The project has been shifted further away from the Illawara Coastline by reducing the wind zone size by one third, protecting the little penguin, southern right whale, and Shelf rocky reefs. The Australian government is constructing their fourth officially declared wind zone in the Pacific Ocean, 20 kilometres off the Illawarra coast in New South Wales.
The revised wind zone, following community consultation, excludes significant environmental areas, reflecting majority community opinion while aiming for reduced emissions, increased renewable energy, and job creation. The Australian Conservation Foundation welcomed the declared Illawarra offshore wind zone, emphasizing the benefits of well-sited and managed renewable energy for nature.
The final wind zone size has been reduced to two-thirds of its original size but still spans 1,022 square kilometres, with the potential to generate up to 2.9 GW of power for the Illawarra community. However, wind zones typically only operate at 41 percent of their full capacity over a year. Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen highlighted the project’s aim to secure energy, regional job growth, and industry in the region.
The project is expected to bring 1,740 new jobs during construction and 870 ongoing jobs once operational, benefiting various sectors. The Maritime Union welcomed the project, foreseeing the creation of hundreds of new maritime jobs. The next step involves feasibility studies and approvals, with applications for feasibility licenses opening soon to assess offshore infrastructure project feasibility.
Construction can commence once the feasibility stage is completed, environmental and management plans are approved, and benefits to Australian industry and jobs are demonstrated. Can you rewrite this sentence, please?
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