Offshore Wind Auction Remains on Track for August.

Victoria’s newly appointed Energy Minister, Jaclyn Symes, has confirmed that Australia’s first offshore wind auction is going ahead as planned this month, providing an important signal of confidence for the renewable energy sector and for Gippsland’s future as a clean energy region.

The auction will open the next stage of Victoria’s offshore wind industry, with an initial 2 gigawatts of capacity to be sought through the process. For developers, commercial energy buyers, investors and regional communities, the confirmation helps maintain momentum toward new generation, jobs and long-term investment.

Gippsland remains central to this transition. The region has powered Victoria for generations and is now positioned to play a leading role in Australia’s first offshore wind projects, supporting new opportunities for local workers, businesses and supply chains.

The offshore wind industry is expected to create more than 6,000 jobs and generate billions of dollars in investment.

Renew Economy Article

SEC on the 10 July, announced plans to establish SEC Energy Works, an energy innovation precinct in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley. The 143-hectare property, located in Hazelwood North, will provide a space for SEC to partner with industry to develop a range of new energy infrastructure and storage technologies that our future energy system will require.

The project will be Victoria’s first long-duration energy storage facility and Australia’s first commercial use of closed-loop, compressed CO2 energy storage.

As Victoria advances towards its 65% renewable energy target in 2030, wider deployment of longer-duration storage will be critical for grid reliability and security.

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Hosted by the Australian Centre for Offshore Wind Energy (ACOWE), this year’s symposium will bring together researchers, industry, government and key stakeholders to explore the theme Delivering the Offshore Wind Lifecycle in Australia.

Taking place on 20 August 2026 at Federation University, Churchill Campus, Victoria, the symposium provides an important platform to share knowledge, strengthen collaboration and support the growth of offshore wind in Australia. Presented in collaboration with the Gippsland New Energy Conference (GNEC26), the event will highlight the role of research, innovation and cross-sector partnerships in shaping a sustainable offshore wind future. If you’re working across offshore wind, energy transition, research or regional development, this is an opportunity to be part of the conversation.

Can’t attend the full conference? The ACOWE Technical Symposium is a stand-alone event, and tickets can be purchased separately from the GNEC26 Conference.

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ICN Victoria is proud to be a Silver Sponsor of the Gippsland New Energy Conference 2026 (GNEC26) and to host the Supply Chain Breakfast at the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre.

The breakfast offers a practical and accessible way to connect with major project opportunities, hear from decision makers and build relationships across Victoria’s growing new energy supply chain. If your business is looking for market insights, direct connections and a clearer pathway into renewable energy projects, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

ICN Victoria helps businesses improve their visibility through Gateway by ICN, understand procurement pathways, engage with Industry Advisers and build the relationships needed to compete for future work.

Following the breakfast, attendees are encouraged to visit the ICN Victoria stand in the Expo Hall, register on Gateway and continue the conversation with the ICN Victoria team.

Can’t attend the full conference? The ICN Victoria Supply Chain Breakfast is a stand-alone event, and tickets can be purchased separately from the GNEC26 Conference.

More Information

Gippsland — It’s on!
Tickets for the Gippsland New Energy Conference 2026 are available now.

Join us on the 18–19 of August at the Gippsland Preforming Arts Centre, Precinct, Traralgon for GNEC 2026. Gippsland’s flagship regional forum for renewable energy collaboration, industry leadership, and community dialogue. From global experts to local leaders, GNEC is where the region’s energy future takes centre stage — with major discussions on innovation, investment, workforce opportunities and Gippsland’s growing role in Australia’s renewable energy transition.

Who it’s for: supply chain and local businesses, energy providers, farmers, manufacturers, offshore wind developers, government, and the Gippsland community.

Register Now

TWA is calling for women across Gippsland to register their interest in Powering Her Pathway, a program designed to help you launch a career in the fast-growing clean energy industry.
Your journey starts with a FREE six-week tailored vocational training course at TAFE Gippsland, beginning 3 August, followed by support to connect you with work placements, apprenticeships or skilled jobs in clean energy across the region.
Whether you’re finishing school, changing careers, returning to the workforce or simply looking for a new direction, there’s never been a better time to explore a future in the trades.
Places are limited, so don’t wait!
Course starts: 3 August
Register your Expression of Interest by emailing us at info@twaus.com.au

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VicGrid is setting clearer expectations for how developers engage with communities and deliver local benefits with the release of new Community Engagement and Social Value Guidelines. 
The guidelines were developed in consultation with community, regional stakeholders and industry. They set 43 expectations that all developers will need to meet if they want to connect to the grid in Victoria.

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Call for Volunteers: GNEC26!
Want to be part of Gippsland’s biggest clean energy events?
The Gippsland New Energy Conference (GNEC26) is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help welcome delegates, support sessions and keep the event running smoothly.

Held on 18–19 August 2026 at the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre (GPAC), Traralgon, GNEC brings together industry leaders, government, businesses and communities from across the region to explore Gippsland’s clean energy future.

Volunteer roles include:
• Registration and delegate check-in
• Wayfinding and guest assistance
• Session support
• General event support

Register your interest to volunteer for GNEC26 today.

Volunteer Registration Form

The Team at Blue Mackerel are keen to engage with the community, share updates, and answer any questions you may have:

• 16 June – Fish Creek Primary School (Offshorewind4kids)
• 18 June – Bright Sparks, Kalimna Forest Tech
• 20 June – Foster Farmer’s Market (with the offshore wind developer group)
• 25 July – Seaspray Hall pop-up (10am–12pm)
• 25 July – Woodside Hall pop-up (2–4pm)
• 28- 30 July – Seafood Directions, Sydney (with the offshore wind developer group)

The Blue Mackerel team is continuing its assessments and is planning on submitting a competitive bid to the Victorian Government’s auction process due to start in August 2026.

Blue Mackerel Events