Star of the South investigating ground conditions for underground cables

1 April 2022

Engineering work for the Star of the South offshore wind project is taking a step forward, with detailed ground investigations starting along the project’s proposed transmission route next week. 

From Monday 4 April, investigations at approximately 180 sites will collect and test soil and rock samples to better understand local ground conditions. 

These investigations will inform the design of the project’s 75 km private underground transmission system to connect the proposed offshore wind farm to the Latrobe Valley.  

Star of the South has been working with the authorities, Traditional Owners and landholders to plan the investigations, which are not expected to cause noise, traffic, or other disruption for nearby residents.  

Engineering consultants Douglas Partners will complete the investigations with support from a Gippsland business which will supply excavators and haulage equipment. 

Three small work crews will spend 2-3 months completing the investigations, working during the hours 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday. 

These investigations are co-funded with the Victorian Government through the Energy Innovation Fund. The Victorian Government recently announced a plan to build up to 9GW of offshore wind by 2040 with first power by 2028. 

For more information about the works, contact 1800 340 340, email info@starofthesouth.com.au, visit www.starofthesouth.com.au or drop by the project’s Gippsland office at 310 Commercial Road Yarram. 

Star of the South would harness Bass Strait’s strong offshore winds with turbines in the sea, generating up to 2.2GW with the potential to supply up to 20% of Victoria’s electricity needs. 

If the project is approved and proceeds to construction, the earliest work could start is around the middle of the decade, delivering clean energy for Victorian homes from 2028. 

Quotes attributable to Star of the South Chief Development Officer, Erin Coldham  

“It’s exciting to see the project’s momentum growing and we’re proud to be progressing Star of the South in Gippsland – the traditional home of power generation in Victoria”  

“These ground investigations are a crucial part of mapping out the transmission of power from our turbines to the homes of Victorians” 

“We encourage our contractors to work with Gippsland businesses and are pleased that Douglas Partners has partnered with a local excavator and haulage equipment supplier. The work crews will also stay in Yarram and Traralgon for several months, supporting the local economy” 

“Understanding local ground conditions is an important part of designing a safe and efficient underground transmission system” 

“We’re pleased to be co-funding these works with the Victorian Government and sharing what we learn with them as they plan for a new offshore wind industry in Victoria” 

Quotes attributable to Douglas Partners Principal, Greg Anderson 

“It is really exciting for our team to be involved in a project that aligns so closely with what is important to us while also bringing great benefits to the community.” 

“Douglas Partners have committed to using local plant, operators, accommodation, food services and more during our time working on the project.” 

“We are looking forward to working within the diverse landscapes and geology across Gippsland and working with the people that live and work there.” 

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. 

Star of the South is exploring a project up to 2.2GW, which would create 2,000 direct jobs in Victoria, including around 760 Gippsland jobs during construction and 200 skilled, long-term local jobs during operation.