Australia’s second offshore wind zone has been declared in the Pacific Ocean off the NSW Hunter region.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen, who will visit the region Wednesday, said the area was declared after two months of public consultation, resulting in a smaller footprint than the originally proposed zone.

He said this balanced the views of the local community, industry and sea users.

“The strong, consistent winds off the coast, along with the region’s skilled energy and manufacturing workforce, make the Hunter an ideal location for an offshore wind industry,” Mr Bowen said.

The declared area covers more than 1800 square kilometres between Swansea and Port Stephens.

It could generate up to five gigawatts of wind energy – enough to power 4.2 million homes, as well as providing electricity for industrial users.

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon said it was an opportunity to diversify the local economy.

“The Albanese Labor government has listened to community feedback and revised the offshore wind zone accordingly to ensure it coexists alongside whale migration, bird and sea life, and our shipping industry,” she said.

Offshore wind project developers ​will have from August 8 to November 14 to apply for “feasibility licences”, which will include detailed environmental assessments and impacts on other marine users.

The first wind zone to be declared was off Victoria’s Gippsland region, with four other areas – Illawarra (NSW), Portland (Victoria), northern Tasmania and Perth-Bunbury (WA) – expected to follow.

– AAP