Community consultations open for VIC offshore wind transmission jobs

The Victorian Government’s VicGrid has started general public consultations relating to new transmission connections needed for offshore wind farms. 

Victorian Minister for Energy and Methods, Lily D’Ambrosio, declared that VicGrid has started general public consultation in Gippsland and Portland on a coordinated technique to new transmission connections that are necessary for offshore wind. 

VicGrid, will lead 4 phases of planned, respectful and ongoing general public engagement to share info and make sure neighborhood values and concerns are actively considered in the advancement of the new transmission.

VicGrid has well prepared a Progress and Engagement Roadmap 2023. This will offer facts on VicGrid’s position and progress strategy, invite comments on the solution, and build ongoing consultation and coordination preparations.

Period A single of the plan will start straight away with immediate, spot-dependent engagement with Classic Homeowners, communities and stakeholders. Only after this approach of information sharing will VicGrid begin establishing desired options for routes, which will be knowledgeable by the opinions been given by way of Period One particular.

“Victoria will be the house of Australia’s to start with offshore wind farms – the Point out Governing administration is  doing the job on new transmission connections to ensure all Victorian houses and corporations can access the benefits of this more affordable and cleaner electricity supply,” Ms D’Ambrosio stated.

The Victorian Governing administration has set formidable targets for at least 2GW of offshore wind capability by 2032, 4GW by 2035 and 9GW by 2040 – the equivalent to 6 Yallourn coal fired energy stations. The marketplace is predicted to make around 6,000 neighborhood jobs and generate billions in financial investment.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing reported, “We want to make sure area communities and stakeholders have a true voice in setting up this essential infrastructure so that it can profit all Victorians.”

For Victoria’s offshore wind business to prosper, and to make certain there is sufficient new capability to power the condition as ageing coal-fired generators retire, new connections are essential to have this renewable electricity to properties and companies across the point out.

VicGrid will ensure new transmission is available in time to help Victoria’s initial offshore wind farm, coordinate preparing to steer clear of a ‘spaghetti effect’ of a number of lines criss-crossing the landscape and minimise energy charges for households and enterprises.

Classic Homeowners, communities and stakeholders throughout Gippsland and Portland need to be at the heart of the get the job done. 

Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora said, “We’re eager to listen to from the Portland group on how we can provide these new connections – giving local communities the benefits of less expensive renewable vitality by way of wind.”