Free tickets to Gippsland’s energy conference
Come and join the conversation about Gippsland’s energy future at the Gippsland New Energy Conference on 18-19 August.
We’re excited to be the community sponsor again this year, supporting free Community & Education Passes for eligible community members to attend the conference.
Come along to hear from industry experts, explore projects planned for Gippsland, and ask questions about what it all means for our region.
Get details on the event website.
Star of the South assessment – what happens next?
Thank you to everyone who took the time to learn about Star of the South and make a submission during the formal public review of our environmental assessment documents.
Since then, we’ve been reviewing the submissions made and preparing for the next stage of the Commonwealth and Victorian assessment processes.
For the Commonwealth Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process, we’re carefully reviewing the 63 submissions received and making any necessary updates to the draft EIS. We’ll then submit a final EIS to the Australian Minister for the Environment for an approval decision. Updates are shared at starofthesouth.com.au
For the Victorian Environment Effects Statement (EES) process, an independent Inquiry appointed by the Victorian Minister for Planning will hold a Submitter Conference, starting Monday 10 August, to examine key matters associated with the project’s Victorian works. The Inquiry will consider the EES and the 51 submissions received in preparing a report for the Minister, who will make the final assessment of the project’s environmental effects. Updates are shared at engage.vic.gov.au/SOTS
Star of the South environmental assessment documentation
Talking jobs with Gippsland students
This month we’ve spoken with hundreds of young people about what a career in offshore wind could look like at careers events across Gippsland:
- Maffra Secondary College Careers Expo
- JobSkills Expo
- Gippsland Grammar Careers Expo
Their curiosity sparked fantastic conversations about everything from pathways into the industry and how turbines are installed offshore, to project timelines and careers in marine biology.
Offshore wind is about so much more than turbines. Bringing a project to life takes engineers, electricians, environmental scientists, project managers, communication professionals, apprentices, and many more.
A huge thank you to the schools, teachers and event organisers who welcomed us, and to every student who stopped by with thoughtful questions and genuine enthusiasm.
The future workforce is already here, and we can’t wait to see where an offshore wind industry in Australia can take them.
Over 2,000 Gippsland students attended the JobSkills Expo at Lardner Park last week
Which ports will Star of the South use?
Ports are an important part of any offshore wind project – it’s where a lot of the action happens both during construction and over 30 years of operations.
Different ports are needed for different jobs on an offshore wind project. We always ‘look local first’ to make sure jobs and contracts are as close to the wind farm as possible and to reduce travel time for vessels.
We’re prioritising Gippsland ports for the long-term operations and maintenance phase.
A Gippsland offshore wind operations base at Port Anthony or Barry Beach can mean a job for life. These jobs span decades. Some will start during construction, with crews being transported out to the work site from Gippsland to support the heavy vessels coming from the deep-water construction port.
Star of the South can support up to 200 permanent jobs in Gippsland during this phase.
The proposed Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal at Port of Hastings is a good option to support major construction needs, because it has a naturally deep channel. As we expect to need more than one port during construction, we’ve also identified Geelong Port and the Port of Bell Bay as good options.
Deep-water ports can cater for the large vessels needed to transport and install offshore wind infrastructure, which requires around 12 metres water depth. The water depth at Corner Inlet ports is around 6 metres.
We’re focused on delivering benefits to Gippsland, and our Gippsland Operations Base will bring long-term, good quality jobs and an economic boost to local towns and the region.
Aerial view of Barry Beach Marine Terminal and Port Anthony
I spy with my little eye…
Seeing wind turbines from the beach is a view that’s already familiar at some of Gippsland’s favourite coastal spots, including Inverloch Surf Beach and Cape Paterson.
The Bald Hills Wind Farm in South Gippsland is home to 52 turbines which can be seen from nearby beaches and coastal lookouts.
While visibility changes depending on weather, timing and distance, turbines have been a feature of the local landscape for years alongside the beaches, coastal walks and tourism experiences locals and tourists enjoy every day.
Head down to Inverloch to see them for yourself and enjoy a winter walk along the beach.
Or to learn how Star of the South could look from different locations along the coast, explore our interactive map.
Views from Inverloch Surf Beach, Eagles Nest and Cape Paterson
