ONE GIPPSLAND CALLS FOR 'POWERFUL' RENEWABLE INVESTMENT

One Gippsland has today released a new policy aimed at creating powerful renewable investment in the region.
 
The policy welcomes the extensive commitment to Gippsland by the Victorian and Australian Governments, but is making the call to ensure the investment has lasting community benefit.

South Gippsland Shire Council Mayor and Deputy Chair of One Gippsland Cr Nathan Hersey said the proposed renewable energy investment has the potential to deliver a much-welcomed economic boost that will support the region to transition away from traditional energy production.
 
“We are conscious that this is a once in a generation opportunity to ensure this investment comes with significant local benefit across a range of areas including infrastructure, skills and housing,” One Gippsland Deputy Chair Cr Nathan Hersey said.
 
The One Gippsland Offshore Wind Policy also calls for:
 

  • Protection of local industry including fishing, farming and visual amenity of coastal sites for tourism;

  • Collaborative design of a community benefit framework to create a social licence and legacy for the region;

  • Investment in broadscale offshore skills to offset the risk of offshore projects removing skilled workers from local companies;

  • Investment in enabling infrastructure such as roads, rail, telecommunications and social infrastructure;

  • Investment in strategic infrastructure including development of the Barry Beach Marine Terminal; and

  • Investment in housing to alleviate pressure on the local housing markets as a result of the project development.

 
“The scale of renewable investment means that a large range of stakeholders are going to be affected, so we are also making the call for minimum standards and best practice engagement for all proponents, particularly in relation to upgrades to transmission lines,” Cr Hersey said.
 
Given that the proposed offshore wind developments in Gippsland are an Australian first, One Gippsland is also advocating that the Australian and Victorian Governments invest in new research to better understand and manage any possible impacts to our pristine Gippsland environment.

One Gippsland's Policy Priorities makes the case for new investment in local infrastructure as a platform for economic development, particularly the South Gippsland ports Barry Beach Marine Terminal and Port Anthony which are strategically positioned to to play a crucial role in the development of a new renewable energy industry.
 
“The offshore wind installations proposed for Gippsland are breaking new ground from a technical perspective, however it is equally important that local communities are brought along the journey in Victoria’s race to renewables,” Cr Hersey concluded.   

Collective Position