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Darren Chester welcomes Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Bill to allow large Bass Strait projects with hundreds of local jobs

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed the introduction of legislation to develop offshore electricity infrastructure with local jobs at stake.

By news@gippsland - 8th September 2021 - Back to News

Mr Chester said the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Bill introduced to Federal Parliament would establish a regulatory framework to cover all phases of generation and transmission projects. "Large scale projects are already being proposed for Bass Strait with hundreds of local jobs likely to be generated if the projects are approved," Mr Chester said.

The offshore wind farm legislation will provide competitive advantages that will also help boost the reliability of our energy industry sector

Competitive advantages

Mr Chester said, "This legislation will provide the energy industry with the certainty it needs to further invest in offshore projects, complete the feasibility work, and get them underway, if they are viable."

"Extensive community consultation has started and our region has some competitive advantages due to the availability of wind, and existing energy infrastructure. Already we have proposed projects that will benefit from this legislation, including the Star of the South project off our Gippsland coast and the Marinus Link interconnector between Victoria and Tasmania," Mr Chester said.

Boosting reliability of the energy sector

Mr Chester said the legislation delivered on a 2019 election commitment to establish the framework. "These projects have the potential to boost the reliability of our energy sector and create local jobs through construction, development and ongoing operational requirements."

"There have been many calls to establish this framework and the introduction of the legislation is a positive step forward," "As we look to diversify our energy base, we must ensure that there is legislation in place that protects existing users like commercial and recreational fishing, and also allows projects to proceed if they are in the national interest." Mr Chester said.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  East Gippsland Shire Council's Planning Roadshow will visit Mallacoota on August 17, offering residents face-to-face planning advice, permit guidance and access to the new AI-powered myLot planning tool.
• East Gippsland communities transform emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience, recovery and local stories
  East Gippsland communities have transformed emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience and recovery, with artworks completed at four locations and three more projects planned for Gipsy Point, South Buchan and Benambra.
• Gippsland community groups invited to apply for grants up to $20,000 under Stronger Communities Program Round 10 until 23 November 2026
  Gippsland community organisations can apply for $2,500 to $20,000 grants under Round 10 of the Stronger Communities Programme, with $150,000 available for local infrastructure and social benefit projects.
• International partners visit Gippsland to explore energy diversification and regional development opportunities firsthand together
  One Gippsland hosted European partners for a five-day Gippsland visit, exploring energy diversification, regional development, workforce opportunities, infrastructure, agriculture and collaboration between Australian and European regions.
• Paynesville Maritime Precinct officially opens following $13M investment to boost boating, tourism, jobs and local business growth
  Paynesville’s $13 million Slip Road Maritime Precinct officially opened, delivering improved waterfront access, jetties and boating facilities to boost tourism, local businesses, jobs and Gippsland Lakes recreation.
• Baw Baw Employment Expo returns this September to connect job seekers with local employers and training providers
  Baw Baw Employment Expo returns September 30, connecting job seekers with local employers, vacancies and training providers. The free event also offers resume support, networking opportunities, industry insights, coffee vouchers and lunch.
• Latrobe City recognised among Australia's most affordable regional centres for businesses, investors and skilled workers
  Latrobe City welcomes research ranking Traralgon-Morwell third nationally for affordability, highlighting lower costs, skilled workers, infrastructure and investment opportunities across emerging industries.