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Hi Dugs. Thanks for this question. Right now we don't have large work crews based in the region, but we can keep your details on hand for any future needs. You can email at info@starofthesouth.com.au.

Hello and thanks for this query. We've recently released an update, including the proposed route for our onshore transmission cables. You can find the latest details in our Project Update March 2021 or by checking out our recent webinar.

Hi Steven, thanks for your interest in the project. It's still early days and we're now doing site investigations to confirm the project's feasibility and what's involved to bring offshore wind to Australia. If everything goes well with our studies and approvals , the earliest construction could start is around the middle of this decade, so construction jobs are still a few years away. As the project progresses, we’ll list jobs on our website here: https://www.starofthesouth.com.au/work-with-us and we also post jobs on Seek.

Hi there, thanks for your interest in the project.

It's still early days on the project and we have not awarded any contracts yet for the design or construction of the project. We're currently doing site investigations to confirm's the project's feasibility and what's involved to bring offshore wind to Australia.

If everything goes well with our investigations, business case and approvals, the earliest construction could start is around 2023 – although this is an ambitious timeframe for such a big project. If we are able to meet this date, we could start generating power in 2025, building up to full power by 2027.

We have established a supplier registration process through the Industry Capability Network. You can find more information and register your interest here to stay up to date with project news and opportunities: https://gateway.icn.org.au/project/4604/star-of-the-south-offshore-wind-project

Hi, thanks for your question. The closest point of the wind farm would be around 7km from the coast. 

Hi Glenn, thanks for your questions.

Wind and wave monitoring equipment were placed off the coast in November last year and will collect data over several years. We also undertook initial seabed surveys in March which found the seafloor was sandy with few reef structures, but we need to do more studies next year to further understand what’s down there.

We also have a Marine Ecology Survey Program underway and this is building our understanding of marine life and birds in and around the area. This work will take place over a minimum of 12 months.

The findings of these investigations will be used to inform project design and environmental assessments, which are expected to be prepared and exhibited for public review and comment around 2022.

We haven't selected a turbine yet and are still exploring a range of turbine sizes. We're in discussion with turbine manufacturers to understand what's available and suitable for this site. At 2.2GW, Star of the South would be one of the largest offshore wind farms in the world, so we're not looking to increase the capacity of the project.

Feel free to give us a call if you'd like to talk through this further - on 1800 340 340.

Hi there,

Thanks for your interest.

We’re currently still at an early stage of project development, carrying out site investigations to confirm the project's feasibility. If everything goes well with our investigations, business case and approvals, the earliest construction could start is around 2023 – although this is an ambitious timeframe for such a big project. If we are able to meet this date, we could start generating power in 2025, building up to full power by 2027.

We have established a supplier registration process through the Industry Capability Network. You can find more information and register your interest here to stay up to date with project news and opportunities: https://gateway.icn.org.au/project/4604/star-of-the-south-offshore-wind-project

Hi George,

Thanks for your question.

Powerlines, electrical appliances and wiring all emit extremely low frequency (ELF) and electromagnetic fields (EMF) – we are all exposed to some level of ELF EMF daily. Leading public health bodies confirm that extensive research over the past 30 years has not found a link between exposure to low level electromagnetic fields, such as those from powerlines, and health effects.

The project will undergo comprehensive and robust environmental assessment and approvals processes through which any potential EMF effects will be considered.

Hi there, thanks for your questions.

At this early stage in the project's development, we haven't decided on the type or number of turbines that could be used. Our wind and wave monitoring data, seabed studies and discussions with turbine suppliers will help to identify the best turbine for this site. The size of the turbine and its capacity will determine how many are needed.

Based on our current understanding of the site, we’re looking at turbines that are between approximately 185m and 245m high, with a diameter of around 160m-220m and a 25m minimum clearance from the sea.

Our initial studies show us that the wind farm could generate up to 2200 MW, providing around 20% of Victoria’s energy needs and powering 1.2 million homes.

You can find more information on what we consider when choosing a turbine in our April newsletter here: https://getinvolved.starofthesouth.com.au/48520/widgets/264407/documents/164080

Hi Dave, thanks for your great question. As you’d be aware, offshore turbines are typically white and there are a couple of reasons for this. White is a neutral colour and is considered to be less visible. Additionally, white does not absorb heat / UV. As the turbines are made from metal, any excess heat absorption would cause them to expand and deform. 

The colour of the turbines is typically defined by navigation, aviation and related safety regulators such as the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). We expect that as part of the planning and approvals process guidance would be given on the colour. The boat landings and transition pieces are typically yellow for increased visibility and safety. 

Regarding lights on the turbines, this is dependent on requirements from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, AMSA and other bodies that govern the safety regulations of the water. Lighting would be required for visibility and safety, however the extent is still being determined at this stage of the project. Thanks again for your question.