Gippsland Poised to Lead Australia’s Offshore Wind

Gippsland is taking a major step toward establishing a thriving offshore wind industry, following the launch of a new Sector Plan designed to guide the development of the region’s emerging offshore wind sector.

First announced at the 2024 Gippsland New Energy Conference in Traralgon with Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen, the Gippsland Offshore Wind Alliance – a partnership between Committee for Gippsland, the Gippsland Climate Change Network and strategic partners – has been working to develop a roadmap to unlock the region’s offshore wind potential.

The Gippsland Offshore Wind Sector Plan was officially launched at the Port of Sale by Tom McIntosh MP, Member for Eastern Victoria, at an event delivered by Committee for Gippsland in partnership with the Gippsland Climate Change Network.

Committee for Gippsland CEO Tony Cantwell said the plan marks an important milestone in helping establish Gippsland as a leader in offshore wind energy.

“With the launch of this sector plan, we are sending a strong signal that we want an offshore wind in Gippsland,” Mr Cantwell said.

“As one of the nation’s traditional power generating regions, it’s essential for our future and now is the time to take the next steps towards delivery”, he said.

Gippsland Offshore Wind Alliance Co-Chair Darren McCubbin said the development of an offshore wind industry presents a significant opportunity to support both emissions reduction and regional economic growth.

“Gippsland has a real opportunity to lead the development of offshore wind in Australia, and this plan provides a clear pathway to make that happen,” Mr McCubbin said.

“We’re not starting from scratch, we have the resources, capability and community interest already in place, and this plan helps bring it all together.

“It’s about turning potential into progress and ensuring Gippsland is ready to capture the economic, environmental and community benefits that come with a new energy industry,” he said.

Gippsland is widely recognised as Australia’s most advanced offshore wind region, with nine active feasibility licences for projects off the Gippsland coast.

Erin Coldham, Chief Development Officer at Southerly Ten, developer of the Star of the South project, said the Sector Plan provides important direction for industry and investors.

“As a developer, certainty is critical to maintaining momentum and confidence as projects progress,” Ms Coldham said.

“Gippsland has exceptional wind resources, access to transmission infrastructure and a highly capable workforce, making it an ideal location for offshore wind development.

“Importantly, the Sector Plan outlines our commitment to working with local communities, other ocean users, Traditional Owners and local suppliers to create a fair and sustainable offshore wind industry for the region”, she said.

Committee for Gippsland and the Gippsland Climate Change Network said they look forward to continuing to work closely with government, industry and community stakeholders to progress the offshore wind sector, with plans to present the Sector Plan to State and Federal officials in Melbourne and Canberra.

You can download the Sector Plan here: https://www.committeeforgippsland.com.au/s/260417_GOWA_Sector-Plan_DIGITAL.pdf