Offshore Wind
GLaWAC is in discussions with government and the companies who want to do offshore wind projects on Country.
Our goal is to ensure that mob are well represented in any decisions about the offshore wind industry and that the rights and views of the Traditional Owners of Country are respected and understood.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
An offshore wind farm is a collection of large wind turbines placed out to sea.
Electricity is generated when the turbines spin around.
Winds over water are stronger and more consistent than on land, which means more electricity can be generated.
Undersea cables transport the electricity to an offshore substation, where a transformer steps up the voltage. High voltage undersea cables then transmit the electricity to an onshore substation.
Foundations secure turbines to the ocean floor.
There’s more info about wind farms here: https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/offshore-wind-energy/what-is-offshore-wind-energy
No. None of the companies proposing wind farm projects has made any commitments about how their projects will benefit community.
Those conversations are still ongoing.
GLaWAC has entered into Engagement Agreements with the developers behind four of the proposals.
The Engagement Agreements mean that GLaWAC and the project proponents agree to meet regularly.
Those Engagement Agreements do not commit GLaWAC to approve or prefer any of the proposals, and they do not guarantee any benefit or outcome for GLaWAC or Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners.
The Engagement Agreements ensure that GLaWAC has a seat at the table to learn more about each proposal, and for us to make clear the interests and priorities of Gunaikurnai people.
Four of the proposed wind farm projects have entered into an Engagement Agreement with GLaWAC.
They are:
- Star of South (by Southerly Ten)
- Blue Mackerel (a joint venture between JERA Co. and BP)
- Aurora Green (by Iberdrola Australia)
- Gippsland 1 (by Orsted)
The area designated for offshore wind farms is offshore of Lakes Entrance in the east, to south of Wilsons Promontory in the west.
The designated area off Gippsland covers approximately 15,000 square kms.
Each of the wind farm proposals has designated its own offshore area.
Some are closer to shore than others.
Only some of those projects will get government approval to actually build their wind farms.
Here’s the map of where the wind farms projects are proposing to set up.
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