What approvals
are needed?
A range of Commonwealth and State approvals are required for the construction, operation and decommissioning of an offshore wind project in Australia.
Licencing and
regulation
Offshore wind projects are licenced and regulated under the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act 2021.
- A feasibility licence is needed to investigate a project’s potential.
- A commercial licence is needed to move forward into construction and operations.
- A transmission infrastructure licence is needed to investigate, construct and operate transmission infrastructure in Commonwealth waters.
- An approved management plan is required before works can begin. This is a legally enforceable document which sets out how a project will comply with relevant laws, regulations and approvals.
The Offshore Infrastructure Regulator is responsible for regulating Australia’s offshore wind industry. They oversee work health and safety, infrastructure integrity and environmental management and compliance.
Environment and
planning approvals
Projects go through rigorous assessment and approval processes before they can be constructed, operated and decommissioned.
The main environmental approval for an offshore wind project in Australia is under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
Various other approvals, consents or licences are also required for specific activities or parts of a project. In Victoria, this includes approval under the Planning and Environment Act 1987, the Marine and Coastal Act 2019, and the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.
Seeking these approvals involves years of scientific studies, data collection and community consultation.
Environmental assessments -
have your say
Environmental assessments for Star of the South are available for public review and comment between 18 May and 29 June 2026.
You can find the assessment documentation on this website and on display in Gippsland, and we’ll be available throughout the public review period to help you navigate the documents and get involved.
Anyone can make a submission before 11:59 pm on 29 June 2026.
