LOCAL residents will have the chance to learn more about Gippsland’s offshore wind future at an upcoming information session, as plans progress for the ambitious Star of the South project, alongside many others.
The session, set for Thursday 27 March from 4pm to 6pm, will give the community a unique opportunity to ask questions and gain insights into one of Victoria’s most significant renewable energy projects.
Star of the South, led by specialist offshore wind energy developer Southerly Ten and backed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), is proposed to be located at least 10 kilometres off the Gippsland coast.
If approved, the project could generate up to 2.2 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power around 1.2 million homes and supply up to 20 per cent of Victoria’s energy needs.
The project has been in development since 2019 and was granted a feasibility licence in May 2024, allowing further environmental and planning assessments.
With its strong Bass Strait winds, suitable sea depths and seabed conditions, the site has been identified as an ideal location for offshore wind energy. If all approvals are secured, construction could begin later this decade, helping Victoria achieve its goal of generating 2GW of offshore wind energy by 2032.
The Leongatha information session is part of a series of Gippsland Offshore Wind Days, designed to keep the public informed and engaged as the project moves forward.
Attendees will have access to maps, materials, and direct discussions with industry representatives, ensuring they can voice concerns and ask questions to gain a better understanding of the benefits and impacts of offshore wind development.
Senior Manager of Regional Engagement at Southerly Ten, Paul Johnson, highlighted the importance of community involvement in shaping the future of renewable
energy in the region. “We’re excited to continue the conversation with South Gippslanders about Star of the South, while introducing our newer project Kut-Wut Brataulung. This event is a great opportunity for locals to be involved from the very beginning in shaping a project that benefits the region,” he said.
The event will also include representatives from VicGrid and Offshore Wind Energy Victoria, who will be available to answer questions about Victoria’s broader transmission and
energy plans.
Developers from several other offshore wind projects will also be in attendance, including developers from the following projects: Gippsland Skies, Great Eastern Offshore Wind, Orsted’s Gippsland 01 and Gippsland 02, Kent Offshore Wind and Blue Mackerel.
Star of the South is still in the feasibility and approvals phase, with ongoing environmental studies and assessments being conducted.
The project is subject to a rigorous approval process under both Commonwealth and Victorian regulations, ensuring that environmental, social, and economic impacts are carefully considered.
If approved, the development could bring an estimated $8 billion investment into the economy and create up to 800 Gippsland jobs, including 200 long-term positions over 30 years.
The offshore wind industry represents a significant shift for Gippsland, which has a long history of powering Victoria through coal and other traditional energy sources.
The upcoming information session in Leongatha presents chance for locals to stay informed and have their say on the future of offshore wind in Gippsland.
With all projects still in the feasibility stage, there is still plenty of time for community input.
Residents interested in learning more are encouraged to attend and ask questions about the project.
