Progressing offshore wind project transmission route
16 March 2021
Star of the South – Australia’s first offshore wind project – has confirmed a transmission route for further analysis to connect the electricity generated by wind turbines off the south coast of Gippsland into the grid in the Latrobe Valley.
Harnessing Gippsland’s strong offshore winds in Bass Strait, Star of the South would power Victorian homes and create long-term local jobs once it’s up and running.
Following a rigorous 12-month assessment on three potential transmission route options, Star of the South today shared details about the selected route which will now be progressed through detailed planning, approvals and design.
The transmission route would come to shore around Reeves Beach and travel underground through Darriman, Giffard West and Hiamdale, connecting into one of the strongest points in the National Electricity Market.
A detailed options assessment on three different routes considered feedback from landholders, local communities and government, as well as site investigations and technical studies undertaken throughout 2020.
Star of the South has committed to using underground cables, unless it’s not technically feasible or where overhead lines would have a lower impact.
The project team is continuing conversations with landholders whose property may be suitable to host the transmission infrastructure – landholders will be treated fairly and appropriately compensated.
Local communities and people with an interest in the project can chat with the team and learn more at a series of pop-up events planned in the region in late March and April.
The outdoor COVIDSafe pop-up events are being held in Woodside Beach, Yarram, Morwell and Lakes Entrance, as well as an online webinar with a presentation and Q&A.
Star of the South will undergo a comprehensive coordinated government environmental assessment through an Australian Environmental Impact Statement and Victorian Environment Effects Statement. There’ll be many opportunities for formal public feedback over the coming years as part of this process.
Site investigations and data collection are underway with some of Australia’s leading scientists and researchers such as CSIRO and Monash, Deakin and Curtin universities, to support these environmental and planning assessments.
The project’s studies include a world-class marine survey program, collecting environmental data on the underwater world and building scientific knowledge of key species and ecosystems in Bass Strait.
Offshore wind is one of the world’s fastest growing renewable energy technologies and is a proven driver of jobs and investment in regional communities.
To learn more about the project and to register to attend any of the events and webinar starting on Monday 22 March 2021, visit starofthesouth.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Star of the South Chief Development Officer, Erin Coldham
“This is another important milestone for Australia’s first offshore wind project - selecting a transmission route to take through planning, approvals and design.
“On balance, the route we’ve selected for further investigation is the best overall outcome and we’re working with landholders whose property may be suitable to host the underground cables.
“Star of the South would harness Gippsland’s strong offshore winds in Bass Strait – powering homes into the future and creating long-term local jobs for the region.
“We’re excited to get out and talk with people after the challenges of coronavirus and encourage everyone to come along to our events to learn more about offshore wind and what it means for Gippsland.”