Project update - May 2025
29 May
Thanks to our ‘stars’
When we first started talking about offshore wind in Gippsland, around eight years ago, it was a completely new concept for most people. But so many Gippslanders were curious, keen to get involved, and excited about the opportunities Star of the South could create. This has been a great motivator for us over the years.
Last night we said thank you to those who have supported us on the journey so far, at a get-together in Yarram.
It was wonderful to see the stalwarts and enthusiastic new faces in the room and to connect over our shared goal of bringing a project that is good for Gippsland to fruition.
Together we've come a long way. There's still some way to go. If you'd like to support our next steps, join these 'stars' and sign up as a supporter.
Have your say on infrastructure set to support offshore wind
Ports and transmission are important supporting infrastructure for offshore wind projects. Ports provide a base for construction and operations activities, and transmission is needed to connect electricity to the grid.
The Victorian Government is planning this infrastructure now - and you can have a say.
Transmission - VicGrid has released the draft 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan, which outlines how energy generation and transmission - including offshore wind in Gippsland - will be planned and delivered over the next 15 years. Get involved here.
Ports - A dedicated Renewable Energy Terminal at the Port of Hastings is proposed to support the construction of offshore wind energy projects. They're hosting technical roundtable discussions in June and July, where you can hear from specialists, ask questions, and share feedback. Register here.
Let’s get technical
A key focus for our team this year is to finalise Star of the South’s environmental assessments – an important step towards seeking approvals to construct and operate the project. This includes completing 25 technical studies covering environmental, social, economic and planning aspects of the project.
Here’s an overview of one of those studies - fishing.
This study includes any changes to commercial and recreational fishing that could result from the project's construction and long-term operations.
We looked at how, what, when and where people currently fish off the Gippsland coast, through consultation with fishers, analysis of fishing catch and effort data and boat counts.
We also completed fish surveys to collect data on target species, and researched ways that fishing and offshore wind have worked together overseas.
We learned that, while the project area is not heavily fished when compared with other locations closer to fishing ports and boat ramps, both recreational and commercial fishing take place targeting species such as snapper, octopus, gummy shark, kingfish and King George whiting.
Fishing is being considered in the project design and planning for construction and operations - with the goal of co-existing safely so energy, seafood and recreational activities can continue and work together.
We’ll share more on other topics in future editions. In the meantime, find out more here.
Did you know?
Offshore wind in Victoria can...
Help avoid a 42% average increase in Victorian wholesale energy prices
Save up to 20 million tonnes of carbon emissions per year
Provide large-scale generation to help offset the loss of Latrobe Valley coal power and boost reliability
Help maintain Victoria's energy self-sufficiency.
That's according to independent analysis recently released with Victoria's draft 30-year infrastructure strategy, which highlights offshore wind's role in delivering reliable and affordable electricity for Victorians.
Learn more about Victoria’s 30-year infrastructure strategy here.
Supplier profile: CondEx Services
We recently visited CondEx Services - a leading electrical instrumentation specialist with 35 years' experience servicing Gippsland's oil and gas industry.
They offer hazardous area electrical wiring, inspection services, instrumentation, testing and maintenance, workshop fabrication and rope access.
Owner Clem and WHS manager Marty told us that they enjoy working with Gippslanders on Gippsland projects. "As the future will bring a reduction in oil and gas maintenance, we're excited that offshore wind will help us transition the jobs of our local employees to new opportunities," said Clem.
CondEx Services can be found on page 31 of the Offshore Wind Supplier Showcase.
CondEx Services WHS manager Marty and Owner Clem (left) with Stella and Paul (right)
Let’s talk ports
Ports are key to constructing and operating offshore wind projects – it's where lots of the action takes place!
We expect to use multiple ports during construction. They require deep water with suitable facilities and available land.
Operations will be managed from a Gippsland Operations Base - Base Barry Beach Marine Terminal and Port Anthony are good options for this. This is where workers managing day-to-day wind farm construction, operations and maintenance activities over 30+ years would be based.
We've been working with a range of port operators to understand their current facilities and potential upgrades to support the needs of the offshore wind industry.
Example construction port