The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

Australia's first offshore wind farm bill was a long time coming, but here are 4 reasons it's not up to scratch yet

  • Written by Madeline Taylor, Senior Lecturer, Macquarie University

After years of waiting, the federal government finally introduced[1] Australia’s first offshore electricity legislation in parliament yesterday. The bill will establish a regulatory framework for the offshore wind industry, paving the way for more than ten proposed projects.

Australia’s wind resources are among the world’s best, comparable to the North Sea between Britain and Europe where offshore energy is an established industry[2]. In fact, research from July[3] found if all the proposed offshore wind farms were built, their combined energy capacity would be greater than[4] all of Australia’s coal-fired power plants.

But Australia’s lack of legal framework has meant we’re yet to commission our first offshore wind farm.

The new legislation took years of stakeholder anticipation leading to public consultation in 2020[5], but upon first reading one is left a little wanting. We find four reasons the bill isn’t up to scratch yet, from its inadequate safety provisions to vague wording around Native Title rights and interests.

A huge opportunity

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) identifies offshore wind[6] as key in the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, calling for the world’s offshore wind capacity to increase ten-fold, to 45 gigawatts per year by 2050.

In line with IRENA’s position, many of Australia’s trading partners have ambitious targets for offshore wind, including the UK, US, European Union, Korea and Japan. For example, the UK’s target is to reach a total of 40 gigawatts[7] of offshore wind energy by 2030.

Angus Taylor The bill was introduced by energy minister Angus Taylor. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

This new bill is Australia’s attempt to join its partners. It will give offshore electricity projects the framework for construction, operation, maintenance, and more.

One project, for example, is the Star of the South[8], which plans to build an offshore wind farm off the coast of Gippsland in Victoria. This project has the potential to supply 20% of the state’s energy needs[9]. Like Australia’s other 12 proposed offshore wind projects[10], it has been waiting on an appropriate regulatory framework to go ahead.

Read more: Wind turbines off the coast could help Australia become an energy superpower, research finds[11]

Offshore wind is essential to help Australia cut its greenhouse gas emissions and create a sustainable and affordable electricity market. Indeed, the explanatory memorandum that accompanies the bill[12] notes that if passed, the legislation will establish certainty that investors crave, potentially leading to billions of dollars worth of investment.

Wind energy infrastructure projects will also create thousands of jobs. Recent estimates suggest[13] the offshore wind industry could create as much as 8,000 jobs each year from 2030. The Star of the South alone expects to create[14] 2,000 direct jobs in Victoria over its lifetime, including 200 ongoing local jobs.

But the bill doesn’t go far enough

This bill represents a first attempt to establish a world-class regulatory regime. But does it?

Well, first of all it didn’t get off to a good start. In 2020, the government committed to having the legislation settings and framework in place by mid 2021[15]. This target was not delivered.

And upon closer examination of the bill, we find critical omissions compared to best practice in North Sea jurisdictions.

A ship outside turbines at sunset Offshore wind is essential to help Australia cut its greenhouse gas emissions. Shutterstock

1. Weak protections for the environment

To protect the environment, projects need to create a management plan that complies with requirements under the federal environment law. But this won’t ensure marine life is unharmed by enormous, noisy turbines.

According to a major, independent review earlier this year[16], Australia’s environment law is outdated and flawed[17].

Read more: A major report excoriated Australia's environment laws. Sussan Ley's response is confused and risky[18]

It only addresses select environmental issues[19]. The law is far too broad to deal with the unique requirements of offshore wind turbines, which Australian waters have never experienced before.

For example, under the bill’s broad management plan requirements, many environmental issues such as underwater noise and impacts on fish spawning would likely not be addressed.

Compare this to jurisdictions in the North Sea. In the UK, offshore wind projects require a thorough strategic environmental assessment, detailing all possible environmental impacts.

2. Native Title holders lose out

Offshore energy project developers are prohibited from interfering with Native Title rights and interests. But the bill allows interference if it’s “necessary” for the for the “reasonable exercise” of project rights and obligations.

This raises a critical question — what is considered “necessary” and “reasonable”?

This vague wording could see projects go ahead when it conflicts with[20] Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and their Native Title rights.

Read more: Why most Aboriginal people have little say over clean energy projects planned for their land[21]

3. Inadequate safety provisions

Offshore wind energy development holds inherent risks, such as transporting and constructing wind turbine components in hazardous environments, which are often subject to extreme weather. Without a solid safety framework, construction may lead to injuries or deaths, similar to those that have occurred in the North Sea[22].

Under the new legislation, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) would be appointed as the offshore wind regulator. NOPSEMA would oversee safety using the generic Work, Health and Safety Act 2011.

But the bill says parts of the Work, Health and Safety Act will need to be modified[23] so they’re “fit for purpose”. It would require extra provisions, exclusions and workarounds, making the assurance of structures difficult.

Compare this to offshore petroleum operations, which get a bespoke safety framework [24], one NOPSEMA is already familiar with. Why isn’t one put in place for offshore wind farms?

Construction of an offshore turbine Offshore wind construction workers may have to deal with extreme weather, putting them at risk. Shutterstock

4. It may leave the community behind

In Denmark[25], offshore wind turbines are located less than 16 kilometres[26] from the coastline. They’re obliged to offer at least 20% of ownership shares to local citizens.

But under Australia’s proposed bill, there are no explicit community benefit schemes. This is an important omission, because creating laws to increase community participation and engagement could reduce any risk of “not in my backyard” (Nimbyism) attitudes. It would also ensure hosting communities are actively involved early and frequently throughout the lifecycle of offshore wind projects.

In crafting best practice regulation coupled with community benefit schemes, the opportunities are limitless. A first step could be to create further public submission opportunities for communities to comment on the bill.

Offshore wind is our golden ticket to a reliable, affordable, and clean energy future. Investing in the offshore wind industry is a no-brainer for Australia, but it needs to be done right.

Read more: A '100% renewables' target might not mean what you think it means. An energy expert explains[27]

References

  1. ^ finally introduced (www.minister.industry.gov.au)
  2. ^ established industry (northsearegion.eu)
  3. ^ research from July (blueeconomycrc.com.au)
  4. ^ greater than (theconversation.com)
  5. ^ 2020 (consult.industry.gov.au)
  6. ^ identifies offshore wind (www.irena.org)
  7. ^ 40 gigawatts (www.gov.uk)
  8. ^ Star of the South (www.starofthesouth.com.au)
  9. ^ 20% of the state’s energy needs (www.starofthesouth.com.au)
  10. ^ 12 proposed offshore wind projects (reneweconomy.com.au)
  11. ^ Wind turbines off the coast could help Australia become an energy superpower, research finds (theconversation.com)
  12. ^ explanatory memorandum that accompanies the bill (parlinfo.aph.gov.au)
  13. ^ Recent estimates suggest (blueeconomycrc.com.au)
  14. ^ expects to create (www.starofthesouth.com.au)
  15. ^ by mid 2021 (reneweconomy.com.au)
  16. ^ review earlier this year (epbcactreview.environment.gov.au)
  17. ^ outdated and flawed (theconversation.com)
  18. ^ A major report excoriated Australia's environment laws. Sussan Ley's response is confused and risky (theconversation.com)
  19. ^ select environmental issues (www.environment.gov.au)
  20. ^ when it conflicts with (theconversation.com)
  21. ^ Why most Aboriginal people have little say over clean energy projects planned for their land (theconversation.com)
  22. ^ occurred in the North Sea (www.abdn.ac.uk)
  23. ^ need to be modified (parlinfo.aph.gov.au)
  24. ^ bespoke safety framework (www.nopsema.gov.au)
  25. ^ Denmark (ens.dk)
  26. ^ 16 kilometres (cms.law)
  27. ^ A '100% renewables' target might not mean what you think it means. An energy expert explains (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/australias-first-offshore-wind-farm-bill-was-a-long-time-coming-but-here-are-4-reasons-its-not-up-to-scratch-yet-167196

Times Magazine

Building a Strong Online Presence with Katoomba Web Design

Katoomba web design is more than just creating a website that looks good—it’s about building an online presence that reflects your brand, engages your audience, and drives results. For local businesses in the Blue Mountains, a well-designed website a...

September Sunset Polo

International Polo Tour To Bridge Historic Sport, Life-Changing Philanthropy, and Breath-Taking Beauty On Saturday, September 6th, history will be made as the International Polo Tour (IPT), a sports leader headquartered here in South Florida...

5 Ways Microsoft Fabric Simplifies Your Data Analytics Workflow

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline their data analytics processes. The sheer volume and complexity of data can be overwhelming, often leading to bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Enter the innovative da...

7 Questions to Ask Before You Sign IT Support Companies in Sydney

Choosing an IT partner can feel like buying an insurance policy you hope you never need. The right choice keeps your team productive, your data safe, and your budget predictable. The wrong choice shows up as slow tickets, surprise bills, and risky sh...

Choosing the Right Legal Aid Lawyer in Sutherland Shire: Key Considerations

Legal aid services play an essential role in ensuring access to justice for all. For people in the Sutherland Shire who may not have the financial means to pay for private legal assistance, legal aid ensures that everyone has access to representa...

Watercolor vs. Oil vs. Digital: Which Medium Fits Your Pet's Personality?

When it comes to immortalizing your pet’s unique personality in art, choosing the right medium is essential. Each artistic medium, whether watercolor, oil, or digital, has distinct qualities that can bring out the spirit of your furry friend in dif...

The Times Features

NSW has a new fashion sector strategy – but a sustainable industry needs a federally legislated response

The New South Wales government recently announced the launch of the NSW Fashion Sector Strategy, 2025–28[1]. The strategy, developed in partnership with the Australian Fashion ...

From Garden to Gift: Why Roses Make the Perfect Present

Think back to the last time you gave or received flowers. Chances are, roses were part of the bunch, or maybe they were the whole bunch.   Roses tend to leave an impression. Even ...

Do I have insomnia? 5 reasons why you might not

Even a single night of sleep trouble can feel distressing and lonely. You toss and turn, stare at the ceiling, and wonder how you’ll cope tomorrow. No wonder many people star...

Wedding Photography Trends You Need to Know (Before You Regret Your Album)

Your wedding album should be a timeless keepsake, not something you cringe at years later. Trends may come and go, but choosing the right wedding photography approach ensures your ...

Can you say no to your doctor using an AI scribe?

Doctors’ offices were once private. But increasingly, artificial intelligence (AI) scribes (also known as digital scribes) are listening in. These tools can record and trans...

There’s a new vaccine for pneumococcal disease in Australia. Here’s what to know

The Australian government announced last week there’s a new vaccine[1] for pneumococcal disease on the National Immunisation Program for all children. This vaccine replaces pr...