Background
Newcastle Offshore Wind, led by EDF Renewables, was a proposed large-scale offshore wind project within the Hunter Declaration Area. The project required preparation of a feasibility licence application under the Commonwealth offshore electricity infrastructure framework, supported by early, well-founded engagement with regional communities, Aboriginal stakeholders and government agencies. EPS was engaged as part of the core multidisciplinary team to provide independent planning, valuation and engagement support.
Complexity
The engagement required coordination across multiple technical and stakeholder interfaces, including:
- Responding to evolving Commonwealth feasibility licence requirements
- Integrating environmental planning considerations at an early project stage
- Undertaking land valuation inputs to inform strategic positioning
- Supporting structured engagement with Aboriginal communities and regional stakeholders
Solution
EPS acted as an integrated member of the core project team, providing independent advice and leadership across environmental planning, valuation and engagement workstreams.
Key contributions included:
- Environmental Planning: Led planning inputs relevant to the feasibility licence application and supported alignment with regulatory expectations
- Land Valuation: Undertook valuation advice to inform early project decision-making and commercial positioning
- Stakeholder and Aboriginal Engagement: Facilitated community engagement activities and supported Aboriginal consultation processes
- Specialist Presentations and Project Support: Prepared and delivered technical briefings and provided project management support across workstreams
EPS worked closely with the proponent team, drawing on established regional networks and local insight to support credible engagement and defensible application material.
Impact
EPS’s involvement strengthened the technical and stakeholder foundations of the feasibility licence submission.
- Supported a comprehensive and well-evidenced licence application
- Enabled early identification and management of planning and stakeholder risks
- Strengthened regional engagement through established local relationships
- Contributed independent advice to support informed project decision-making
