Gippsland › Latest news › Committee for Gippsland

Feasibility licenses to Gippsland offshore wind projects will help continue infrastructure and workforce investment says Tony Cantwell

The Federal Government has awarded feasibility licenses to 12 projects in the Gippsland offshore wind zone. Tony Cantwell, CEO of Committee for Gippsland is advocating for continued investment in infrastructure and workforce development.

By news@gippsland - 30th May 2024 - Back to News

The federal government has announced 12 projects as recipients of feasibility licences for the Gippsland offshore wind zone. Committee for Gippsland CEO Tony Cantwell welcomed the Federal Government's announcement saying it was a pivotal moment for Gippsland in embracing new energy opportunities.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy designates suitable areas after consulting with fishing, offshore industries, marine users, governments, First Nations, and communities

Offshore wind milestone

Tony said, "This is an important step for offshore wind in Australia, and fantastic to see Gippsland taking a leading role, which C4G has advocated for in order to support our region's clean energy future and help attract investment into Gippsland. Gippsland has world-class natural resources, appropriate infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and the academic and vocational institutions essential for transitioning to clean energy."

"Congratulations also to the teams behind the projects including Southerly Ten, BlueFloat Energy, AGL, Orsted, Iberdrola, Origin x RES, Parkwind, Corio, RWE and Ocean Winds. The Committee for Gippsland looks forward to working with developers, industry, the local community and state and federal governments to help drive positive outcomes for the region through this transition," Mr Cantwell said.

Invest in infrastructure

While offshore wind developers can now conduct further assessments, surveys, and consultations as they prepare their final applications for building and operating wind farms in Gippsland, it is important that the government continue to invest in enabling infrastructure.

"There's still lots to do from investing in enabling infrastructure like transmission, roads, and ports, supporting the development of local supply chains, creating education and training pathways for the future workforce, and regional planning for the region's clean energy future.

"The Committee for Gippsland will continue to advocate for state and federal government investment that supports our region throughout the transition," Mr Cantwell said. An interactive map of the Gippsland offshore wind zone can be viewed at Australian Marine Spatial Information System (AMSIS) website.

Pictures from Committee for Gippsland website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com