Project update - November 2023
30 November 2023
Connecting to Gunaikurnai culture
We’re proud to be working alongside the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) to pioneer a new industry with jobs and opportunities for Gippslanders.
This month, we spent time exploring Gunaikurnai Country with GLaWAC to understand more about their rich culture and history.
At the Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place in Bairnsdale, we learned about local history and saw traditional tools, canoes and artwork on display, before visiting a scarred tree and GLaWAC’s office and art gallery in Kalimna West. Here, we heard more about GLaWAC’s history, role and future aspirations.
We're grateful to Lisa for sharing her knowledge and perspectives so openly with our team, to GLaWAC for hosting us, and the Bush Cafe for a delicious lunch.
Our team with Lisa at GLaWAC’s office
Meet our team at Gippsland shopping centres
In December you’ll find us out in Morwell and Sale. Drop by to chat with us about Star of the South and offshore wind, pick up some project information or share feedback.
Mid Valley Shopping Centre Morwell - Monday 11 December, 9 am - 12 pm
Gippsland Centre Sale - Monday 11 December, 2 pm – 5 pm
Supporting start-ups for a healthier ocean
We were excited to join Ocean Impact Organisation in Sydney this month for ‘Innovocean’, where we presented the Pitchfest 2023 Climate Spotlight award to Kelp Island.
Kelp Island have developed the ‘SeaBrick’ - a carbon-neutral alternative to steel and concrete for offshore construction. SeaBrick is made from kelp and is as strong as concrete but much lighter.
We’re proud to support Ocean Impact Organisation in their mission to uncover and accelerate businesses having a positive impact for the ocean.
CEO Charles presented the Climate Spotlight Award to Kelp Island at Innovocean
Community Advisory Group wraps up for 2023
Our Community Advisory Group's November meeting was the last one this year.
The group met seven times across 2023, discussing:
Approvals and licencing for offshore wind
Port requirements and options
Fishing and offshore wind
Opportunities in the offshore wind supply chain for Gippsland businesses
Project timelines, challenges and next steps
Connecting to the grid.
You can find all meeting minutes, agendas and presentations on our website.
This year, we welcomed a new member – Nick, representing the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation. Welcome Nick, it’s great to have you on board. We also said goodbye to a long-standing member – Jess. Thank you Jess for your involvement since 2020 and we wish you well with the move to Sydney.
We will advertise for a new Latrobe Valley representative in the new year.
Thanks to all members of the Community Advisory Group for your dedication and commitment to bringing local voices to the project.
Community Advisory Group site visit
Whales and offshore wind
Scientist and marine mammal specialist Jeff Weir from the Dolphin Research Institute recently spoke with ABC radio about whales and offshore wind.
Offshore wind farms have been built and operated safely alongside marine life around the globe for 30 years.
We've been studying whales in Bass Strait for three years. Now we're using this research to carefully plan a project that is sensitive to whales and other marine life.
If this is a topic you're interested in learning more about, tune in to hear from Jeff.
Planet Wind
The global story of offshore wind has been captured in a documentary film ‘Planet Wind’, created by Star of the South co-founder Andy Evans and Australian director Dominic Allen.
Filmed in 13 countries including Australia, the UK, US, Denmark, and Taiwan, this film follows the human stories behind the development and growth of offshore wind around the globe – including Gippsland.
Planet Wind recently premiered at the Offshore Wind Australia Conference in Sydney, and will be released more widely in 2024.
Check out the trailer below.