The developer of Australian offshore wind project The Star of the South is to launch a public consultation with local communities over its proposed transmission corridors.
Each of the three options identified and undergoing assessment would connect to the onshore grid in Latrobe Valley, in Victoria and would require underground cables, the developer said.
People who live and work in the area, or anyone with an interest in the project, can share their feedback from 14 April to 17 May 2020.
Due to COVID-19, face-to-face community information sessions planned in April have been cancelled. People are encouraged to provide feedback online or get in touch with the project team to request a hard copy information pack or set up a teleconference meeting, the developer said.
The Star of the South chief development officer Erin Coldham said: “We want to hear about what is important to local communities as we continue our investigations. We’re kickstarting a formal planning process now so it is a great opportunity to get involved and help shape the project.”
A final decision on the transmission corridor for The Star of the South is expected by the end of the year.
The up-to 2GW project, located off the coast of Gippsland, was recently referred to the Victorian Minister for Planning for consideration for an environment effects statement and to the Federal Minister for Environment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
“The referrals will help the government decide the best assessment and approvals pathways, including the formal opportunities for community and stakeholder consultation and feedback,” stated the developer.
The project started collecting scientific data out at sea late last year, with wind, wave and seabed studies expected to continue for several years to inform planning assessments and the project’s feasibility.
Coldham added: “Gippsland has been the home of power generation in Victoria for many years. Offshore wind is an exciting new resource in the region which could create thousands of jobs in construction and hundreds of ongoing local jobs during operation.”
The Star of the South’s development company is comprised of Australian founders and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP).
More information on the project, including details for providing feedback can be found at https://getinvolved.starofthesouth.com.au/.