Star of the South offshore wind project uses world-first tech
8 July 2021
Australia’s first offshore wind project – Star of the South – is using leading technology to collect important data on migrating bird flight paths to inform the project’s environmental assessments and design.
Specialist equipment with a state-of-the-art high-resolution camera is capturing data on the types of birds and their behaviours in and around the proposed site off the south coast of Gippsland.
This is the first time in the world this custom-built measuring technology is being used for monthly baseline surveys and represents the project’s commitment to innovation and environmental management.
In addition, Star of the South has taken an important next step in its environmental assessment process with draft scopes released for public review and comment.
Star of the South is being assessed through a coordinated Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Environment Effects Statement (EES) – a comprehensive assessment of potentially significant environmental, social, economic and planning aspects of a project.
Draft scopes for the project’s EIS/EES are available for public review and comment until midnight 27 July 2021. These documents set out what Star of the South is required to study, assess and report on in its EIS/EES.
The Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment has prepared draft ‘Assessment Guidelines’ for the EIS. This can be found at: http://epbcnotices.environment.gov.au/referralslist/ (ref. 2020/8650).
The Victorian Government’s Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning has prepared draft ‘Scoping Requirements’ for the EES. This can be found at: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/environment-assessment/browse-projects/projects/star-of-the-south-offshore-wind-farm.
Anyone with an interest in how potential impacts from the project’s construction, operation and decommissioning will be assessed, is encouraged to review these draft scopes and participate in the formal government consultation processes.
Hard copies of these documents are available to view at the project’s Gippsland community hub at 310 Commercial Road in Yarram, Mondays and Thursdays 10am-4pm.
Star of the South would harness Bass Strait’s strong offshore wind with turbines in the sea and underground cables connecting to the Latrobe Valley, powering Victorian homes.
If built to its full capacity, it would generate up to 2.2 GW of clean energy and continue Gippsland’s proud history of power generation into the future.
To find out more about the project or to sign up to receive monthly updates visit starofthesouth.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Star of the South Chief Development Officer, Erin Coldham
“We’re using world-first technology to measure bird flight heights and collect data on migrating patterns to inform our studies and the project’s design.”
“The release of the draft scopes is an important next step in realising Australia’s offshore wind potential and making Gippsland the home of offshore wind in Australia.”
“We encourage anyone with an interest in how the project will be assessed to participate in the formal government feedback process.”
“Offshore wind is a proven energy technology that can harness a stronger wind resource and drive local jobs in rural areas, boosting regional economies.”