Representatives from community groups and organisations, council and some local businesses were in attendance at the Eden Welcome Centre, full of curiosity and armed with questions regarding the $10billion project being floated by private company Oceanex Energy.

Environmental consultancy firm NGH and Eden Chamber of Commerce hosted the evening event at Snug Cove.

Chamber president Eric Wolske opened the event and explained the meeting was the first step in a fact-finding process for the project.

"This high-level input will filter out to more in depth discussions and we all have a responsibility to take the information away and deliver it to our own groups," Mr Wolske said.

"NGH and Oceanex will bring groups together to gather more information directly related to community sectors."

NGH has been working with Oceanex Energy to help it understand the local strategic and community context for the proposal, and Ben Smith, general manager of communications and social sustainability, welcomed community representatives and executives from Oceanex.

"This is just the start of the conversation, we welcome everyone to share their thoughts, which will help to shape the project and properly explore its feasibility for Eden," Mr Smith said.

Andy Evans, CEO of Oceanex said the company was seeking real feedback and was open and honest about plans.

"When we started 10 years ago there was some uncertainty at a state government level, but offshore wind farms are now seen to be of benefit for NSW residents and industry," Mr Evans said.

"The Commonwealth government released legislation today, with new regulations supported by both sides," Mr Evans said.

A slideshow presentation took everyone through the nuts and bolts of the proposed installation, which it's understood could be located 35 kilometres south east of Eden township, though this was not yet a fixed plan.

Mr Evans said studies in supply chain capability and wind resource assessment had been done, but there were still three or four years of further studies to be conducted to fully explore feasibility and sufficiently mitigate any possible risks.

"Longer term decarbonisation projects have the ability to bring existing skillsets into a new industry," Mr Evans said.

"This technology is not that new anymore, it shouldn't be scary. Social prosperity is very much our focus going forward."

READ MORE: Offshore wind farm proposed for Eden coastline to 'grow an industry'

Mr Evans said the lead-time of nine years before possible construction allowed for the local workforce to get onboard.

The offshore wind farm design currently plans for six clusters of 20 turbines to be installed, with up to 6000 tonnes of steel to be anchored under the seabed.

Mr Evans said the floating foundation design proposed is currently only seen in three other projects around the world.

Oceanex estimated 3000 direct jobs and 7000 indirect jobs would be generated for the region during construction, which could take up to four years.

Some of the questions raised by attendees surrounded onshore infrastructure requirements, how the turbines would be secured, where power generated would go, aquaculture and any possible impact on whales and their migratory patterns.

It is envisaged that Oceanex would first progress similar infrastructure projects near Wollongong and the Illawarra, slated for commencement in 2028.

The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources are currently inviting feedback on the drafted regulatory framework for offshore electricity infrastructure in Australian waters, until April 22.

For more information on the Eden offshore wind farm project plans visit: https://oceanexenergy.com/projects/eden-offshore-wind-farm/

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