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One Gippsland urges government to protect fishing industry while supporting offshore wind with fair and inclusive consultation

One Gippsland has urged governments to safeguard commercial fishing while progressing offshore wind, calling for consultation, protection of fishing grounds and coexistence to ensure Gippsland's industries thrive during the energy transition.

By news@gippsland - 22nd August 2025 - Back to News

One Gippsland is seeking to support the region's fishing industry by expressing its deep concern about the possible impact of offshore wind. One Gippsland Chair Cr Nathan Hersey has this month written to the Premier to urge the Victorian Government to protect the industry while progressing offshore wind development.


One Gippsland Chair Cr Nathan Hersey (left) with East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr John White

One Gippsland Chair Cr Nathan Hersey (left) with East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr John White

Protecting fishing industry

Cr Hersey said, "Commercial fishing provides employment, supports local businesses and contributes significantly to our region's economy and has done so for many decades. The rapid advancement of offshore wind energy projects has created uncertainty for Gippsland's commercial fishing industry."

"This uncertainty requires strong clarification from the Victorian and Australian Governments. Offshore wind is a huge opportunity for Gippsland and the nation and the sector has One Gippsland's support," Cr Hersey said.

"However, this once-in-a-generation transition must coexist with long-standing industries like commercial fishing. That involves meaningful consultation, protection of key fishing grounds and genuine commitment to coexistence," Cr Hersey said.

Sustainable energy transition

To ensure Victoria's offshore wind ambitions are fair, responsible and sustainable, One Gippsland has called for measures including:

  • Mandatory early and ongoing consultation with the fishing sector
  • Transparent data sharing and collaborative marine spatial planning
  • Protection of key fishing grounds from offshore wind infrastructure
  • Support for industry transition and innovation, including access to research, skills and technology funding
  • Transparent compensation frameworks for any loss of access or income

Cr Hersey said Gippsland was at the forefront of Australia's energy transition. "Gippsland has an abundance of natural resources and a highly skilled energy sector workforce. We are ready to deliver renewable projects while also ensuring the on-going prosperity of our existing industries such as fishing," Cr Hersey said.

Balancing industry growth

Cr Hersey said, "One Gippsland's in-principle support for the development of new energy technologies in the Gippsland region has never been without expectations. It is essential that our existing industries, including agriculture, fisheries and tourism, are not negatively impacted and that new investment, employment and social benefits are seen for our region," Cr Hersey said.

"We have an opportunity to show the rest of Australia that renewable energy and traditional industries can not only co-exist, but thrive. We want to work with our government partners to harness Gippsland's social, environmental and economic strengths and ensure Gippsland remains an attractive place to live, work and invest," Cr Hersey concluded.

Pictures from One Gippsland website.


Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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