Project update - December 2025
18 December 2025
Environmental assessment lodged
This month marked a major milestone for Star of the South, with the completion and lodgement of an Environmental Impact Statement to the Commonwealth Government for approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.
This follows seven years of rigorous science and consultation to understand the local environment and ensure it is protected during the project’s construction, operation and eventual decommissioning.
The Environmental Impact Statement draws on 26 technical studies examining potential effects of the project on environmental, cultural, social and economic values, including a world-class marine environment survey program.
Following government review and authorisation, this documentation will be publicly exhibited and submissions invited in 2026. We'll keep you updated on timing and how to get involved.
EPBC approval is the primary environmental approval required for the project. If approval is granted, further secondary approvals will be required under Commonwealth and Victorian legislation.
Scientific fish surveys
Critical shore crossing site secured
We recently purchased a 120 ha property on Gippsland’s coast near Reeves Beach.
This land is where underground cables connecting the offshore wind farm to the grid will come to shore – crossing under the beach and dune system to protect the sensitive coastal environment and cultural values above.
The purchase secures a critical piece of the project’s infrastructure and reinforces our long-term commitment to Gippsland.
On site near Reeves Beach
Connect with us over summer
We'll be joining in the fun again at the Sea Days Festival in Port Welshpool. This family-friendly festival includes activities such as marine life touch tanks, come and try fishing, craft activities and much more. Drop by to chat with our local team, pick up project information and share feedback. We’ll be at the Old Ferry Terminal on Saturday 3 January, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm.
If you’re in Yarram, drop by our Gippsland Office at 310 Commercial Road. We’re open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and by appointment, right up until Christmas Eve. After a short break, we’ll reopen on Wednesday 14 January.
Come and try fishing at the Sea Days Festival
Community Advisory Group wraps up for 2025
As the year draws to a close, we would like to thank the Star of the South Community Advisory Group for another year of service and recognise their commitment and passion to securing positive local outcomes from the project.
This 20-strong group have dedicated years to learning about offshore wind, the project, and the approvals process to be able to share information and support their communities. The group met six times across 2025, discussing:
Environmental assessments
Project timelines and next steps
Community engagement
Connecting to the grid
Offshore wind industry progress and challenges.
We are incredibly grateful for their continued participation and wise counsel.
The Community Advisory Group is one way we listen to local perspectives and share information. We look forward to continued discussions with this group and people across Gippsland communities in 2026.
Meeting minutes, agendas and presentations are available on our website.
Community Advisory Group members
Major Project Status renewed
Last month, the Australian Government renewed Major Project Status for Star of the South, recognising the project’s potential contribution to Australia’s clean energy needs.
The decision means the project will continue to receive tailored support from the Major Projects Facilitation Agency for another three years, including assistance navigating regulatory approvals.
We look forward to working with the agency as we continue driving the project forward to power more than 1.2 million homes and generate hundreds of long-term local jobs.
Local suppliers – register your interest in working with VicGrid
VicGrid is leading the planning and development of new transmission infrastructure, including a shared transmission line from Giffard to the Latrobe Valley to connect offshore wind power to the grid.
They are inviting expressions of interest from suppliers to support transmission projects in Gippsland and across the state.
Find out more and register here.
Wishing you a safe and happy Christmas
Thank you for following our progress this year. We appreciate your interest and extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the time to talk with our team, share knowledge and provide feedback in 2025. This feedback has helped shape project planning and environmental assessments for Star of the South.
We wish you a safe and very happy Christmas and New Year, and look forward to continuing the conversation in 2026.
