Blue Mackerel progresses to full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) assessment
Blue Mackerel has entered the most comprehensive stage of environmental assessment, with the Commonwealth Government confirming the JERA Nex bp project will be assessed through a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
Consistent with the process required for other referred offshore wind projects in Australia, the EIS is to assess potential impacts on matters of national environmental significance, including:
• Listed species and communities
• Listed migratory species
• Commonwealth marine areas
Blue Mackerel will continue to be guided by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to prepare the EIS.
The project will undertake a detailed assessment of potential impacts and measures to avoid and
minimise impacts; the findings of which will guide the windfarm design and make sure stringent regulatory requirements are met.
Kim Downs, Manager – Environmental Planning & Approvals, said the Blue Mackerel team was ready to move to the next phase of assessment:
"An EIS represents the highest level of environmental assessment, and we are fully prepared for that responsibility,”
"With our team of scientific experts and experienced environmental impact assessors, Blue Mackerel is committed to delivering a scientifically rigorous EIS and ensuring environmental impacts are minimised and managed to the high standards set by Australian regulators."
Further information on the EIS process, including opportunities for public comment, will be shared as studies progress.
Project background:
Located approximately 10km off the Gippsland coast on Brataualung and Tatungalung Country, between Seaspray and Woodside, Blue Mackerel has the potential to generate 1 GW of power. At full capacity, that’s enough to power up to 750,000 Victorian homes a year by 2032.
Blue Mackerel is being developed by JERA Nex bp, a 50:50 joint venture between JERA Co. and bp. JERA Nex bp is a purpose-built offshore wind company committed to unlocking the power of offshore wind by developing high-quality, competitive projects.
