Today Federal Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen has announced a major step forward for offshore wind in Australia, granting feasibility licences for six projects in Victoria’s Gippsland region.
This includes a feasibility licence for Star of the South, a visionary offshore wind project that has been proposed for several years, capturing the imagination of people in Gippsland as the region’s coal fired power stations continue to close.
Environmental justice group Friends of the Earth welcomes the announcement, saying offshore wind will make a major contribution to action on climate change while creating thousands of jobs.
With Australia’s ageing coal fired power stations closing over the next decade, there is a critical role for offshore wind as a new form of reliable energy generation.
“It’s exciting to hear that Star of the South and five other offshore wind projects will proceed to the next stage. This is an announcement that we have been eagerly anticipating. The offshore wind industry represents a much needed boost for jobs in the Gippsland region as our energy sector changes” said Wendy Farmer, Gippsland Community Organiser with Friends of the Earth.
“Strong measures must be put in place to ensure offshore wind projects are not only successful but beneficial for both the environment and the local communities” continued Farmer.
It’s absolutely essential strong protections for the environment are built in from the beginning of this new industry. The Albanese government has an opportunity to match its ambition on offshore wind with ambition on marine spatial planning, a crucial foundation stone for protecting marine ecosystems.
