Project update - August 2022
31 August 2022
Explore Australia’s first offshore wind project
Want to see what Star of the South could look like, where it’s located, and what it involves?
If so, check out our interactive map. It’s a great way to explore the project and learn more about it.
- See views of the wind farm – at 7-25 km offshore, turbines will be visible from the coast
- Learn about offshore wind turbines
- See examples of how the wind farm could be designed
- Find out more about the transmission system
- Ask questions or provide feedback about what you see.
To get more detail and talk with our team, come into our Gippsland office at 310 Commercial Road Yarram to use our touch-screen 3D digital model.
A snapshot from our 3D digital model
How cables are installed under the beach
Electricity generated by an offshore wind farm is carried to shore through cables buried in the seabed. To get these cables from the sea onto land, we’d use a construction method called ‘Horizontal Directional Drilling’ to install cables underground, protecting the beach and dunes above.
Take a look at our video to see how it’s done.
Putting local businesses in the spotlight
We’re kicking off a local industry capability study to uncover all that local businesses have to offer the offshore wind industry.
Businesses are encouraged to register an Expression of Interest on our ICN Gateway by 30 September to be involved.
We’ve identified hundreds of opportunities for local businesses to supply the offshore wind industry, including welding, excavation, electrical, vessel and helicopter services, fencing and safety equipment, to name a few.
Businesses that express interest may be featured in a local supplier directory and promoted across the global offshore wind supply chain, connecting local suppliers with buyers from around the globe.
The directory will also include local steel, manufacturing, Traditional Owner, and social and inclusive procurement opportunities.
Businesses can register to attend an Industry Capability Network briefing next Wednesday 7 September at 4 pm to learn more about the Expression of Interest process.
Meet us out and about
We’ll be out during September and October, ready to answer your questions about offshore wind and Star of the South. Here’s where you’ll find us:
- Woodside Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Thursday 22 September 5:30 pm-7:30 pm
- Traralgon Farmers Market, Saturday 24 September 8 am-1 pm
- Melbourne Boat Show, Docklands, 22-23 October
Meet our new CEO, Charles
Charles Rattray joined our team this month, bringing many years of experience in the Australian energy sector.
In his first week, Charles attended the Gippsland New Energy Conference in Sale. This provided a great introduction to what’s happening in the region and a chance to meet different people involved in Gippsland’s energy sector.
He also met with our Community Advisory Group in Yarram and took a trip along the coast, visiting McLoughlins Beach, Port Albert and Port Franklin.
Thanks to everyone who took the time to talk with Charles about Gippsland and Star of the South.
Charles (7th from the left) meets some of our team members
Government consultation on offshore renewable energy in Gippsland
The Minister for Climate Change and Energy has proposed an area off the Gippsland coast as potentially suitable for future offshore renewable energy projects, including offshore wind.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is accepting submissions on this proposal until 11:59 pm on 7 October 2022.
You can find out more and make a submission online at consult.industry.gov.au/oei-gippsland
Whether you want to voice support, make a suggestion or raise a concern, we encourage you to participate in this consultation process.
This is a first opportunity to provide feedback. Any future projects will also need to consult and obtain a licence and approvals before they can go ahead.
New Gippsland office hours
We've updated our Gippsland office opening hours starting Tuesday 6 September.
New hours - Tuesday and Wednesday 9 am - 5 pm or another times by appointment.
Drop in to say hi to our Gippsland team, we're keen to answer your questions and chat about offshore wind.