Project update - July 2024
31 July 2024
Find out more about our Gippsland projects
Hear an update about Star of the South and Kut-Wut Brataualung.
A day in the life of an octopus fisher
Our Fisheries Manager Lachlan joined commercial fishermen Lucas and Wayne Cripps for a 12-hour shift out at sea - getting a close-up look at their octopus fishing operations.
From dawn until dusk, Lachlan rode alongside the crew on the Sea Tang as they deployed, collected and emptied, and re-deployed their octopus pots.
Fun fact – to get an octopus to detach from the inside of the pots, they’re popped into briny water – they don’t like the extra salt and leave the pot.
In addition to decades of commercial fishing, Wayne has also been providing vessel services for Star of the South's site investigations and sharing local knowledge with our team - because no-one knows Bass Strait like a local fisherman.
Understanding how fishing gear is deployed, collected and re-deployed helps us design a wind farm and plan construction with these activities in mind.
Lachlan experienced a day in the life of an octopus fisher
Bringing offshore wind to local students
Over the last few months, we’ve attended career events in Leongatha, Korumburra, Lardner, Sale, Maffra and Bairnsdale to talk with students, parents and teachers about working in offshore wind.
We were impressed with how many students from across Gippsland came along to the largest student careers event in the region, the JobSkills Expo.
These events are excellent for students to see and experience future career options with interactive activities including tinkering with electrical and plumbing systems, performing CPR, sitting in emergency vehicles, flight simulators and multiple VR experiences.
We spoke with Molly, a current high school student, who is eager to complete an electrician apprenticeship in preparation for a local offshore wind industry. A group of students in Maffra were intrigued by a potential career as a diver during the construction of offshore wind projects.
We always enjoy speaking with young people who are thinking about a career in offshore wind. This new industry for Gippsland is set to provide high-quality, long-term jobs in the region for decades to come.
Learn about jobs in the offshore wind industry in Jobs Guide.
Jason and Jacob speak with a local teacher about careers in offshore wind
"Working smarter not harder"
Our Chief Development Officer Erin recently shared at the Australia Wind Energy 2024 conference that 'working smarter, not harder’ is the key to transforming our energy system.
She took us back to the heatwaves in January 2020 which saw the electricity grid under pressure, just one year after when power was cut to 200,000 homes to prevent the system from failing.
During this time, wind speeds of around 51 km/h were recorded in Bass Strait – showing a direct link between peak demand for electricity and strong offshore winds.
Erin says taking advantage of these strong winds is an example of how we can work smarter, not harder, to create clean energy for future generations.
“Whether it be in government, industry or our local communities – we all have a role to play if we are to capitalise on this remarkable opportunity for Australia.”
Erin spoke at Australia Wind Energy 2024
Fact or fiction?
Wondering if something you read or heard about offshore wind is true? Here are a few common myths – and the facts.
Myth: Offshore wind turbines leak oil into the ocean
Fact: Many offshore turbine generators now use gearless technology, which means gearbox oil is not needed. If a gearbox is used, it's equipped with a monitoring system to detect any oil leaks. Turbines are also regularly maintained with oil and lubricants changed either at set periods or based on a monitoring system.
Myth: It takes years for an offshore wind farm to make up for all the carbon used to manufacture and construct it
Fact: Carbon generated from manufacturing, shipping and construction for Star of the South is predicted to be offset within approximately 4.5 months of operations, when it’s replacing electricity otherwise generated from coal or gas.
Find more offshore wind facts here.
Or get in touch to talk with our team about your offshore wind questions.
The Gippsland New Energy Conference is back
Australia’s largest regional conference, the Gippsland New Energy Conference (GNEC), is back, this time in Traralgon.
GNEC 2024 will feature over 60 sessions and 120 speakers including two from Star of the South.
Come along to be part of the conversation and help shape Gippsland's energy future.
Find out more and purchase tickets.
We're proud to be supporting the conference again this year as a Gold Partner. Our team will be there every day to listen, participate and connect. Come along and say hi!
We’re looking forward to GNEC 2024
Star of the South’s Chief Technical Development Officer
Meet Myles Daniel, who is leading Star of the South’s planning and development.
Myles started his career in the coal and oil and gas industries. When he realised there was change on the horizon, he was motivated by a desire tl Do make a positive difference. He was drawn to the exciting projects that were emerging in the offshore wind industry and made the move over a decade ago.
Since then, he’s completed offshore wind projects in Denmark, the UK and USA and returned home in 2022 to join the Star of the South team.
Myles said there was no turning back for him since joining the offshore wind industry as it got started in Europe.
“The projects are exciting, and it has been excellent to see the foundations of an offshore wind industry begin here in Australia over the last couple of years”.
“Being a new industry, offshore wind will benefit from the experience of skilled local workers to train, skill-up and mentor the next generation of Gippsland energy workers”.
Myles on a cable installation vessel in the Irish Sea
Inquiry into the offshore wind consultation process
One of Australia’s Senate Committees is seeking submissions from the community about the country’s offshore wind industry.
The includes community consultation, regulatory frameworks, working with Traditional Owners and minimising and managing impacts on marine life.
Individuals and organisations are invited to submit their opinions and feedback through its online portal by Friday 30 August. The committee will consider all submissions and report their findings by February 2025.