THE development of renewable energy projects, offshore from Gippsland, received a shot in the arm on Friday, April 28, in the form of a $19.5 million grant from the Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio.

It’s to help the most advanced of the wind turbine projects, the massive Star of the South project, to be developed near Woodside, to undertake the first-ever marine geotechnical campaign in Australia for offshore wind energy.

And among those welcoming the initiative was Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale, despite the fact that Star of the South project, and anything to do with it, is unlikely to touch down on Bass soil – or is it?

Two of Labor’s Gippsland MPs, Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh and Ms Crugnale were asked to comment on the initiative.

“Offshore Wind energy will play a critical role in helping Victoria to achieve its target of net-zero emissions by 2045 and Gippsland will be at the centre of this transformation,” said Mr McIntosh.

While Jordan Crugnale welcomed the prospect of an economic dividend in the form of jobs for the region.

“Gippsland will be a critical part of Victoria’s off-shore wind energy industry which is already attracting lots of local investment that in turn will create regional jobs driving the transformation of the state’s energy sector.”

What jobs, where?

Power from Star of the South is expected to be directed into the Latrobe Valley, using the electricity network there to connect with the grid, but how does that help the electorate of Bass?

“Early works on offshore wind energy have already seen millions of dollars spent in Gippsland, creating work in areas such as local boat operations, construction and marine maintenance,” Ms Crugnale told the Sentinel-Times.

“This will only grow as offshore wind moves forward in development, creating trade jobs from electricians to construction workers, jobs for engineers, technicians, crane operators, radio operators, truckies, divers,– sky’s the limit.

“Then there’s the supply chain and also the opportunities created by the energy being produced - anything from manufacturing and food and fibre production.

“There will also be huge opportunities for our local training organisations such as Gippsland TAFE and Federation University and by having a Clean Energy curriculum in our schools means we will be creating these pathways early and skilling up our kids for good, secure and intergenerational jobs.

“For example, Star of the South already have a Federation University engineering cadet, local communications and community engagement staff and a local fishing liaison officer.”

Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio announced the start of the first ever marine geotechnical campaign for offshore wind energy on Friday.

This was made possible through a $19.5 million Victorian Government investment towards pre-construction work for Star of the South Offshore Wind Project through the Energy Innovation Fund.

“A specialist vessel and crew will spend five weeks at sea collecting soil and rock samples from up to 70 metres beneath the seafloor,” said Star of the South Chief Executive Officer, Charles Rattray.

“These investigations will collect critical data to drive progress on the project and bring us another step closer to bringing offshore wind energy into the grid this decade.

“Knowing what’s under the seabed in this specific location helps ensure everything we do – from turbine design and placement through to construction methods – is tailored especially for this spot in Bass Strait,” Mr Rattray said.

“The investigations will collect samples from 22 locations within the project’s 2019 Exploration Licence area over five weeks, starting from late April 2023.”

Victoria will be home to Australia’s first offshore wind farm and is leading the nation with its offshore wind energy targets of at least 2 gigawatts of capacity by 2032, 4 gigawatts by 2035 and 9 gigawatts by 2040. Victoria is also leading the way to net zero with our target of zero emissions by 2045,” said a statement from the Minister’s office.

“This transition from coal to more affordable and reliable renewables is expected to generate $9.5 billion in economic development and create up to 59,000 new jobs.

“We are also releasing a series of Offshore Wind Implementation Statements to support and guide industry and the Victorian community on the development of the offshore wind sector.

Offshore Wind Energy Victoria (OWEV) is designing a comprehensive support package that will provide the certainty required for project developers and financiers to deliver offshore wind projects in Victoria.”

Minister D’Ambrosio hosting the nation’s first marine geotechnical campaign was a huge achievement for Victoria as it makes the transition from coal to renewables.

South Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Nathan Hersey and CEO Kerryn Ellis were among those who toured the research vessel the Fugro Mariner on Friday this week.