Ask us a question

Hi John, thanks for your question.

We are currently working through a business case to further develop the project. This will help us understand the project cost, rates of production and potential savings to consumers. There are lots of variables that impact the calculations including wind speed, seabed conditions, number of turbines, access to supply chains, port and harbour logistics, finance structures and ongoing operating costs for offshore wind in Australia. We’re still investigating some of these aspects and expect to have a better overview later this year - keep following us for updates.

Hi Paul,

Thanks for getting in touch.

Offshore wind is globally recognised as a significant source of energy and is today a major contributor to the energy mix in many countries including the UK, Denmark, Germany and France. Offshore wind is also taking off in the United States, Canada and throughout Asia. We believe it has a lot to offer Australia. 

The Star of the South has the potential to generate enough electricity for 1.2 million homes - or around 18% of Victoria's energy needs - while also creating jobs during construction and operations. 

Historical wind data and our on-site wind monitoring to date shows there is a strong, reliable and unique wind resource off the south coast of Gippsland. 

We believe that a diverse mix of generators helps create a resilient and reliable energy system, and that offshore wind has a role to play in that mix here in Victoria. 

The average life span of a turbine is around 25 years, although this can be extended dependent on maintenance and local conditions. Turbines are currently around 90% recyclable. One manufacturer, Vestas is pledging zero waste turbines by 2040. 

The video you've linked to has been removed from YouTube - if you'd like to send us another link please do so.

Hi Claudio, thanks for getting in touch. The Star of the South is a private company comprised of Australian founders and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners – a global leader in offshore wind (funded by pension/superannuation funds). At this stage the project is not looking to make public investment opportunities available. Thanks again for your interest.  

Hi there Claudio,

Thanks for this question - we know fishing is important and we don't want to exclude people from the proposed project area.

We believe that many types of fishing – including all recreational fishing – can occur in an operational wind farm. In fact, we know from looking at other offshore wind projects around the world that it is possible, but every country has its own regulations.

Because this is Australia’s first offshore wind farm there are no existing regulations and they will have to be developed by the government.

We don’t want to exclude fishers, and we want to ensure everybody’s safety – so it’s about finding the right approach that is safe and fair. We’re doing some work to identify good principles and suggestions for sharing the waters here in Gippsland.

We’re keen to hear ideas and learn more about when, how and what people fish in the area - we'd love to hear more from you - feel free to get in touch via our email - info@starofthesouth.com.au or give us a call on 1800 340 340.

You can find more information in our 'fishing and offshore wind' factsheet here: https://getinvolved.starofthesouth.com.au/about-the-project1

If you have more questions or would like to have a chat to the team about this, feel free to call us on 1800 340 340.

Kind regards,
Star of the South

Hi there James,

Thanks for this question - we know fishing is important and we don't want to exclude people from the proposed project area.

We believe that many types of fishing – including all recreational fishing – can occur in an operational wind farm. In fact, we know from looking at other offshore wind projects around the world that it is possible, but every country has its own regulations.

Because this is Australia’s first offshore wind farm there are no existing regulations and they will have to be developed by the government.

We don’t want to exclude fishers, and we want to ensure everybody’s safety – so it’s about finding the right approach that is safe and fair. We’re doing some work to identify good principles and suggestions for sharing the waters here in Gippsland.

We’re keen to hear ideas and learn more about when, how and what people fish in the area - we'd love to hear more from you - feel free to get in touch via our email - info@starofthesouth.com.au or give us a call on 1800 340 340.

You can find more information in our 'fishing and offshore wind' factsheet here: https://getinvolved.starofthesouth.com.au/about-the-project1

If you have more questions or would like to have a chat to the team about this, feel free to call us on 1800 340 340.

Kind regards,
Star of the South

Hi there, an important part of the project is connecting the offshore wind farm to the Latrobe Valley, so we can plug into the grid.  This year we'll investigate and design a transmission network to do this.

At this stage, we've narrowed it down to three possible transmission corridors. Each option would connect to the same point in the Latrobe Valley. Our work so far tells us that each corridor has pros and cons.

To select these three options, we considered minimising impacts on the environment, potential use of existing easements, avoiding Aboriginal cultural heritage sites and reducing impacts on landholders.

The key factors we will need to consider in determining the most suitable corridor are:
- Findings from engineering, environmental and heritage studies
- Feedback from landholders and local communities
- Cost
- Advice from technical specialists.

We expect to make a decision later this year, but if there is anything you would like us to know before we select a transmission corridor, please share your knowledge at starofthesouth.com.au/getinvolved 

For more information on selecting a transmission route and maps showing the three options, you can visit https://getinvolved.starofthesouth.com.au/48520/widgets/264407/documents/164146

Hi there. It’s still very early days for the project – if everything went right with our studies, approvals and business case, the earliest construction could start is around 2023 (although that is an ambitious timeframe for what is potentially such a big project). If we met this date, we could start to generate power in 2025 building up to full power by 2027.

Hi there, thanks for your question. While we haven't selected a turbine yet, we are in discussions with turbine manufacturers to understand what's available. We’re also studying the wind profile and we’re doing studies into the seabed, which will help inform the type and number of turbines suitable for the site. 

The size and number of turbines are influenced by: 

- Wind conditions - the speed, consistency and direction of the wind 

- Seabed conditions - influence where and how many turbines can be installed 

- Turbine suppliers - where and how we can source the turbines 

- The type of vessels, equipment and space needed at port for turbine parts 

We expect the turbines will be spaced about one kilometre apart with space for boats and other vessels to navigate through.

Hi there, thanks so much for your question. 

As it's still early days on the project, we are still some way off confirming wind turbine suppliers. The Star of the South would bring a new wave of industry and opportunity to Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley. 

The project is a first for Victoria, Australia and the southern hemisphere. While there will be skills and components that we’ll need to bring in from companies overseas who are experts in these fields, we believe there will be many opportunities for local people and businesses. 

We know that currently, offshore turbines are manufactured in Germany, Denmark, the United States and China. 

Big projects can help create direct and indirect jobs, due to the economic investment in the area. Direct jobs during construction could include civil construction, wind turbine technicians, electrical and mechanical technicians, site managers, engineers and health and safety advisers. Ongoing local jobs during operation could include site managers, wind turbine service technicians, blade inspectors and maintenance technicians. 

Gippsland and Victoria are perfectly positioned to build key parts of this project. We’re also in an area that has around 50 years of offshore oil and gas experience and 100 years of coal-fired electricity generation – we would be looking to transfer as many of those skills as possible into a new, modern and reliable industry of power generation.

Hi Robert, thanks for getting in touch. The Star of the South is a private company comprised of Australian founders and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners – a global leader in offshore wind (funded by pension/superannuation funds). At this stage the project is not looking to make public investment opportunities available. Thanks again for your interest.  

Hi Billy, thanks for your interest in job opportunities on this exciting project. As the project progresses we will keep people updated about potential job opportunities. You can register for updates at https://getinvolved.starofthesouth.com.au/register to stay informed. We also post jobs on Seek.

Thanks for getting in touch, Anthony. We're currently in the very early stages of the project's development - we're doing site investigations now to confirm the project's feasibility and what's involved in bringing offshore wind to Australia. We encourage you to register your details for supplier updates to ensure you receive the latest information as the project progresses. We’re also building a list of capabilities in the market and will have more information for the supply chain later this year. You're welcome to send information about your capabilities to info@starofthesouth.com.au. Thanks again for your interest in the project.

Thanks for getting in touch Eric, and for your interest in job opportunities on this exciting project. It's still early days on the project - we're currently doing site investigations to confirm the project's feasibility and what's involved to bring offshore wind to Australia. If the project meets feasibility and approvals, works could start in the mid 2020s, building up to full power by 2027. As the project progresses we will keep people updated about potential job opportunities. You can register for updates at https://getinvolved.starofthesouth.com.au/register to stay informed.

Thanks for your interest in the South of the South and potential job opportunities on this exciting project. It's still early days and we're currently doing site investigations to confirm the project's feasibility and what's involved to bring offshore wind to Australia. If the project meets feasibility and approvals, works could start in the mid 2020s, building up to full power by 2027. As the project progresses we will keep people updated about potential job opportunities. Feel free to register for updates at https://getinvolved.starofthesouth.com.au/register to stay informed. We also post jobs on Seek.

Hi Kel. It’s great to see your enthusiasm for working on the project. It’s still early days and we’re now undertaking studies to confirm the project’s feasibility. If the project meets feasibility and approvals, the earliest works could start is in the mid 2020s. Big projects like the Star of the South can help create direct and indirect jobs, due to the economic investment in the area. Direct jobs during construction could include civil construction, wind turbine technicians, electrical and mechanical technicians, site managers, engineers and health and safety advisers. Ongoing local jobs during operation could include site managers, wind turbine service technicians, blade inspectors and maintenance technicians. Gippsland and Victoria are perfectly positioned to manufacture and build key parts of this project. We’re also in an area that has around 50 years of offshore oil and gas experience and 100 years of coal-fired electricity generation – we would be looking to transfer as many of those skills as possible into a new, modern and reliable industry of power generation. As the project progresses we will keep people updated about potential job opportunities. Please register for updates at https://getinvolved.starofthesouth.com.au/register to stay informed.

Thanks for getting in touch and for your interest in the project, Michael. We think it's a pretty exciting project for Australia too! It's still early days and we're currently doing site investigations to confirm the project's feasibility and what's involved to bring offshore wind to Australia. If the project meets feasibility and approvals, works could start in the mid 2020s, building up to full power by 2027. We'll be providing more information to the supply chain later this year but procurement of contractors for construction is some way off yet. Be sure to register for updates at https://getinvolved.starofthesouth.com.au/register to stay informed about developments on the project.

Thanks for your question Michael. We're currently in the very early stages of the project's development - we're doing site investigations now to confirm the project's feasibility and what's involved in bringing offshore wind to Australia. We encourage you to register your details for supplier updates to ensure you recieve the latest information as the project progresses. We’re also building a list of capabilities in the market and will have more information for the supply chain later this year. You're welcome to send us information about your capabilities to info@starofthesouth.com.au. Thanks again for your interest in the project.

Thanks for getting in touch, Ben. The project is in the early feasibility phase with site investigations and initial planning approval work underway. Feel free to register your details for supplier updates and to get the latest information as the project progresses. We’re building a list of capabilities in the market and will have more information for the supply chain this later year. If you'd like to talk to the team, you can call our community line on 1800 340 340 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) or email info@starofthesouth.com with your contact details so we can get in touch.

Thanks for the question. We expect there would be a limited number of commercial divers needed for the project. It's early days with initial sites investigations underway to inform the project’s feasibility and planning approvals process. The earliest construction could begin is mid-2020. Feel free to register for updates to get the latest information on job opportunities as we continue progressing the project.

Thanks for your questions, Allison. The project is in the early feasibility phase with site investigations and initial planning approval work underway. Feel free to register your details for supplier updates and to get the latest information as the project progresses. We’re building a list of capabilities in the market and are expecting to have more information to provide to the supply chain later in the year. Thanks again for getting in touch.

Thanks for getting in touch, Mark. It’s great to see your enthusiasm for opportunities to get involved in the project. It’s still early days and we’ve recently started our site investigations to help inform the project’s feasibility. Feel free to register your details to follow the project as it progresses and to get updates about supplier and job opportunities. We’re expecting to have more information to provide to the supply chain later this year.

Thanks for your interest in the turbines, Kim. As part of our project planning, we are factoring in changes to sea levels in the designs. Wind turbine technology is constantly evolving and improving. It’s still early days and we’re not sure yet about the exact height or how many turbines. We’re undertaking site investigations to understand the conditions off the south coast of Gippsland, which will inform our turbine selection. Turbines are designed to last approximately 25 years, which would be the life of the project. Thanks for getting in touch.

Thanks for your question. The Star of the South project is expected to create thousands of jobs during construction and hundreds during operations. The operations and maintenance roles would be based in Gippsland over the life of the project. We will be undertaking workforce studies and will consult with industry to further understand job requirements. As we develop a better understanding of this, we will keep people updated. Feel free to register for updates to get the latest information on job opportunities as we continue progressing the project.

Thanks for your question. We’re not looking to exclude fishers - there are examples around the world where boats can move through operating wind farms and fishing is possible. Groups such as ‘Anglers for Offshore Wind Power’ in the United States have started to report on the benefits of offshore wind farms for fishers and tourism. We’re open to working with government, fishers and local communities on this issue, recognising the need to ensure everyone’s safety around an operating wind farm. Of course during construction, there would need to be restrictions for safety reasons. We’re keen to hear more about when and where people fish in the area. If you’ve got more questions or would like to have a chat to the team about this, feel free to call us on 1800 340 340.

Thanks for getting in touch. The Star of the South is a private company comprised of Australian founders and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners – a global leader in offshore wind (funded by pension/superannuation funds). At this stage the project is not looking to make public investment opportunities available. Thanks again for your interest.

Thanks for getting in touch. We used the Molly Grace to deploy our wind and wave monitoring equipment this month. We are using the Silver Star for our geophysical investigations which are expected to start early next year. Feel free to send your details through to info@starofthesouth.com.au to be considered for future opportunities. You can also request to receive the latest email updates on the project - just email us with your details if you're keen for these updates.

Thanks for your question. As part of our site investigations we will be undertaking marine mammal surveys to understand the migration patterns of whales and other animals in the area. Our studies will include the migration patterns of pygmy and humpback whales. These studies are expected to start early next year and last for up to 24 months. Feel free to register for updates to get the latest information as we continue to progress the project. We're also happy to chat if you feel like giving us a call on 1800 340 340 to share your local knowledge.

Thanks for your questions, Jason. It’s still early days for the project and we’re not sure yet about the exact size or how many turbines there would be for the Star of the South. We recently started studying the wind profile off the south coast of Gippsland and we’ll also be doing studies into the seabed depth and conditions, which will help inform the type and number of turbines. If the project meets feasibility and approvals, works could start in the mid 2020s, with construction taking several years and the project building up to full power by 2027. Thanks again for your questions. Feel free to register for updates to get the latest project information.

Thanks for your question.We’ll start wind and wave monitoring later this month, with other site investigations such as geophysical and geotechnical to start pending relevant approvals. These studies will run for several years.

Environmental assessment and approvals will form an important part of the project. We will require Victorian and Commonwealth planning and environmental approvals to develop Australia’s first proposed offshore wind farm.

While we continue our investigations into the feasibility of the project, we will collect important baseline data and evidence, which will be presented and assessed as part of the project’s formal planning approval process.

Formal planning and environmental assessment of the project could start from next year and is expected to run to 2022. 

Feel free to register for updates to get the latest project news and details about opportunities to get involved through the planning and assessment process.

Thanks for getting in touch, Carlo. We’re working with Basslink to avoid their cable during our site investigations and as we continue planning to bring offshore wind to Australia.

The Basslink and the Project Marinus links are options that we’ll take a look at for route connection, amongst others, although we note Marinus Link is currently in the planning stages but we’ll keep in touch with them as we continue our studies.

Thanks again for your questions.

Hi Ros, thanks for your question.

Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) is commonly used in the energy industry to insulate medium to high voltage circuit breakers. We’re aware of the global concerns associated with SF6. We’re currently investigating the feasibility of the Star of the South. If the project proceeds, we would comply with Australian standards, laws and best practice. We’re working with major circuit breaker manufacturers and are looking to alternatives to SF6, where practical, as we progress bringing offshore wind to Australia.  
Feel free to give us a call on 1800 340 340 if you’d like to chat about this further.

Hi Marc, thanks for reaching out. Feel free to send us the details of your property to info@starofthesouth.com.au or call us on 1800 340 340. We will keep it in mind as we continue to progress bringing offshore wind to Australia.

Hi Adam, thanks for your questions. It’s great to see your enthusiasm for working on the project. It’s still early days and we’re preparing to undertake studies to confirm the project’s feasibility. We haven’t determined the procurement approach. If the project meets feasibility and approvals, works could start in the mid 2020s. You can register for updates to get the latest information on job opportunities.

Thanks for your interest in job opportunities on the Star of the South. It’s still early days for the project and if it proceeds to construction, all work and employment would comply with Australian laws and legislation. Register for updates to follow the project’s progress and to get the latest information on supplier opportunities.

Thanks for coming to our session in Port Franklin. Our job estimates will be become clearer as the project develops and we better understand the existing supply chain available to the project (and importantly once we decide the wind farm design and turbines to be installed).

We expect there to be hundreds of operations and maintenance roles based in Gippsland over the life of the project.

We will be undertaking workforce studies and will consult with industry to further understand job requirements. As we develop a better understanding of this, we will keep people updated. Feel free to register your interest if you would like to be kept informed.

Thanks for your questions, Sally.

It’s still very early days – we need to do more work on things like wind farm design and visuals but we’ll share details about those aspects once we have a clearer picture, just like we’re sharing information now about our site investigations.

We currently have an approved licence area to investigate the project - the first step is to understand the wind profile. This will allow us to collect important data to inform the height and number of turbines.

The closest boundary from the coast to the licence area is just under 10 kilometres which you can see on our map. So while we don’t know exactly where turbines might be placed and the height of them at this stage, we do know the boundaries we are working in and that offshore wind farms are typically seen from land.

We’ll be doing studies into what people could expect to see from the coast and we’ll develop up some visuals and artist impressions of the wind farm as part of those studies.

Given the turbines will be out at sea, you won’t hear them from land including at Robertsons Beach.

In terms of expected energy savings, generally speaking, when supply goes up there is more competition in the market, leading to more competitive prices for consumers. As we progress the project, we’ll do studies to understand the potential to reduce wholesale electricity prices, recognising the market is changing all the time with generation coming in and out.

If you’ve got any further questions or would like to have a chat, please feel free to give us a call on 1800 340 340.

Thanks for your question.

If the wind farm proceeds to construction and operation, we would hope to see benefits for the marine environment with artificial reefs created on the base of the turbines and new ecosystems.

We’re preparing to undertake site investigations later this year including seabed studies and marine mammal monitoring to understand the current marine environment in the proposed project area. These studies will help us collect important data which we’ll use to progress the design of the wind farm.

We’re also in contact with organisations like the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation to understand how we can best coordinate and collaborate with other relevant programs.

Thanks again for your interest.

Thanks for getting in touch, Brian. The Star of the South is in the feasibility phase and it’s still early days for the project. If it proceeds to construction and operation, we would need vessels to support our activities. Feel free to register your details to follow the project as it progresses and to get updates about supplier and job opportunities.

Thanks for getting in touch. It’s great to see you’re passionate about tourism opportunities for this exciting project. It’s still early days and we’re keen to work with the government and other regulators like the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to understand potential air space requirements near the turbines. As the project progresses, we’ll keep you updated on tourism opportunities and any requirements associated with them. Feel free to register for updates to receive the latest project information.

Thanks for your question, John. We don’t expect too many issues during our site investigations phase, but we’ll ensure Notice to Mariners are sent so people are aware of our activities – best to generally avoid our vessels when the investigations are happening.

If the wind farm proceeds to construction and operation, we would hope to see some benefits for fishing and boating. There are examples on other offshore wind projects from around the world where fishing is allowed near the turbines (and can lead to benefits by creating artificial reefs that attract fish). We’re keen to work with recreational fishers and the fishing industry to understand how we can co-exist – the first step is to understand when and where people fish in the area so we can factor this into the project planning. Of course, safety will be a driving force meaning there would need to be restrictions during construction if the project goes ahead.

We’ll be looking to do more detailed consultation with fishers so please keep following our updates and share your feedback on how you fish in the area.

Hi Sharyn, thanks for reaching out. We’re often in Gippsland so please feel free to send us the details to info@starofthesouth.com.au or give us a call on 1800 340 340 and we’ll keep these options in mind. We’re keen to support local businesses and the community where possible.

Thanks for your questions.

We recognise that commercial fishers have legislated rights to fish within our licenced area and we know that recreational fishing is also important to locals and visiting tourists. We are open to working with government, fishers and local communities on this issue, recognising the need to ensure everyone’s safety around an operating wind farm.

We're keen to hear about the different types of use in the licence area (such as fishing) to help us understand what that could mean for us. We are also studying best practice in co-use of licenced offshore wind sites overseas.

Regarding your question about what you might see, the turbines would be visible from along the coast but at a distance – the project would be around 10 kilometres away at its nearest point and even further from the Prom. During the project's design phase and as part of our environmental assessments, we would do studies into what people would be able to see from the coast - we'll share that information as it comes to hand.

Please feel free to give us a call on 1800 340 340 if you would like to have a chat about these issues.

We recognise that commercial fishers have legislated rights to fish within our licenced area and we know that recreational fishing is also important to locals and visiting tourists.

We are open to working with government, fishers and local communities on this issue, recognising the need to ensure everyone’s safety around an operating wind farm.

We're keen to hear about the different types of use in the licence area (such as fishing) to help us understand what that could mean for us. We are also studying best practice in co-use of licenced offshore wind sites overseas.

Please feel free to give us a call on 1800 340 340 if you would like to have a chat about this issue.

Thanks very much for your question, Hugh. 

One of the reasons we are consulting so early is to understand what kind of skills are out there and what sort of training pathways might be needed for a new industry. While we don't have anything formal established at this point, we encourage people to register for our updates so we can keep you informed on progress and opportunities.

Thanks again for your interest.

Thanks for your question and interest. 

We're currently still in the feasibility stage and expect to start our detailed site investigations out at sea later this year. So 2020 would be too early for construction. Please feel free to give us a call on 1800 340 340 for opportunities and to learn more about where we are at with the project.

Hi Bill - no need to register. You are welcome to come to the start of the session to hear a brief presentation or drop in any time for a chat during the advertised times.

Thanks for your interest.

Hi Ben, thanks for your interest in job opportunities on this exciting project. It's still early days on the project - we're currently doing site investigations to confirm the project's feasibility and what's involved to bring offshore wind to Australia. If the project meets feasibility and approvals, works could start in the mid 2020s, building up to full power by 2027.   As the project progresses we will keep people updated about potential job opportunities. You can register for updates at https://getinvolved.starofthesouth.com.au/register to stay informed. We also post jobs on Seek.

Hi there Ilja, thanks so much for your question. We believe that many types of fishing – including all recreational fishing – can occur in an operational wind farm. In fact, we know from looking at other offshore wind projects around the world that it is possible, but every country has its own regulations. Because this is Australia’s first offshore wind farm there are no existing regulations and they will have to be developed by the government. We don’t want to exclude fishers, and we want to ensure everybody’s safety – so it’s about finding the right approach that is safe and fair. We’re doing some work to identify good principles and suggestions for sharing the waters here in Gippsland. We’re keen to hear ideas and learn more about when, how and what people fish in the area. I see you've completed our survey - thanks so much for this! You can find more information on this topic in our 'fishing and offshore wind' factsheet here: https://getinvolved.starofthesouth.com.au/about-the-project1 If you have more questions or would like to have a chat to the team about this, feel free to call us on 1800 340 340.

Hi there,

Thanks for this question - we know fishing is important and we don't want to exclude people from the proposed project area.

We believe that many types of fishing – including all recreational fishing – can occur in an operational wind farm. In fact, we know from looking at other offshore wind projects around the world that it is possible, but every country has its own regulations.

Because this is Australia’s first offshore wind farm there are no existing regulations and they will have to be developed by the government.

We don’t want to exclude fishers, and we want to ensure everybody’s safety – so it’s about finding the right approach that is safe and fair. We’re doing some work to identify good principles and suggestions for sharing the waters here in Gippsland.

We’re keen to hear ideas and learn more about when, how and what people fish in the area.

Please complete our survey and share your views and ideas on this topic. https://getinvolved.starofthesouth.com.au/survey-share-your-feedback

You can find more information in our 'fishing and offshore wind' factsheet here: https://getinvolved.starofthesouth.com.au/about-the-project1

If you have more questions or would like to have a chat to the team about this, feel free to call us on 1800 340 340.