The Star of the South project, a proposed 2.2 gigawatt offshore wind farm off the coast of Gippsland in Victoria, has officially launched its bid for environmental approval, marking a significant milestone for Australia's burgeoning offshore wind industry. This ambitious project, which has been in the works for several years, aims to install up to 147 turbines, each towering at a maximum height of 350 meters, within a 586 km2 license area between 10 to 40 kilometers off the Gippsland coast.
The project's environmental impact assessment, comprising a 2,500-page draft Commonwealth Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and a Victorian Environment Effects Statement (EES), is now open for public review and comment until the end of June. This is a crucial step in the federal and state government's environmental assessment process, which will ultimately determine the project's fate.
Erin Coldham, the chief development officer at Southerly Ten, the company behind the project, emphasizes the extensive research, consultation, and technical studies that have gone into the environmental assessments. With a total of 15,000 pages of technical reports, Southerly Ten has set a high standard for transparency and accountability.
The environmental assessments cover a broad spectrum of topics, including marine ecology, fish and invertebrate populations, offshore ornithology, and electromagnetic field exposure. One of the standout features is the largest-ever marine ecology survey program in Bass Strait, conducted over three years (2021-2023) using surveys, satellite tracking, and underwater monitoring to study birds, fish, and other marine life.
Among the 26 technical reports, Southerly Ten has made deep dives into Benthic Ecologies, Fish and Invertebrates, Offshore Ornithology and Bats, Electromagnetic Field Exposure, Onshore Noise and Vibration, and Underwater Noise Modelling. Coldham notes the company's efforts to make these reports accessible to the public, breaking them down into summary reports, information chapters, and technical chapters.
The Star of the South project proposes to install turbines with an 'air gap' of 35 meters, significantly reducing collision risks for birds. During construction, noise suppression measures will be employed to minimize the impact on marine life, utilizing a double big bubble curtain, the best available sound attenuation system.
On land, the project will use underground cables and trenchless construction methods to protect the environment and reduce long-term impacts on landholders. The project promises to replace coal power generators, supplying around 20% of Victoria's electricity needs and injecting billions of dollars into the local Gippsland economy while creating hundreds of jobs.
However, the project's location and design have also drawn scrutiny. The assessment identified 18 marine mammal and turtle species that may use or migrate through the study area, with some species observed during visual aerial surveys. The project's location and design have been tailored to minimize adverse environmental impacts, including avoiding reef habitats and lifting turbine tips to 35 meters to reduce risks to birds.
Despite these efforts, the project's future remains uncertain. The EIS and EES documents will be on public display between May 18 and June 29, and public submissions are invited. Government decision-makers will review the assessments and public feedback before making a final decision on whether to approve the project as Australia's first offshore wind farm.
In conclusion, the Star of the South project represents a significant step towards Australia's energy security in a low-emissions future. However, the project's success hinges on public support and the government's decision, which will be influenced by the public's perception of the project's environmental impact and its potential benefits for the local community and the country's energy landscape.
