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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