Responsible Renewables, a community-based lobby group with a particular interest in Gippsland’s offshore wind farms, has welcomed the decision by Gippsland Skies to exclude the northern grid connection cable route from its offshore wind project planning, effectively protecting Waratah Bay from energy infrastructure development.
"This important decision aligns with the Federal Government's commitment to protect the western side of Wilsons Promontory, creating a consistent approach to preserving our region's pristine coastal environments," said Laura Jennings, spokesperson for Responsible Renewables.
The community advocacy group acknowledged the strong support received from local candidates including Mary Aldred, Russell Broadbent, Tully Fletcher, and Deb Leonard, who stood with residents and community groups in expressing concerns about the original proposal.
"Gippsland Skies has demonstrated genuine responsiveness to community feedback through extensive consultation,” Ms Jennings said.
“We hope this collaborative approach becomes a model for both government and other developers. True community consultation means not just listening, but taking meaningful action based on what you hear.
“Gippsland Skies has set a positive example that we encourage others to follow," she said.
The company has confirmed it will not survey the proposed northern grid connection cable route, focusing instead on the feasibility licence area and the eastern cable corridor route only.
“Any consideration of alternative offshore grid connection corridors will await further information on future connection points for offshore wind, including through the Victorian Transmission Plan being developed by VicGrid.”
