LOCALS turned up in droves on Thursday to have their say on the Federal Government’s offshore energy proposal, which could see wind turbines sprawled across the Gippsland coast from Phillip Island to Woodside Beach.
The session, held at Wonthaggi Workmens Club, saw representatives from the state and federal government, as well as the Latrobe Valley Authority.
Attendees were able to discuss the different aspects of the offshore wind proposal and what exactly it would mean for the region.
Submissions opened following the Federal Government’s announcement that parts of Bass Strait were identified as being potentially suitable for future offshore energy projects.
Gippsland was chosen due to its existing energy generation facilities and industrial hubs with strong connections to existing transmission networks, near major export ports, and near industrial hubs where the transmission grid is the strongest.
Following consultation, the Minister will consider submissions and potential impacts.
If the Minister declares the area, feasibility licences will be developed, and developers will be allowed to investigate an area and begin planning their project.
Developers must then develop a management plan, which must be approved by the Offshore Infrastructure Regulator, before an application for a commercial licence can be granted.
Commercial licences allow offshore renewable energy infrastructure projects for up to 40 years.
Community feedback
Some attendees at the session highlighted they thought the project would be ‘fantastic’, and that the Gippsland coast was an ideal location for offshore energy.
The Sentinel-Times also spoke with attendee Werner Theinert, who runs electricity courses at U3A and proudly said, “the revolution is here”.
“I think it’s fantastic, the coal plants are getting older and nobody wants to build a new one,” he said.
“We’ve had the handbrake on for the last 10 years, nothing has happened, so we’re behind.
“What’s happened is they’ve taken the handbrake off and most of the work has already been done, it’s just waiting to press the go button.”
Mr Theinert highlighted he had worked in the energy industry for decades in the Latrobe Valley and even overseas in the Middle East.
Attendees were also able to provide sticky notes to provide feedback, with one poster asking what they thought are the most important things for Gippsland to move towards offshore wind energy production.
Some said working with the community, while others asked what the costs would be for turbine construction and transport, as well as the cost of installing power lines and ongoing maintenance.
To provide feedback, which is open until October 7, visit https://consult.industry.gov.au/oei-gippsland
