Gippsland declared the top priority for offshore wind
5 April 2022
Wind turbines in Bass Strait are gaining traction, with the Commonwealth Government announcing the Gippsland coast as Australia’s first priority area to be formally assessed under its new offshore electricity framework.
Australia’s first and most progressed offshore wind project, Star of the South, welcomed today’s announcement, highlighting the growing momentum for offshore wind as an essential technology to secure Australia’s clean energy future.
Star of the South has expressed the need for continued timely progress, with this assessment process an important next step to move the industry forward.
Anticipating operating off the coast of south-east Gippsland by the end of the decade, Star of the South believes Gippsland is best placed to become the home of Australia’s offshore wind industry, with the decision giving confidence to developers, investors, and suppliers.
The news comes as Star of the South was recognised on the global stage overnight, with the project shortlisted as a finalist in the Wind Investment Awards for its commitment to community and environmental outcomes.
The annual Wind Investment Awards is a platform to celebrate best practice in the global onshore and offshore wind industry, with Star of the South shortlisted for the ESG Initiative Award.
Star of the South is one of the nation’s largest proposed energy developments, allowing Australia to meet its emissions reduction targets by powering up to 1.2 million homes with clean energy. The project would provide jobs for energy workers with the potential to create 2000 direct Victorian jobs, and 200 ongoing local operational jobs, providing a timely economic boost to the Gippsland region.
Quotes attributable to Star of the South Acting Chief Executive Officer, Erin Coldham
“We are pleased to see Bass Strait off Gippsland formally recognised as the first priority area for offshore wind assessment. We know the wind conditions are perfect, with many opportunities for investment in the region.”
“A local offshore wind sector will deliver a clean energy boost, cut emissions, and create jobs for the people of Gippsland and Victoria. It’s encouraging to see the Government pushing ahead with offshore wind in Gippsland and keeping the momentum going.”
“There’s still a long way to go, but it’s a positive move and good news for Gippslanders, who have been advocating for this outcome. We are committed to continuing Gippsland’s proud history of power generation into the future and making the region the home of offshore wind in Australia.”
“We encourage all community members to have their say during the required 60-day public consultation process to ensure projects are developed with local input in mind.”
About Star of the South
Star of the South is Australia’s first offshore wind project, proposed to be located off the south coast of Gippsland in Victoria. Star of the South would help meet energy, emissions reduction and economic goals by supplying secure, reliable and affordable power for up to 1.2 million homes, or nearly 20% of the State’s energy needs. The project is in the feasibility phase with environmental assessments currently underway to inform project planning and approvals. If Star of the South is approved and proceeds to construction, works could start by the middle of this decade with full power before the end of the decade.