Project update - June 2025
30 June
Gippsland Offshore Wind Days are coming soon!
We’ve teamed up with other Gippsland offshore wind projects to host more information sessions this July.
Come along to hear project updates, view maps, ask questions, and enjoy a BBQ.
Toora – Wednesday 23 July, 4 pm – 6 pm, Toora Hall
Loch Sport – Wednesday 30 July, 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm, Loch Sport Community House
Woodside – Thursday 31 July, 4 pm – 6 pm, Woodside Community Hall
Government agencies VicGrid, Offshore Wind Energy Victoria and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will also be there to answer questions about transmission and energy plans.
Can't make it? Contact us anytime on 1800 340 340, info@southerlyten.com.au or by visiting our Gippsland office (open Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9 am-5 pm or by appointment).
Offshore Wind Day event
Farewell to Fed Cadet, Jacob
This month we said farewell to our Fed Cadet and all-round superstar, Jacob.
Three years ago, we teamed up with Federation University to provide on-the-job training and build local offshore wind capability through the Fed Cadet Program.
What started as a 12-month cadetship turned into a 3-year job for Jacob as he completed his engineering degree - gaining more than 800 hours of practical work experience across industry development, engineering and community engagement.
Here's his key take outs from his time on the project:
"I discovered that projects depend on more than design - community engagement and social licence play a crucial role in their success"
"Connecting with a variety of people taught me to adapt my communication style for different audiences to clearly convey information"
"Being part of a talented, driven team showed me the value of aiming high to deliver better projects".
Thank you Jacob for all your hard work. We know you're going to do great things in your career as a qualified engineer in Gippsland!
Jacob helped launch the Offshore Wind Jobs Guide
Winners announced in Offshore Wind Net Positive Challenge
An Australian first, the Offshore Wind Net Positive Challenge is shining a light on Australian innovations which could help projects have a positive impact on the ocean, biodiversity and climate.
Find out more about the winners here.
Let’s get technical
As we work to finalise environmental assessments for Star of the South, we’re sharing an overview of some of the 25 technical studies undertaken into environmental, social, economic and planning aspects of the project.
The fish and invertebrates study examines species of fish and invertebrates (sea creatures without a skeleton, such as jellyfish, sea sponges and starfish) that live in or move through the project area.
As part of this study, marine scientists have:
Collected more than 200 hours of underwater video at 130 locations
Monitored tagged white sharks in the area
Completed scientific net studies with commercial fishers
Completed more than 40 echosounder surveys for pelagic fish.
We found 164 species in the area, including 29 sharks and rays, 103 bony fish and 31 invertebrates – with species diversity being greater during summer surveys than in winter.
This information is being used to plan the project in a way that protects key species and their habitats.
Supplier profile: Phoenix Aerial Solutions
Continuing our tour of local suppliers, we recently visited Phoenix Aerial Solutions - an airspace services business with a long history supporting the oil and gas, mining and solar industries.
Phoenix specialises in AI inspections to determine the need for repairs and maintenance, 3D models and construction evolution imagery, and helicopter and drone services for heavy industry to create safe and efficient practices.
Owner Alex shared that he's excited about opportunities in Gippsland’s renewable energy sector including offshore wind. "These projects are vital for a cleaner, more sustainable future in Gippsland and we're proud to play a part in it" he told us.
Find Phoenix Aerial Solutions on page 43 of the Offshore Wind Supplier Showcase.
Paul with Phoenix Aerial Solutions owner Alex (right)
Podcast alert – Energy Insiders
This month, our CEO Charles Rattray joined the Energy Insiders Podcast to get technical about offshore wind and the value it will bring for Victorians and the National Electricity Market.