GHD, a global leader in professional services and environmental consulting, has been appointed to oversee the environmental impact assessment and approvals process for the Blue Mackerel offshore wind project, a major renewable energy initiative off the coast of Gippsland, Victoria.

The project is being developed by Parkwind, part of JERA Nex, the renewable energy arm of Japan’s JERA. Located within Australia’s first declared offshore wind zone, Blue Mackerel is slated to deliver 1 GW of renewable energy by 2032–33—enough to power more than 500,000 Victorian homes.

A Landmark Project in Offshore Wind

As one of Australia’s most advanced offshore wind developments, the Blue Mackerel project represents a cornerstone of the country's clean energy future. GHD’s appointment marks a significant milestone, leveraging the firm’s deep technical expertise, regulatory insight, and long-standing local presence in the Gippsland region.

The company’s experience spans global offshore wind markets and complex environmental approvals, while its on-the-ground familiarity with regional Victoria provides a distinct advantage in managing local stakeholder expectations and regulatory requirements.

Deep Community and Cultural Engagement

GHD’s prior collaboration with the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) highlights its commitment to respectful engagement with Traditional Owners. This relationship will play a key role in shaping an inclusive and culturally aware consultation process for the Blue Mackerel project.

David Chubb, Project Director at GHD, described the appointment as a “tremendous opportunity to support one of Australia’s most important renewable energy ventures.”

Kim Downs, Environmental Planning and Approvals Manager at Parkwind, emphasized GHD’s “deep local knowledge and proven track record in delivering complex environmental approvals” as key factors behind the appointment.

Supporting Australia’s Net-Zero Transition

The Blue Mackerel project is part of a broader strategy to decarbonize Australia’s electricity grid and expand its offshore wind capacity. The project is expected to make a meaningful contribution to federal and state net-zero targets, while also setting a precedent for future offshore wind developments in the region.

GHD’s role will include managing the full suite of environmental studies and stakeholder engagements necessary to secure development approvals—an essential step toward achieving financial close and construction readiness.

Outlook

As Australia accelerates the buildout of its offshore wind industry, partnerships like that of GHD and Parkwind will be instrumental in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and delivering projects with long-term environmental and community benefits.

The Blue Mackerel initiative not only represents a leap forward in renewable energy infrastructure but also reflects a growing emphasis on culturally sensitive and ecologically responsible project development.