This paper provides an overview of Geoscience Australia’s seabed geomorphology mapping and demonstrates how these products support offshore renewable energy (ORE) site screening, design and environmental assessment.
Australia’s transition to net zero requires rapid growth in ORE. As declared and proposed ORE areas must take into consideration marine parks, sensitive seabed habitats and other ocean uses. Proponents and regulators need decision‑ready evidence on seabed form, stability and potential geotechnical risk. Where data is publicly available Geoscience Australia (GA) is collating national, pre‑competitive seabed mapping, helping de‑risk early site screening, inform engineering design and support government environmental assessment and approvals.
GA’s geomorphological workflow integrates multibeam bathymetry, seabed sediment sampling, seabed imagery, sea‑level history and numerical modelling to map geomorphic features and interpret seabed processes across multiple spatial scales. These tools identify depositional and erosional environments relevant to geotechnical risk, for example, mobile dunes, scour and palaeochannels, and will provide consistent datasets to target surveys, refine constraints and optimise development areas.
GA’s approach builds on international best‑practice frameworks for interpreting seabed geomorphology and translates them into practical guidance on constraints and opportunities, providing a foundation for environmentally responsible ORE development in alignment with international best practice.