The Bass Strait in northern Tasmania is the latest offshore wind zone to be declared by the Federal Government, aiming to provide cleaner, cheaper, reliable energy across the state.
The Federal Government said the new industry could create up to 12,000 jobs in construction and a further 6000 ongoing roles for engineers, electrical technicians, cable installers, boilermakers, crane operators, riggers, divers, seafarers, dockworkers and administrators.

The zone could support up to 20GW of round-the-clock reliable renewable energy – more than half of the current electricity demand across southeast Australia. One rotation of a single offshore wind turbine generates as much energy as an average rooftop solar installation does in a day.
In response to feedback from local leaders, industry, fishers, unions, First Nations people and community groups, the declared Bass Strait zone is smaller and further from shore.
It now sits at least 30km off Tasmania’s north coast and spans 7100km2 – reduced by about 30 per cent of the original proposal. It also includes a carve out for a shipping lane.
In establishing Tasmania’s offshore wind industry, there is also an opportunity to future proof existing industries like steel, cement and advanced componentry, boosting Australian supply chains and local economies.
The Federal Government said it will require project proponents to demonstrate their commitment to Australian manufactured inputs, local suppliers and benefits to the local economy, to inform the merits of feasibility licence applications.
Offshore wind developers can apply for feasibility licences until 12 March 2025, which allow them to assess the feasibility of offshore wind projects in the declared Bass Strait zone.
Feasibility licences will only be awarded to developers that prove their project will deliver the most for Tasmania, its workforce and for Australia’s energy security.
Developers must also adhere to stringent requirements for environmental stewardship and community involvement and commit to sharing the marine space with existing users.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said Tasmania is already an energy powerhouse – running on 100 per cent renewables – but the power of offshore wind could see the state produce and export even more clean and reliable energy.
“The Bass Strait has truly world-class wind resources, with sustained wind speeds of more than eight metres per second,” Mr Bowen said.
“Harnessing this power and capitalising on Tasmania’s highly skilled workforce with decades of experience in engineering, logistics and infrastructure can provide energy security for Australian homes and businesses, future proof existing industry and power new green energy industries.”
Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Renewables, Nick Duigan, said the State Government welcomes the declaration of an offshore wind zone in commonwealth waters off the coast of northern Tasmania.
“Tasmania has some of the best wind resources in the world. Bass Strait has been named as one of the top options for offshore wind energy generation in the country by the Australian Energy Market Operator.”
Mr Duigan said an offshore wind industry can help the state maximise its potential as a green energy powerhouse, creating thousands of new jobs and cleaner, cheaper energy and contributing toward its nation leading 200 per cent by 2040 Renewable Energy Target.
“Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future is all about bringing on new energy generation to support the needs of Tasmanians, our growing economy, and the decarbonisation of our existing and future industries, including hydrogen. This zone will give proponents and investors confidence to progress Tasmanian projects.”