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Wellington Shire Council calls for greater transparency and community engagement in the Gippsland offshore wind project

Wellington Shire Council urges VicGrid to enhance community engagement in the Gippsland offshore wind transmission project, addressing environmental and cultural concerns while promoting transparency and underground transmission options.

By news@gippsland - 2nd April 2025 - Back to News

Wellington Shire Council is calling for greater transparency and community engagement in the planning and refinement of the Gippsland offshore wind transmission project. A Notice of Motion has been submitted at last night's council meeting by Cr Liz Foat, urging VicGrid to ensure that local voices are heard and that all potential environmental, agricultural, and cultural impacts are carefully considered before finalising the transmission corridor.

Council appreciates VicGrid's commitment to consultation but stresses the importance of meaningful engagement with landholders, community members, and stakeholders

Support renewable transmission

Council understands that a new transmission line, delivered by VicGrid, will connect offshore wind energy to Loy Yang Power Station in Latrobe City via a connection hub near Giffard in Wellington Shire.

We have always championed the importance of renewable energy and the opportunities it brings to the region, and it is essential that the project proceeds in a way that minimises disruption to landholders, protects sensitive environmental areas, and respects Traditional Owners' cultural heritage.

Council welcomes VicGrid's commitment to consultation and technical studies to refine the study area but emphasises the need for meaningful engagement that incorporates the concerns of impacted landholders, community members, and industry stakeholders.

Support underground transmission

Last night's Notice of Motion calls on the State Government (via VicGrid) to:

• Enhanced aesthetics and safety - Underground electricity transmission helps preserve our region's natural beauty by reducing visual clutter. It also lowers the risk of bushfires during extreme weather, which our region is particularly prone to
• Improved reliability - Unlike overhead lines, underground cables are less affected by storms and high winds, ensuring a more stable electricity supply for residents and businesses across Victoria
• Long-term cost efficiency - While the upfront installation cost is higher, underground transmission requires less maintenance and lasts longer than overhead lines, resulting in significant long-term savings
• Community preference - Our community has consistently voiced strong support for underground electricity transmission due to its lower impact on residents and the broader area. Council has formally adopted this position, reflecting the clear preference of Gippsland communities

Council therefore calls on the State Government, through VicGrid, to:

• Strengthen engagement with local landholders to address concerns about agricultural impacts, land fragmentation, and property access
• Ensure environmental assessments prioritise the protection of significant biodiversity areas, including Holey Plains State Park, home to vulnerable native flora such as the Wellington Mintbush
• Work closely with the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) to uphold cultural heritage values and apply the Pathways to Partnership approach
• Provide clear, transparent updates about how consultation feedback is incorporated into decision-making

Wellington Shire Mayor Cr Scott Rossetti stated, "The offshore wind transmission project is a significant development for Gippsland, but we must get the planning right. We want to see VicGrid genuinely listen to our communities and make informed decisions that balance the need for renewable energy with the protection of our local landscapes, industries, and cultural heritage."

Engage with VicGrid

Council encourages all interested landholders and community members to engage with VicGrid and participate in upcoming consultation opportunities. VicGrid will be at the Rosedale Neighbourhood House to speak with community members about their Draft Scoping Requirements for the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) on Thursday 3 April (10-6pm).

Locals are encouraged to drop in at a time that suits, ask questions, learn more about the project, and find out how to make a submission. Public feedback is open until 10 April. This is a great chance to speak face-to-face with the team and have your say. Residents can contact VicGrid at landholders@deeca.vic.gov.au for more information or to raise concerns.

Pictures from Wellington Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Carran Carran restoration project strengthens river health, habitat connectivity and flood resilience across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's long-term Carran Carran restoration project is improving river health, reducing flood-related avulsion risks, restoring habitat connectivity, controlling willows and supporting native fish, agriculture and communities.
• Working together to secure East Gippsland's water future through integrated water management
  East Gippsland CMA and regional partners are collaborating through Integrated Water Management to address climate, flooding, population growth, stormwater, recycled water and wetland protection challenges while planning sustainable projects.
• Cann River Cafe creates local employment pathways through community training and youth opportunities
  Cann River has opened Fern & Feather Cafe, a community-owned training initiative providing hospitality skills, employment pathways, youth opportunities and funding for local community programs.
• Gemma Rendell and Darren Chester urge Gippslanders to add vegetables daily through new healthy eating campaign
  The "Get the Edge. Eat More Veg" campaign launched in Sale, urging Gippslanders to add one extra vegetable served daily while supporting local growers, jobs and health.
• Five additional VLocity train sets to boost Gippsland Line capacity and ease crowding as the Nationals commitment
  The Nationals will add five VLocity train sets to Gippsland services, providing 1,110 extra seats and enabling longer trains during peak periods to ease overcrowding on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services.
• Latrobe City extends Phoenix partnership, securing NBL matches and delivering sporting, community and economic benefits
  Latrobe City Council has extended its partnership with South East Melbourne Phoenix, securing two NBL matches across the next two seasons, delivering elite sport, community engagement and economic benefits.
• Mirboo North stadium funding still awaited after decade of community campaigning for modern sporting facility
  Mirboo North continues seeking funding for a new stadium after more than a decade of campaigning. Danny O’Brien is urging the Education Minister to support redevelopment.
• Parma for a Farmer returns to Poowong, bringing free food, laughter, community and mental health support on 17 September 2026
  Parma for a Farmer returns to the Poowong Hotel on September 17, offering local farmers and workers a free meal, comedy, connection and conversations supporting mental health and wellbeing.
• Cowes Freedom of Entry Parade marks 125 years of Australia's Commonwealth Naval Forces and naval service tradition parade on 7 August 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to Cowes' Freedom of Entry Parade on August 7, celebrating 125 years of Australia's naval heritage with HMAS Cape Woolamai personnel and the Royal Australian Navy Band.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery unveils spring exhibitions celebrating place, culture, community, history and the natural world
  Latrobe Regional Gallery spring program features five exhibitions exploring Gippsland places, community, culture, history and nature, alongside Japanese traditions and contemporary artistic responses.
• Sale residents urged to safely dispose of hazardous household chemicals at free Detox Your Home event on 10 October 2026
  Wellington Shire residents can safely dispose of unwanted hazardous household chemicals at a free Detox Your Home event in Sale, helping protect waterways, people, animals and the environment.
• New Heart Morass watering infrastructure strengthens Gippsland Lakes wetland health and protects freshwater flows for future generations
  New watering infrastructure at Heart Morass enables controlled freshwater flows, reducing salinity and supporting wetland health, wildlife habitat and long-term resilience across the Gippsland Lakes.
• Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years.
• Marlo's Healeys road timber bridge to be replaced with stronger steel structure built for 100 years
  East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Marlo’s ageing Healeys Road timber bridge with a $642,780 steel structure, improving safety, access, load capacity and long-term reliability for local users.
• The Nationals pledge weekly rubbish collection for Gippsland households to ease costs and improve waste services
  The Nationals have pledged weekly general rubbish collections across Gippsland, promising to review landfill levies and waste charges to reduce costs and ease pressure on families.
• The Nationals call for urgent public housing repairs as 147 Gippsland South properties remain vacant amid growing housing crisis
  The Nationals MP Danny O'Brien is calling for urgent repairs to 147 vacant public housing properties across Gippsland South, saying homes should be occupied amid the region's housing crisis.
• Darren Chester urges federal government to restore wild dog funding, backing farmers' calls for national management certainty
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester is urging the federal government to restore national wild dog funding, warning of $302 million annual agricultural losses and significant impacts on farmers, wildlife and regional communities.
• Sailors Grave Brewing celebrates ten years, turning East Gippsland's produce and remote coast into a destination
  Sailors Grave Brewing celebrates ten years, growing from an Orbost butter factory brewery into a celebrated Marlo destination showcasing East Gippsland’s produce, landscapes, creativity and community through distinctive beers and local food.
• Darren Chester releases 2026 Age Pension Guide to help older Gippslanders navigate retirement support and services
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has released his 2026 Age Pension Guide, providing older Gippslanders, pensioners, carers and families with information about pensions, concessions, aged care and government services.
• Phillip Island prepares for final MotoGP weekend celebrating three decades of racing, community spirit, entertainment and history
  Phillip Island will host its final MotoGP from October 23-25, celebrating three decades of racing while showcasing community festivities, entertainment and the island’s motorsport legacy.
• Coastal erosion forces indefinite closure of Kilcunda Rail Trail section for safety from 26 August 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council will close a Kilcunda Rail Trail section indefinitely from August 26 after severe erosion washed away two metres of dune, threatening trail safety.
• Nationals demand stronger policing as rising Latrobe Valley crime fuels growing community safety concerns and frustration
  The Nationals say rising Latrobe Valley crime and fewer police officers demand urgent Labor government action, calling for stronger policing, tougher laws and better resources to restore community safety.
• Darren Chester joins Annabel Crabb for locally sourced Gippsland feast on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet series
  Darren Chester will feature on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet with Annabel Crabb, showcasing Gippsland produce and locally sourced food when the episode airs August 25.
• Mobile Service Centres bringing government support across South Gippsland communities an August and September
  Australian government Mobile Service Centres will visit 12 South Gippsland communities, offering Medicare, Centrelink, myGov and Veterans’ Affairs assistance, with accessible facilities and Wi-Fi.
• New Bairnsdale footpath to improve access between Princes Highway and key health and community facilities
  A new 280-metre concrete footpath will link Bairnsdale’s Princes Highway with key health and community facilities, improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians, with construction beginning September 21 and lasting six weeks.
• Dental experts warn Labor plan could worsen lengthy public dental waits for vulnerable Gippslanders across regional Victoria
  Dental experts warn Labor's proposed public dental expansion could worsen Gippsland wait times, with vulnerable residents already facing waits exceeding two years in some areas.
• Danny O'Brien says Nationals' Bill will strengthen agricultural land protections, safeguard and recognise Gippsland farms as strategic asset
  The Nationals' agricultural land Bill would strengthen protections for Gippsland farms, recognise agriculture as a strategic asset, require impact assessments and consultation, and ensure food security is considered before major developments.
• Parliamentary inquiry reveals CFA resource shortfalls after years of Labor neglect, leaving Gippsland communities increasingly vulnerable
  A Parliamentary inquiry has highlighted declining CFA volunteer numbers, ageing firefighting vehicles, workforce shortages and poor fuel management, prompting Nationals' Danny O'Brien to demand urgent action to protect Gippsland communities.
• Latrobe City opens nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame honours, nominate by 11 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame, recognising outstanding community contributors and sporting achievers. Entries close September 11, 2026.
• Maryvale Recreation Reserve redevelopment delivers upgraded sporting facilities, accessibility and community infrastructure
  Maryvale Recreation Reserve has undergone a $1.39 million redevelopment, delivering accessible cricket facilities, upgraded amenities, improved drainage, resurfacing and safety improvements through state government and Latrobe City Council funding.
• Bass Coast businesses celebrated at 2026 Business Awards, recognising excellence and community contribution
  The 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrated local business excellence, with Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre named Business of the Year after winning four awards.
• Darren Chester demands urgent Labor investment to fix dangerous Princes Highway and Gippsland arterial roads
  Darren Chester urged Labor governments to urgently fund Gippsland roads, citing dangerous conditions, poor maintenance and reduced investment while highlighting previous Coalition funding for highway and arterial road upgrades.
• Melina Bath honours Colin "Stocky" Stockdale for 63 years of outstanding CFA service to South Gippsland community
  Melina Bath congratulated Colin "Stocky" Stockdale on receiving the CFA's highest honour, recognising his 63 years of leadership, mentorship and dedicated service protecting South Gippsland communities.
• New Lakes Entrance fire station prioritised ahead of 2026 state election
  Council is urging the Victorian government to fund a new Lakes Entrance CFA station, replacing the 90-year-old facility to improve emergency response, safety, capacity and regional resilience.
• Darren Chester blames Labor-Greens timber shutdown as Maryvale Mill job losses hit Gippsland workers and families
  Federal MP Darren Chester says 84 more Maryvale Mill job losses stem from Labor-Greens forestry policies, urging state and federal governments to fund an economic transition plan for the Latrobe Valley.
• Latrobe City endorses draft Moe Activity Centre Plan to guide future town centre growth and development
  Latrobe City Council endorsed the draft Moe Activity Centre Plan for public exhibition, outlining long-term CBD growth, planning reforms, improved public spaces and transport, with Planning Scheme Amendment C155 exhibition proposed for late 2026.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  New nurse-to-patient ratios have passed Parliament, with Gippsland hospitals reclassified, but workforce shortages and funding pressures raise concerns over implementation and patient care.
• Yarragon weekend escape offers country hospitality, local flavours, shopping and scenic West Gippsland adventures
  Yarragon offers an easy West Gippsland weekend escape from Melbourne, combining boutique shopping, local food and wine, scenic walks, galleries, markets and welcoming country accommodation.
• Live and Loud at GPAC brings AFL Grand Final action, family fun and entertainment to Traralgon on 26 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host Live and Loud at GPAC on September 26, featuring family activities, entertainment, a ticketed musical-acrobat performance and free live screening of the 2026 AFL Grand Final.
• Coalition urges Labor to block foreign-backed Cobungra Station sale and protect productive farmland from carbon projects
  The Coalition has urged Treasurer Jim Chalmers and FIRB to reject the proposed foreign-backed purchase of Cobungra Station, warning productive farmland should remain dedicated to food production, not carbon projects.
• The Nationals' $5 Better Roads Plan promises pothole repairs and long-term maintenance across neglected Gippsland road network
  The Nationals' $5 billion Better Roads plan would tackle Gippsland's deteriorating roads, repair one million potholes, restore preventative maintenance and establish Better Roads Victoria for improved standards.
• State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre in Wonthaggi receives major flooring upgrade, enhancing accessibility, creativity and community connection
  Living Local Regional Fund support has upgraded Bass Coast’s historic State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre, improving safety and accessibility while strengthening community programs, creativity, wellbeing, fitness and social connection.
• Stallholder applications open for 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo connecting families and community services
  Stallholder applications have opened for the 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo, offering organisations and entertainers the chance to connect with thousands of local families during National Children's Week celebrations.
• Darren Chester congratulates Maffra student Jaxon Marshall on National Youth Parliament selection representing Gippsland in Canberra
  Maffra Secondary College student Jaxon Marshall will represent Gippsland at the 2026 National Youth Parliament, earning praise from Darren Chester for bringing regional and agricultural perspectives to Canberra.
• Martin Cameron seeks government answers over delays threatening Latrobe Magnesium's commercial project and regional investment
  Martin Cameron is pressing the Victorian government over delays affecting Latrobe Magnesium’s commercial project, warning investment and hundreds of Latrobe Valley jobs could be lost.