Energy Infrastructure Commissioner Hears from Gippsland Community and Industry
Image Front Left: Energy Commissioner Tony Mahar at an Energy and Supply Chain Roundtable at the Port of Sale
From coal generation and gas to battery storage, offshore and onshore wind, solar, energy-from-waste and transmission infrastructure, Gippsland’s evolution as Victoria’s energy powerhouse was on full display during a three-day visit by Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner, Tony Mahar.
Hosted by the Committee for Gippsland, the visit brought together regional leaders, community members and industry representatives to discuss the opportunities and challenges emerging as Gippsland leads Australia’s clean energy transition.
Committee for Gippsland CEO Tony Cantwell said the visit was an important opportunity to showcase both the scale of investment and the strength of collaboration underway across the region.
“It was a privilege to host the Commissioner and demonstrate just how significant Gippsland’s role is in Australia’s energy future,” Mr Cantwell said.
“There’s enormous momentum across the region, from established energy operators to new entrants in offshore wind, solar and storage, and it’s matched by a strong commitment to working with local communities.”
Mr Cantwell said Gippsland communities have shown great awareness and engagement around the opportunities that come with new energy projects.
“People across Gippsland appreciate our legacy in generating energy and understand the importance of the energy transition and are engaging constructively with developers and government,” he said.
The Commissioner’s visit began in Melbourne with a roundtable hosted by AusNet, focused on transmission infrastructure and the importance of ensuring community benefits are central to new developments.
In South Gippsland, he toured Barry Beach Marine Terminal (BBMT) with the Qube team, hearing about Esso’s decommissioning works and the terminal’s future as a potential hub for offshore wind operations and maintenance.
In Yarram, he met with the Gippsland Climate Change Network and community members before discussions with offshore wind proponents, followed by a regional energy roundtable in Sale with stakeholders from solar, gas, carbon capture, engineering, education and manufacturing.
The visit concluded in the Latrobe Valley, with stops at Loy Yang A and B to acknowledge the region’s energy legacy and ongoing contribution, and a visit to the Delburn Wind Farm to see new generation projects in action.
“We thank Tony for taking the time to visit and to all those who contributed to the conversations throughout the region,” Mr Cantwell said.
