List of recommendations

Recommendation 1

6.49The committee recommends that the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) consider ways to improve engagement with relevant First Nations and Traditional Owner groups in areas declared suitable for offshore wind developments.

Recommendation 2

6.53The committee recommends that DCCEEW engagement during public consultation processes provide targeted and localised information for each declared area. This should include a meaningful, physical presence to provide information, listen to concerns, and help the local community to feed into management plans and desired community benefit from projects.

6.54Further, DCCEEW should improve its communication with local communities to provide a clear narrative about the broader context of offshore renewable energy, including the need to transition away from ageing fossil fuel generation assets and other reasons for the energy transition.

Recommendation 3

6.55The committee recommends that DCCEEW in conjunction with the Offshore Infrastructure Regulator, oversee ongoing engagement from proponents with local businesses, worker representatives, marine users, and community groups as a central point for engagement.

Recommendation 4

6.56The committee recommends the Australian Government and DCCEEW proactively ensure that foreign actors, spam engagement, and misinformation and disinformation do not overpower local community voices from being heard in local public debate.

Recommendation 5

6.58The committee recommends that the Australian Government amend the Offshore Electricity Act 2021 to require public consultation on management plans submitted to the Offshore Infrastructure Regulator, prior to approval of the plan for construction activities and the granting of a commercial license.