April 21, 2020
The Star of the South is Australia’s first proposed offshore wind farm. If successful, the project will be located off the south coast of Gippsland. Offshore wind farms are used to generate reliable, clean and sustainable energy.
VRFish has met with Star of the South and is very encouraged with their commitment in closely working with us to share the water and continue recreational fishing access in a safe manner. We have also discussed opportunities where the recreational sector could work with Star of the South to make fishing even better in the area of the project.
There is still a lot of planning to do, the project is still in the feasibility stage. The Star of the South are keen to hear from recreational fishers about:
- your fishing activity in the proposed area
- what suggestions you have about what rules (if any) are needed to share the waters safely
- what ideas you have in making fishing better in the area.
The south coast of Gippsland has been proposed as a location for the wind farm as the area has strong and consistent offshore winds, relatively low water depths and access to ports. Another major advantage is the existing electrical transmission network in the La Trobe Valley so existing infrastructure can be utilised.
The wind turbines, off the south coast of Gippsland, would transmit electricity to a connection point through a network of cables and substations to the La Trobe Valley.
The wind farm has the potential to generate up to 18% of Victoria’s electricity needs, with capacity to power hundreds of thousands of Victorian homes, while also creating jobs and investment for the Gippsland community.
VRFish encourages any recreational fishers that fish in the proposed area or want to know more about the project, visit the Star of the South’s Get Involved webpage. If you have any feedback to assist us representing your interest please drop us a line at [email protected].
