Star of the South has submitted its environmental impact statement under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, a primary regulatory approval required for Australia’s most advanced offshore wind project to proceed, the company said.
The submission follows seven years of technical and environmental studies, including 26 assessments covering environmental, cultural, social and economic factors, Star of the South said.
“This environmental assessment reflects seven years of rigorous science and consultation to understand the local environment and how to protect it. We’ve done the work, and then some, to ensure government and the community can have confidence that the project will be delivered responsibly,” Star of the South managing director Greg Rattray said.
The milestone coincides with the purchase of land for the project’s shore crossing, the renewal of Major Project Status, and a formal engagement agreement with Traditional Owners through the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation.
“Securing the shore crossing site locks in a critical piece of the project’s infrastructure and reinforces our long-term commitment to Gippsland,” Rattray added.
The project, which is expected to generate enough electricity to power more than 1.2 million homes, aims to deliver around 10% of the emission reductions required for Australia’s 2035 climate target. “These milestones show that Australia’s offshore wind industry is no longer an idea on the horizon – it’s moving from concept to reality and Star of the South is leading the way,” Rattray said.
Feasibility studies have confirmed the project is suitably located and technically viable, with construction planned for later this decade, pending final approvals.
