Australian Centre for Offshore Wind Energy (ACOWE) is a collective of universities and researchers, that seeks to build a public facing statement on how we can work together to ensure the social benefit of offshore wind energy fits the needs of the communities impacted, First Nations people, and the environment.

You are invited to you to join researchers from the University of Melbourne, Deakin University, Federation University Australia, University of Newcastle, The University of Western Australia and University of Wollongong as they discuss the need for social research and a framework for community engagement and social equity. 

WEBINAR: The role of social and cultural research in the emerging offshore wind industry

EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Thursday 5 December 2024
Time: 1pm – 2pm AEDT
Teams Online Event

Learn More

Origin and RES’s Navigator North Offshore Wind Project will be out and about this week in East Gippsland along with BlueFloat to talk to the community about the project and the opportunities that these projects will bring. Take the opportunity to meet the teams and learn more about the projects.

Drop in anytime during the following sessions:

• Bairnsdale
  Monday 25 November, 10am-2pm
  The Hub, 27 Dalmahoy St, Bairnsdale
• Paynesville
  Monday 25 November, 3pm-7pm
  Neighbourhood Centre, 55 Esplanade, Paynesville
• Lakes Entrance
  Tuesday 26 November, 12pm–4pm
  Mechanics Hall, 18 Mechanics St, Lakes Entrance
• Metung
  Wednesday 27 November, 10am–2pm
  Village Green, 60 Metung Rd, Metung

Can’t make it in person? Join the live online webinar.
Tuesday 3 December, 6:30pm–7:30pm
Register for the online webinar

Learn More

The community in Gippsland are invited to a Community Drop-in Session regarding the Tramway Road Project a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) up to 300MW / 1200 MWh in size in the Latrobe Valley. Strategically located with a direct connection to the adjacent Hazelwood Terminal Station.

Date: Tue 19 Nov 2024
Time: 2:00 – 6:00pm
Venue: Churchill Public Hall (4 Marina Pde)

Contacts:
M:0452 593 428
E:consultation@cogencyaustralia.com.au

Learn More

The Port of Hastings is the Victorian Government’s preferred location for the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal.

Work on the Environment Effects Statement (EES) for the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal project is progressing. As part of this process, Port of Hastings Corporation is undertaking extensive technical studies including field surveys and investigations, along with community and Traditional Owner consultation.

You are Invited to the Community Engagement Events:

Virtual Event:
Thursday 14 Nov. 2024
Time: 7-8pm
Team Meeting
Register for Team Meeting

Community Drop-In Session:
Saturday Nov 16. 2024
Time: 1-4pm
Venue: Hastings Community Hall
Click on Learn more to register for in person event

Learn More

Gippsland feasibility licence holders are working together to deliver four joint community engagement events during November. The regional events will provide an opportunity for locals to meet and engage with the offshore wind developers behind Gippsland’s proposed projects: Link to Flyer

SEASPRAY – Friday 8 November 2024 (4:30pm –6:30pm) Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club
Free bus from the Golden Beach General Store, leaving at 5 pm and returning at 6:30 pm. To book your seat contact erin.lord@origin.com.au or 0400 074 678

FOSTER – Wednesday 13 November 2024 (3:00pm – 6:00pm) Manna Gum Community House

TRARALGON – Thursday 14 November 2024 (4:00pm – 6:00pm) Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Meeting room 1+2

YARRAM – Saturday 23 November 2024 (8:30am – 3:30pm) Yarram Agricultural Show

The Gippsland Offshore Wind Alliance (GOWA) said the events are an opportunity to learn more about offshore wind energy, upcoming project plans, long-term opportunities and to share feedback. GOWA Co-Chair, Darren McCubbin encourages the Gippsland community to take advantage of these events and get involved. 

Learn More

Victorian Government released it’s Cheaper, Cleaner, Renewable: Our Plan for Victoria’s Electricity Future. The document outlines the actions they are taking to ensure our state achieves its renewable energy targets.

The plan is built on 4 pillars:

• Enabling the renewables big build
• Empowering households and businesses to lower energy bills
• Managing the transition away from fossil fuels
• Creating jobs, skills and supply chains.

Victoria is experiencing a once-in-a-generation shift in how we get our electricity. As our ageing coal-fired power stations retire, they are being replaced by cheaper, more reliable renewable energy like wind and solar. 

Learn More

AusNet, believes in a decarbonised energy future. Distributed energy resources (DER), like community batteries, are a key piece of this puzzle. But these resources require planning and an understanding of the network.

AusNet partnered with Rosetta Analytics to create GridView portal to:
• provides in-depth network information, including distribution substations and low voltage lines, switches and fuses
• allows customers to access and evaluate data specific to where their community energy project is located
• allows AusNet to easily share network information and data that can empower their customers and the community to complete community energy projects.
• enable not-for-profit organisations and community groups to use the portal to conduct feasibility studies and compile applications for funding and grants that may require detailed network data.

Learn More

A local Platform for cooperative action. 

The Committee for Gippsland (C4G) and the Gippsland Climate Change Network (GCCN) have joined forces with Gippsland offshore wind proponents to form an alliance.

The formation of this Gippsland Alliance recognises that a cooperative and collaborative approach to engagement and advocacy will help support the region’s ambition to successfully deliver our energy transition. Offshore wind will create new jobs, boost Victoria’s manufacturing and supply chains, increase regional investment, and help Australia reach net-zero, but work is needed to ensure that these opportunities are realised. The Gippsland Alliance will help coordinate this.

Learn More

What might an offshore wind farm look like off the coast of Gippsland?

To understand what wind turbines off the coast of Gippsland might look like, The Victorian Government has developed a series of interactive images of offshore wind turbines seen from popular locations, Golden Beach, Woodside Beach and Wilsons Promontory at three different distances from shore – 10km, 30km, and 60km. Details from Vic Gov Energy, Environment & Climate Action. 

Learn More