Project update - September 2025
30 September
Industry update
There’s been three major government announcements this month relevant to offshore wind:
The Australian Government announced that it will temporarily provide fee relief and streamline requirements to help early-stage offshore wind projects as the industry gets established. Find out more.
The Victorian Government has deferred a decision about starting Australia’s first competitive process to procure offshore wind energy until later this year. Read our statement on this decision.
The Australian Government has set a 2035 emissions reduction target at 62–70% below 2005 levels. Hitting this target will require a massive scale-up of renewables: 4x wind capacity, 3x utility solar, 2x rooftop and distributed solar, and 6x utility-scale storage. Find out more.
With 90% of coal capacity forecast to retire by 2035, we know offshore wind energy is needed for energy security, price stability and to achieve the new 2035 emissions targets. We’ll continue to work with government, industry partners and communities to unlock the potential and benefits of offshore wind for Gippsland, Victoria and Australia.
Star of the South project overview
If you’re new here, check out this video for a quick overview of our most advanced project - Star of the South.
Talking offshore wind with local and global leaders
September took us from Gippsland to Melbourne to discuss the future of offshore wind energy at two major industry conferences.
Gippsland New Energy Conference: GNEC 2025 was a jam-packed few days of learning, connecting and collaborating with locals, interstate and international participants. The focus was firmly on Gippsland and regional Australia – and the shared goal of shaping a clean energy future that involves and benefits locals. As the Community Sponsor, it was great to see 100 locals attend for free with Community Access Passes – ensuring all voices were part of the conversation.
GWEC APAC Wind Energy Summit: Melbourne hosted this international conference, where we joined colleagues, government and industry leaders from across the Asia Pacific to discuss successes, challenges and learnings.
Our team at GNEC 2025
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 Aboriginal cultural heritage – the study of artefacts and places of cultural value to First Nations people.
As part of this study, we’ve completed field surveys with Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLAWAC). This involved inspecting our proposed transmission area for artefacts and documenting findings and their significance.
Before construction starts, we’ll prepare a Cultural Heritage Management Plan in consultation with GLaWAC. This will evaluate individual sites and develop measures to avoid or mitigate harm to Country and Culture.
We’ll share more on other topics in future e-news editions. In the meantime, find out more here.
Cultural heritage surveys