Statement on the Victorian offshore wind auction proceeding

27 January 2026

Southerly Ten welcomes the Victorian Government’s announcement to proceed with the nation’s first offshore wind auction in August this year.

This announcement underscores the need to get new large-scale generation into the National Electricity Market (NEM) to maintain reliability, keep electricity prices as low as possible, and reduce emissions. To meet this challenge, all states must deliver a large build-out of new generation and transmission – this includes harnessing offshore wind in Gippsland.

With 90 percent of coal-fired capacity forecast to retire by 2035, offshore wind is critical to Australia’s energy security and pathway to net zero.

Star of the South alone could deliver 10 percent of the emissions reduction needed to reach Australia’s 2035 climate target, while creating local jobs and intergenerational economic benefits.

We are ready for the next steps, having lodged Star of the South’s environmental approval applications with government and purchasing the land required for the project’s shore crossing.

Bass Strait is home to world-class offshore winds and shallow seabed – our extensive site studies confirm that Star of the South is feasible and ready to deliver benefits to Gippsland, Victoria and Australia.

We look forward to continuing our engagement with government, industry partners and communities to realise the full potential of offshore wind in Gippsland.