opportunity to accelerate climate action in Australia. With six priority zones identified by the Federal Government, this industry could help power emissions-intensive sectors such as steel and aluminium, support regional economies, and provide a reliable, large-scale source of clean energy.
The report maps out what is needed to progress offshore wind development with clear safeguards and stronger government leadership, to ensure the environmental impacts of offshore wind are properly managed and mitigated.
Professor Daniel Ierodiaconou, representing the Australian Centre for Offshore Wind Energy, says, “Australia’s offshore wind industry is in its infancy. We must get the foundations right – through genuine engagement with local communities, including in particular supporting Indigenous leadership in culturally appropriate research co-design. Host communities need access to trusted information and the assurance provided by long-term environmental safeguards – to ensure this sector grows in harmony with nature and communities.”
Australia’s ocean environments are among the most biodiverse in the world, directly supporting over $25 billion in economic activity each year and underpinning 462,000 jobs. With 87% of the population living within 50 km of the coast, thoughtful development presents an opportunity to help combat climate change, which is already having devastating impacts on our oceans.
The report makes the case for urgent investment in independent, Australia-specific research to fill critical knowledge gaps and ensure informed decisions under the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act.
The report urges the government to coordinate research and undertake needed analysis to fill priority knowledge gaps, strengthen legal protections for marine biodiversity, and ensure transparent information sharing with the public.
By offering clear recommendations for policy reform, research investment, and inclusive planning, the report presents a practical roadmap for balancing offshore wind expansion with ocean conservation and the protection of cultural heritage. Without action, Australia risks missing a crucial opportunity to tackle climate change and secure a thriving future for its oceans and communities.
For more information and to access the report, visit: https://www.
About Australian Marine Conservation Society
The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) is Australia’s leading voice for ocean conservation. As an independent charity, we have been protecting our precious marine life and habitats since 1965. We are a passionate community of scientists, educators, and advocates dedicated to safeguarding Australia’s oceans. Our work has helped establish vital marine reserves, protect endangered species like the Australian sea lion, stop supertrawlers and lead efforts to ban whaling. From the Great Barrier Reef to Ningaloo, together with our community of ocean lovers, AMCS fights for healthy oceans and marine wildlife every day.
About Australian Centre for Offshore Wind Energy
Australian Centre for Offshore Wind Energy (ACOWE) is a national interdisciplinary research and training partnership to enable sustainable offshore wind development in Australia. ACOWE is a collaboration of universities partnering with stakeholders to deliver impact.
About Biodiversity Council
The Biodiversity Council is an independent expert group founded by 11 Australian universities to promote evidence-based solutions to Australia’s biodiversity crisis. The Biodiversity Council is a trusted voice in communicating information on Australia’s most pressing biodiversity issues to the community, business and governments to ensure biodiversity and Country prosper.
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