Project update - May 2023
31 May 2023
Seabed studies complete
The Fugro Mariner has returned to port after spending almost five weeks at sea collecting soil and rock samples from beneath Bass Strait.
This marks the end of Australia’s very first marine geotechnical study for offshore wind.
Here's some facts and figures about these investigations:
50 people worked offshore for 30 days
We collected an accumulated 1.2 km of ground samples across 22 locations
The boat operated in waves up to 3 metres high
33 seals came to say hello to the stationary boat
There were no safety incidents.
The ground samples, collected from as deep at 70 metres, have been recorded and packaged in an onboard lab. Next, they’ll be sent to a specialist lab for detailed analysis.
We’ll use the findings from this work to design turbine foundations suitable for the local ground conditions.
Ground samples from beneath the Bass Strait seabed
What’s next for offshore wind in Australia?
If you’ve been following our progress over the years, you’ll know that offshore wind has come a long way. There is also a lot still to be done before we see turbines in the ocean.
The Victorian and Australian governments are working to put the right policies, regulations and supporting infrastructure in place to guide the development of a local offshore wind industry.
While this work continues, we’re focused on:
Working with Traditional Owners, communities, fishers, industry and government to plan the project and grow a successful offshore wind industry in Australia
Collecting data on the local environment and seabed
Preparing environmental assessments, to seek planning and environmental approvals in 2024
Supply chain and workforce development.
The next big step for the project will come later this year, when we learn the outcome of our application for a Feasibility Licence. If successful, this Licence will allow us to continue work on the project. Any offshore wind proposal granted a Licence will need to obtain a range of approvals and a further Commercial Licence before being able to proceed to construction.
We’ll keep you updated each step along the way.
Deadly in Gippsland
We were pleased to be part of Deadly in Gippsland this month – an event showcasing local Indigenous businesses.
Hosted by the Kinaway Chamber of Commerce and Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, this event gave us the chance to connect with local Indigenous-owned businesses.
We spoke with a wide range of businesses, from boat makers and carpet layers to social enterprises and recruitment agencies. There was a lot of enthusiasm about the jobs, collaborations and regional growth an offshore wind industry will bring.
Local businesses are encouraged to register interest in supplying the project through our ICN Gateway.
We learnt the Wayapa Wuurrk sign from Jamie (centre) at Deadly in Gippsland
Offshore wind career paths for young Victorians
Over the last month, we've been out talking with students and teachers about jobs in offshore wind.
It was great to get along to the huge Trades Fit Expo, Jobs of the Future events with Gippsland career teachers, and several Gippsland schools, where we spoke with young people curious about what jobs in offshore wind can offer.
We’ll continue these conversations, including at these upcoming career fairs:
South Gippsland Bass Coast Career Expo, Korumburra, 6 June
Sale Catholic College Pathways Expo, 18 July
Job Skills Expo, Lardner Park, 25 July
Gippsland Tech School Science Week, Morwell, 16 August
Gippy Youth New Energy Jobs Summit, Sale, 30 August
With a broad range of job types, there really is something for everyone keen to work in offshore wind! Check out our Offshore Wind Jobs Guide to learn more about some of the options.
We spoke with hundreds of female and non-binary students at the Trades Fit Expo
In the media
Our Chief Development Officer, Erin Coldham, recently joined Tackling Transmissions on ABC National Radio to discuss the role offshore wind can play in Australia’s the energy transition and how the industry is developing in Victoria and NSW.