Locals already making the move to offshore wind

3 October 2023

Offshore wind is a huge and fast-growing industry that will need hundreds of thousands of new workers globally over the coming years. In Gippsland, the industry will create thousands of jobs across the construction and long-term operations of offshore wind projects in the region.  

There are many opportunities for experienced and entry-level workers in a range of trades and professions to be involved, including those wanting to make a move from another industry. 

Research by Star of the South found that 70 per cent of Gippsland’s current coal power and mining and oil and gas workforce already have the core skills needed to make a move to offshore wind.  

Star of the South is Australia’s most advanced offshore wind project, proposed to be located in Bass Strait off the coast of Port Albert and Woodside Beach. 

Senior Technical Development Director at Star of the South, Myles Daniel, started his career in offshore wind after working in the coal mining and offshore oil and gas industries. He worked on projects in Denmark, the UK and USA before returning home in 2022 to work on Star of the South. 

“From the day I flew over an offshore wind farm on the way to work on an oil and gas platform, I became curious about becoming a part of this exciting industry. Transitioning to offshore wind has given me the chance to grow the skills I had learnt earlier in my career, in the coal and oil and gas industries,” he said. 

“Being a new industry, offshore wind will benefit from the experience of long-term skilled workers to train, skill-up and mentor the next generation of Gippsland energy workers.” 

Offshore wind may be a new industry in Australia, but many Gippslanders are already working on projects proposed in the region.  

Erin Cumming is a marine scientist working on Star of the South, while also raising sheep and cattle on her family farm in central Gippsland. Her role involves coordinating the project’s marine studies and environmental assessments. 

“It's a privilege to be part of a clean energy project that’s investing in Gippsland, while being able to get out on the water to pursue my love of the marine environment,” she said. 

“Growing up in Gippsland, I never thought there would be a job for me in the local energy industry – so I’m really proud to now be playing a part in our energy future with offshore wind”. 

Communications Coordinator Stella Bodman joined Star of the South more than two years ago as a recent university graduate. Her role involves managing the project’s website, social media and advertising while also getting involved in local events.  

“I always wanted to move back home to enjoy the country lifestyle, and working in offshore wind has allowed me to do this while still using my degree in a challenging role where I can learn and grow,” she said. 

Gippsland is leading the country to establish an offshore wind industry. With strong Bass Strait winds, a long history of electricity generation and a skilled local workforce, it’s the ideal place for the industry to develop. 

Star of the South’s local team will be at the renewable energy jobs expo TRANSFORM this Friday and Saturday to speak about career opportunities in offshore wind.  

Star of the South is expected to create up to 2,000 Victorian jobs over its life, including 760 Gippsland jobs during construction and 200 long-term local jobs during operations. 

To learn more about working in offshore wind, the Offshore Wind Jobs Guide is available at starofthesouth.com.au. 

About Star of the South 

Star of the South is Australia’s most advanced offshore wind project, proposed to be located off the Wellington coast of Gippsland in Victoria. Star of the South would help meet energy, emissions reduction, and economic goals by supplying secure, reliable and affordable power for up to 1.2 million homes. The project is in the feasibility phase with environmental assessments currently underway to inform project planning and approvals. If Star of the South is approved and proceeds to construction, works could start around the middle of this decade with first power before the end of the decade to align with planned closure of Latrobe Valley coal power plants.