Businesses urged to get on board with offshore wind project

STAR of the South, Australia’s first proposed offshore wind project, is undertaking a study to connect local businesses with future offshore wind opportunities.

The project is seeking out local businesses that supply goods and services needed for offshore wind projects and opportunities to grow local capabilities.

Businesses who get involved may be featured in an offshore wind local supplier directory. 

Star of the South has identified more than 100 opportunities for Gippsland businesses to supply the offshore wind sector including welding, excavation, electrical, vessel and helicopter services, fencing and safety equipment.

To be included in the study and directory, businesses are encouraged to register and identify their capabilities on the project’s ICN Gateway at gateway.icn.org.au before September 30. 

Businesses wanting to be involved can learn more at starofthesouth.com.au/suppliers or by attending an ICN webinar on Wednesday, September 7, at 4pm.

Pending approvals, Star of the South is aiming to start construction around the middle of the decade and have its first turbine spinning out at sea around 2028. 

The offshore wind farm is proposed to be located 7-25 km off the south coast of Gippsland near towns such as Port Albert, McLoughlins Beach and Woodside Beach.

Up to 200 turbines are proposed to be installed out at sea to catch the Bass Strait winds. 

According to Star of the South, at 7-25 km from shore, turbines would be visible from the coast.

Final decisions about the number, height and layout of turbines have not been made at this early stage. 

The project needs government approvals to proceed to construction.

The up to 2.2GW project is expected to invest $8.7 billion in Victoria, adding $10.4 billion to the economy and boosting the Gippsland economy by $4.9 billion.
For more information, visit Star of the South