Project update - October 2025
31 October 2025
Strengthening our engagement with Traditional Owners
Earlier this year we signed an Engagement Agreement with the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC).
This agreement reaffirms our commitment to working together, formalising our seven-year relationship, and ensures that Gunaikurnai people are represented in project discussions at each stage.
Together, we're working towards an energy future built on partnership, respect and reconciliation.
GLaWAC cultural heritage surveys
Upcoming events
Offshore wind days
We’ve teamed up with other Gippsland offshore wind projects to host Offshore Wind Days in the region next week. Drop in to chat with our team and enjoy a free Lions Club sausage sizzle! Government agencies VicGrid, Offshore Wind Energy Victoria and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will also be there.
Seaspray – Thursday 6 November, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, Seaspray Hall
Port Welshpool – Friday 7 November, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Old Ferry Terminal
Star of the South pop ups
Our local team will also be popping up at:
Port Albert Esplanade - Friday 14 November 12:30 – 2:30 pm
Yarram Agricultural Show – Saturday 22 November 8:30 am – 2:00 pm
Don’t worry if can't make it along - our door is always open. Get in touch on 1800 340 340, info@southerlyten.com.au or visit our Gippsland office.
Leongatha Offshore Wind Day
Planning a feasible and responsible project
From seabirds to seafloors - if it's in the Star of the South area, we've studied it!
Comprehensive technical feasibility and environment studies are an essential part of offshore wind project development. We completed this work for Star of the South between 2019-2024. A few highlights include:
Collecting 50,000 marine environment observations
Mapping 700 km of seabed
Measuring site-specific wind and wave data for 2.5 years
Collecting soil samples from up to 70 m below the seafloor.
Data collected is used to inform evidence-based planning and to refine the project’s design and construction methods to suit the local conditions.
Industry pioneer sees offshore wind in Australia’s future
European offshore wind pioneer Henrik Stiesdal shared his confidence in Australia’s offshore wind potential with the ABC recently.
“Australia has huge opportunities because you have such good wind resources, and you have a fairly well-developed network, a grid that could distribute the energy supply from offshore wind.
"Once the first project was approved, future decision times would be shorter", Mr Stiesdal said.
Henrik Stiesdal led the installation of the world's first offshore wind farm (Photo credit: ABC)
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 Maritime Heritage – the study of historic artefacts in the ocean such as shipwrecks.
As part of this assessment, we’ve used historical research, geophysical seabed surveys and consultation with locals, government and historical groups to identify any artefacts in the area. Around 30 potential artefacts are located nearby, but our work didn't uncover anything within the project area. More surveys will be completed before construction begins and protective measures put in place if needed.
With a rich and diverse maritime history stretching back over 250 years, Bass Strait is home to several old shipwrecks, including the Clonmel paddle steamer, which was wrecked in 1841 near Clonmel Island, just off Port Albert. The Port Albert Maritime Museum is a wonderful local resource for learning more about the region's maritime history.
We’ll share more on other topics in future e-news editions.
Artefact from the Clonmel paddle steamer (Photo credit: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water)