Project update - July 2022
31 July 2022
Wind monitoring completed
After two and a half years collecting data at sea, our two wind measurement devices – called floating LiDARs – have returned to dry land.
Wind data collected confirms that the proposed project area experiences strong and consistent winds and is a suitable location for generating electricity from the wind.
The LiDARs were towed safely back to port this week and assessed by our marine specialists to see what has grown on the buoys during their time on the water. This provides extra data for our team to understand the local marine environment.
Thanks to the local TEK-Ocean crew who installed, maintained and retrieved the LiDARs.
Seals enjoyed resting on the floating LiDARs
Erin, Pete and Brooke studied marine growth on the buoys
Ground investigations wrap up
Ground investigations along our proposed transmission route are now complete.
Since April we’ve collected more than 1,100 soil samples from more than 150 sites to understand local ground conditions. Findings will assist in designing the project’s underground transmission system.
This work was supported by the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, who advised on cultural heritage.
Laboratory testing of the samples is ongoing. We look forward to seeing what this work can tell us about the local ground composition.
We thank all the landholders who worked with us so these important investigations could be undertaken, along with the teams from GLaWAC, Douglas Partners, Kiernan Plant Hire, and the local vendors who supported our contractors and project team.
The crew completed a final borehole near Reeves Beach this week
Inspiring Gippsland students
We had the opportunity to talk offshore wind with Gippsland students at the Jobskills Expo 2022 at Larder Park this month.
Around 3,000 students gathered from across Gippsland to talk to local organisations, education providers, and businesses, as they start to think about their future career paths and subject choices.
It was excellent to see students take an interest in renewable energy. We had a great time speaking with aspiring offshore wind workers about what a career in this industry could look like.
We’ll also be taking part in Gippsland Tech School’s National Science Week event on Wednesday 17 August 5 pm-7 pm at their Morwell campus. This year’s theme is ‘Glass: More than meets the eye’. Do you know how glass plays a role in offshore wind? If not, come along to find out! Get your tickets here.
Peter and Julia speaking with Gippsland school students at the Jobskills Expo
Meet our Fishing Liaison Officer
Lachlan, a Gippsland local, joined our team as a Fishing Liaison Officer earlier this year. His job is to work with local fishers to share information, hear feedback and build our understanding of fishing in the area.
Lachlan loves the Gippsland region for its great fishing and bushwalking. Before joining Star of the South, he worked in fisheries research, commercial fishing and seafood exporting.
Get in touch if you’d like to speak with Lachlan about fishing and offshore wind, or if you’re part of a local fishing club and would like to invite Lachlan along to your next meeting.
Gippsland Renewable Energy Conference
We're proud to be part of the Gippsland New Energy Conference, happening 11-12 August.
Themed ‘Big ideas, Big opportunities’, this event will bring together a diverse group of people who are driving the new energy transformation in Gippsland.
While tickets are sold out, keep an eye on the conference website as information, including highlights from keynote presentations, will be added after the event.
