Project update - August 2023
1 September 2023
Showcasing local businesses
Billions of dollars of opportunities for Australian businesses to supply the offshore wind industry have been uncovered through a supply chain study for Star of the South.
The study found hundreds of local businesses already have the capabilities an offshore wind industry will need – from steel fabrication to port services, civil construction and engineering companies.
Today we launched the Offshore Wind Supplier Showcase to highlight opportunities and to promote and connect local businesses with buyers around the world.
This follows two years working with global suppliers, local industry, Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, and government to understand what offshore wind suppliers need to buy – and what Gippsland, Victoria and Australia can supply.
More than 450 businesses are featured, ranging from sole traders to major contractors, with a focus on Aboriginal and Gippsland-based suppliers.
Senator Jess Walsh joined us to launch the Offshore Wind Supplier Showcase at Tequa Plumbing and Civil in Sale
'Energy’ is in the air this week
Australia’s largest regional-led conference – the Gippsland New Energy Conference (GNEC) - is coming to an end as we speak on Gunaikurnai Country.
With over 70 speakers taking part in 40 sessions, this has been a great way to learn more about Gippsland’s energy future and the opportunities and challenges it presents. If you didn’t manage to snag one of the 450 tickets, get along to the free Community Day at the Port of Sale, Saturday 2 September from 10 am – 2 pm.
This follows the first Global Wind Energy Council APAC Offshore Wind and Green Hydrogen Summit, hosted in Melbourne earlier this week. Our team were excited to be involved – connecting with colleagues from across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region to learn and collaborate.
Our team gathered in Sale for the Gippsland New Energy Conference 2023
Gippsland New Energy Portal
A new one-stop-shop website for all renewable energy projects across Gippsland was launched this week at the Gippsland New Energy Conference.
With many renewable energy developments planned across the region, the Gippsland New Energy Portal was developed to reduce confusion and give more visibility about the different proposed and approved projects. The website gives locals a way to learn and understand the cultural and environmental considerations, community engagement and skills and training involved in these projects.
We’re hiring – Project Cost Controller
Working on Star of the South, this role is responsible for budget management, forecasting, tracking commitments and timelines.
Noel Pearson in conversation with Gippsland
Tickets are still available to see Noel Pearson at the West Gippsland Arts Centre in Warragul. If you’re curious about the upcoming referendum on the Voice to Parliament, this is an event not to be missed.
Take your ocean startup to the world
The Ocean Impact Pitchfest celebrates startups working on innovative solutions that improve ocean health - by supporting them with exposure, cash prizes, and opportunities to make their greatest impact.
Applications close Wednesday 20 September.
We're thrilled to sponsor the Climate Spotlight Award to reward a startup working on a solution to address climate change.
Are you ready to showcase your innovation to the world? Apply now.
Port options for Star of the South
Ports play an important role in offshore wind project construction and operations – this is where a lot of the action happens.
We’ve been investigating port options for Star of the South.
The proposed Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal at the Port of Hastings is our preferred primary construction port, with Geelong Port and the Port of Bell Bay also expected to play a role.
Barry Beach Marine Terminal and Port Anthony are both good options to host our Gippsland Operations Base, where workers managing day-to-day wind farm construction and operations activities would be based – creating an estimated 200 long-term local jobs.
We’ll continue to work with these ports as project planning continues.
An offshore wind construction port in Taiwan