Winds of concern continue for offshore energy

FOLLOWING the Federal Government’s announcement to formally declare sections of coastal waters between Port Albert and Lakes Entrance as the nation’s first offshore wind zone, concerns have still been swirling throughout South Gippsland.

During late 2022, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, made the declaration, as well as that Wilsons Prom and areas west would not be included.

However, South Gippsland Shire Council has continued to remain concerned that zones near the Prom and down towards Bass Coast could still be included in future.

Community concern has also continued with some believing the council was ‘actively’ advocating for offshore wind developments.

Mayor, Cr Nathan Hersey, spoke with the Sentinel-Times recently to address some of the misconceptions and clarify the shire’s view.

“There’s a lot of confusion at the moment and it has to do with how many organisations are out there trying to spruik what they want to do in the area,” he said.

“The government, both state and federal, really didn’t engagement enough (with community) at the beginning and we’ve been pretty clear about our disappointment.

“Particularly the Federal Government following the declaration of the offshore wind zones without extensive engagement.”

Mayor Hersey said the shire is supportive of renewable energies, but they were deeply concerned that two proposed zones were close to the coast of Wilsons Prom at the time.

“Council agreed it was not appropriate for either amenity or visual impacts, and the lack of environmental investigations,” he said.

“And we stand by that.

“The Minister has ruled it out, but it’s only an 18-month hiatus if you will from that (area) being investigated.

“We’ve asked for a clear commitment from the government that the area is off the table completely.”

Cr Hersey said it was council’s responsibility to advocate for favourable outcomes following the declared areas.

“This includes employment, operations and maintenance, long term legacy investment in the region, not just once off, but serious thoughtful investment.

 “We clearly want, and this is One Gippsland’s position too, proper consideration for the route of the infrastructure.

“We don’t want one that goes through farms and reduces their capacity.”

Cr Hersey, as well as the deputy mayor and CEO will be travelling to Canberra soon and have requested a meeting with Minister Bowen.

Slap for Gippsland, says O’Brien

The State Government also released the Victorian Offshore Wind Energy Implementation Statement 2, which sets out how Victoria will leverage investment in offshore wind for the first tranche of projects that will deliver at least 2 gigawatts (GW) by 2032.

The strategy confirms the location of the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal at the Port of Hastings.

A Renewable Energy Supply Chain Hub will also be developed near offshore wind development areas.

The strategy also outlines that VicGrid will lead on the development of transmission infrastructure for offshore wind.

It will consider a range of feasible options and is expected to announce the specific transmission connection point locations and route corridors in Gippsland and Portland by the end of the year.

According to The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, the government’s decision to select the Port of Hastings as the construction port for offshore windfarms is a setback for Gippsland.

Mr O’Brien said the Government’s decision to choose a major port facility outside Gippsland will significantly diminish the potential benefits of the proposed offshore wind industry to the region.

“The Government has now confirmed it will establish a Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal at the Port of Hastings, effectively turning its back on Gippsland ports such as Barry Beach which are closer to most of the proposed offshore windfarms.

“We need jobs to be created locally to help the energy transition in the Latrobe Valley and Wellington Shire. Using Barry Beach in South Gippsland for at least some of the construction, as well as ongoing operations, will help our region transition and further diversify the South Gippsland economy.”

Mr O’Brien said the latest Offshore Wind Implementation Statement from the Government also highlights that additional transmission lines will be needed through Gippsland on top of that currently proposed by Ausnet Services.

“I am bemused that the Government says its VicGrid organisation is coordinating transmission for the offshore wind industry when the reality is that it is at least a year behind the private sector.

“If we are going to have to put up with overhead transmission lines through Gippsland then we want to see the benefits of the offshore windfarms and they will largely bypass us if the government persists in using the Port of Hastings.”