Article

The DCCEEW has released the EPBC Act Key Factors Guidance to assist offshore energy proponents in Australia with environmental considerations for marine projects. It emphasizes avoiding adverse impacts first, with mitigation and offsetting as secondary options.

Key factors identified include underwater noise, turbine interactions affecting birds and bats, seabed disturbance, and socioeconomic impacts. The guidance highlights the need to manage cumulative impacts from multiple offshore wind farms in close proximity, urging proponents to consider their project's effects alongside others in the declared area.