Monday 4th May, 2026
3pm – 4:30pm (AEST)
Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre ( Blue Economy CRC ), Media Release, 28 April 2026
This webinar will present the findings of the project ‘Pre-conditions for the Development of Offshore Wind Energy in Australia’ in three work packages, outlining what it takes to build an offshore wind industry in Australia.
Presentation 1. Best practices in policy and regulatory processes for offshore wind development
Presented by Associate Professor Pedro Fidelman and Dr Danielle Smith
This presentation comprises two components. First, it draws on international experience to identify best practices in policy and regulatory processes for offshore wind development, with a focus on their relevance to the Australian context. Second, it presents a targeted review of how underwater noise impacts on cetaceans are addressed within existing policy and regulatory frameworks, highlighting implications for Australia.
Presentation 2. Identification of key elements of social acceptability for offshore wind development and assist industry in addressing an integrated integrity system approach to offshore wind projects.
Presented by Dr Hugh Breakey and Dr Larelle Bossi
Part 1: “Winds of Change, Waves of Doubt: Engagement and Misinformation in Offshore Energy”
While the energy transition, particularly within the blue economy, is often positioned as inclusive, participatory and just, this presentation explores the extent to which these commitments are being realised in practice. It focuses on the central importance of engagement: who is responsible for building trust, how it is undertaken, and why it matters. From this foundation, it examines misinformation as a symptom of deeper values, uncertainty, and distrust, and outlines more effective, values-led responses.
Part 2: ‘Community benefit sharing schemes: ethics, perception and practice’
Community benefit sharing schemes can deliver important outcomes, improving fairness and compensating for impacts on local communities. But they also raise complex ethical concerns, including concerns with ‘bribery’ that must be addressed through strategic design, governance, and implementation.
Presentation 3. Australia’s Offshore Wind Supply Chain: From Gaps to Coordination Challenges
Presented by Dr Hongjun Fan
This presentation explores how Australia can successfully deliver offshore wind by strengthening its supply chain. It highlights emerging opportunities for ports, vessels, workforce, and manufacturing, while emphasising the importance of coordination and timely alignment to support efficient project delivery and long-term industry development.
Presentation 4. Pre-conditions for the Development of Offshore Wind Energy in Australia
Presented by Professor Marcus Haward and Dr Martin Farley
Work package 4 focused on using a complex, dynamic systems approach to synthesise policy and regulatory processes, supply chain and logistics elements and social/community acceptability. This approach highlights interdependencies, opportunities, and potential constraints within the value chain at the core of the system.
Including Q&A & facilitated by Professor Marcus Haward.
