Star of the South to GROW local jobs
Wednesday, 20 October 2021
Local jobs will be the focus of a new partnership between Australia’s first offshore wind project and GROW Gippsland.
Star of the South is a major energy project worth $8-$10 billion. If built to its full 2.2 GW capacity, the project would create thousands of jobs including up to 750 construction jobs and 200 ongoing jobs in Gippsland.
GROW Gippsland works with local businesses and organisations operating in the region to boost local jobs by increasing local procurement and the use of local contractors. This program is delivered in partnership between ArcBlue, the Latrobe Valley Authority and Regional Development Victoria.
The agreement between Star of the South and GROW Gippsland would provide opportunities for Gippsland businesses of all sizes to get involved in the project.
Star of the South will also work with GROW Gippsland and other member organisations to identify opportunities to increase employment and training outcomes for local Aboriginal people, priority jobseekers such as transitioning workers, and people with barriers to work. This will include working with local social enterprises and Indigenous businesses.
The project is in the feasibility stage and will need approvals and a licence to proceed. The earliest construction could start is around the middle of the decade.
Star of the South is already employing locals in its Gippsland office, using local contractors and vessels for site investigations and buying from Gippsland businesses such as printers and hospitality providers.
Star of the South would harness Bass Strait’s strong offshore wind with turbines in the sea and underground cables connecting to the Latrobe Valley, powering Victorian homes.
The project could generate up to 2.2 GW of clean energy, equal to around 20% of Victoria’s energy needs and continue Gippsland’s proud history of power generation into the future.
To find out more about the project or to sign up to receive monthly updates visit starofthesouth.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Star of the South Chief Development Officer, Erin Coldham
“We’re proud to be working with GROW Gippsland to invest in the region and create local jobs.
“Star of the South is keen to use local contractors where possible and grow local jobs. It’s exciting to work alongside an organisation invested in helping social enterprises and Indigenous businesses in the region to make Gippsland an even better place.
“It’s important to us to help small businesses in the region, because that helps all of us.”
Quotes attributable to GROW Gippsland Program Manager, Cameron Spence
“We are very pleased to be working with Star of the South through the GROW Gippsland program, the project is a significant opportunity for the local economy, businesses and employment.
“Star of the South joins an increasing list of major regional projects that GROW Gippsland is supporting, including the Gippsland Line Upgrade, Latrobe Regional Hospital Stage 3a Expansion, Marinus Link and the Princes Highway East upgrade.”