Project update - August 2025
01 September
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Upcoming events
Two key energy conferences are coming up in September. We’re excited to take part in conversations helping shape Australia’s energy future.
Gippsland New Energy Conference, 9 – 10 September, Traralgon.
GNEC 2025 will feature over 60 sessions and 100 speakers, including our CEO, Charles Rattray, and Senior Manager of Environment and Approvals, Robert Goodchild.
GWEC APAC Wind Energy Summit, 16 – 18 September, Melbourne.
The Global Wind Energy Council is bringing its Asia Pacific regional conference to Melbourne again this year. We’ll be there to learn from global colleagues, share knowledge and work towards realising the region’s full wind energy potential.
Will you be there? Keep an eye out for our team members and be sure to say hello.
Our Regional Engagement Manager Paul spoke with Daniel Miller and the Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio at GNEC 2024.
Let’s get technical
As we work to finalise environmental assessments for Star of the South, we’re sharing information about the 25 technical studies undertaken into environmental, social, economic and planning aspects of the project.
This month it’s onshore ecology – the study of native plants, animals and their habitat on land in our transmission investigation area.
As part of this study, ecologists completed field work across seasons to understand species present in the area. This included:
Placing tiles to create artificial shelters for skinks and regularly checking for animals
Playing recorded bird calls and listening for responses
Listening for frog calls near dams and waterholes
Spotting animals and identifying their droppings
Recording, measuring and counting trees and plant species.
We've also reviewed national, state and local ecology protection legislation, and listened to local knowledge and feedback.
Data collected is being used to design a better project. Our transmission route passes mainly through farmland and will avoid highly vegetated areas and large trees that provide habitat value where possible.
We’ll share more on other topics in future e-news editions. In the meantime, find out more here.
Ecologists checking for skinks under artificial shelters
How construction is done
Have you ever wondered how turbines are installed in the ocean? Or how cables are laid underground?
We’ve made some handy videos which show how offshore wind projects come together during construction.
Talking offshore wind in Canberra
Last week, we joined industry colleagues and regional champions to brief elected representatives on Australia’s offshore wind opportunity.
This briefing highlighted the critical role offshore wind will have in:
Energy security and cost stability
Creating regional jobs and economic growth
Meeting net zero targets.
It was an honour to hear from the Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon Chris Bowen, and reflect on how far the industry has come.
A big thanks to our panellists who shared community, Traditional Owner, science, worker and industry perspectives.
