All three levels of government were at Seaspray on Monday with the local community and industry to formally declare the Bass Strait off Gippsland as Australia’s offshore wind zone.
The federal government also awarded Major Project Status to the Star of the South Offshore Windfarm Project off the Gippsland coast.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, was joined by his colleague the Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic. Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, and Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye were also present at the press conference outside the Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club on Monday morning, ironically with noisy wind drowning out everyone’s words.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen said Gippsland’s declaration was a crucial step towards affordable, reliable and secure energy and new economic opportunities for Australia.
Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said the start of a domestic offshore wind industry creates tremendous opportunity for local industry and job creation.
“There are two great things that come out of projects like this. They generate a lot of energy, and they generate a lot of jobs,” Mr Husic said.
“Projects like this are big regional job boosters. They’re a shot in the arm for local industry, and they also ensure that regional economies get a slice of that action.”
Wellington Shire Mayor Ian Bye welcomed the declaration and the project’s new Major Project Status.
“Number one in our Council Plan is renewable energy,” Cr Bye said.
“So Council focused on that when we released our last Council Plan, so it’s important to us and the community.
“Now the hard work starts. We’ve got to work with the federal and state governments for the rezoning of land, more childcare centres and the infrastructure we need to actually go with the jobs that will be created.”
The windy Bass Strait off Gippsland, and the strong grid across Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley, mean this area has the potential to support more than 10 gigawatts (GW) of year-round wind energy generation.
“Offshore wind is key to achieving our target of 95 per cent renewable energy by 2035 in Victoria, slashing emissions and energy bills as we lead the nation in our clean energy transition,” Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said.
Further information will be in this Friday’s paper (23/12/22).
