How can you get involved?
Get Involved
There is a real opportunity for Gippslanders to help to shape the development of new energy in our region. Knowledge about what these developments mean and being clear about our priorities, sensitivities and aspirations as a region will help our response.
There are many ways in which individuals, communities and organisations can get involved in shaping Gippsland’s New Energy future. Learn, have your say, attend an event, join a community energy group and more. Check below for current engagement opportunities.
Roundtable: Transmission Lines – 9 November, Flynn Community Hall
VicGrid is coordinating transmission for offshore wind in Gippsland. Learn more at a roundtable discussion at the Flynn Community Hall 4:30pm – 6:30pm 9 November 2023.
Numbers are limited, so please book your spot now: https://flynn-community-roundtable-NOV233.eventbrite.com.au or phone VicGrid on 1800 418 341 to register.
What’s On?
VicGrid Offshore Wind Transmission Map
VicGrid has provided the community with an interactive map to explore the proposed transmission route.
The proposed transmission technology is a double circuit 330 kilovolts (kV) or 500 kV overhead transmission line. Further detailed analysis is needed to determine whether 330 kV or 500 kV is the best solution.
The Gippsland offshore wind transmission study area starts about 6 km from the coast near Giffard and travels northwest past Stradbroke West, to Willung, across to Flynns Creek and on to the Loy Yang Power Station.
The study area and the associated connection hub area have been informed by feedback from local landowners, communities and regional stakeholders as well as by technical work carried out over the course of 2023.
Offshore wind is set to play a key role in powering Victoria as coal-fired power stations retire.
This transmission infrastructure will support the state’s first offshore wind target of 2 gigawatts (GW) by 2032, enough to power 1.5 million homes.
Offshore wind energy connections to the VicGrid connection hub are subject to the outcome of the feasibility licence process which is still underway.
Explore the map of the study area by click Learn More.
VicGrid Offshore Wind Transmission Study
Transmission is a crucial component of the renewable and new energy transition not only for Gippsland but for all of Victoria. VicGrid recently released a very important report on the study area for a new transmission line that will connect offshore wind energy to Victoria’s energy grid.
Drawing on feedback from local communities, the study area will avoid major towns, cover less private land than most other options we assessed, and allow us to explore opportunities to align with existing infrastructure.
You have the opportunity to have your say on the transmission infrastructure we need to connect offshore wind energy to Victorian homes and businesses.
Feed back closes 30 April 2024 Link to Engage Victoria
To learn more about the study area and next steps visit Click Learn More.
National Community Energy Congress
You can participate in the National Community Energy Congress by joining one of 3 Regional Congress Hubs streaming the event live from Sydney. Join the conversations and learn more about:
- Australian community energy champions
- Our energy future, the journey and the technology to get us there
- Creating community vision
Option 1: Council Chambers, 2 Michael Pl, Leongatha.
Option 2: Heyfield Community Resource Centre, 5 George St, Heyfield.
Option 3: Nakunbalook Environmental and Cultural Education Centre, Sale Botanic Gardens.
This hybrid event is made with the support of: Coalition for Community Energy, Smart Energy Council, DEECA Gippsland, Sustainability Victoria, Wellington Shire Council, South Gippsland Shire Council, Heyfield Community Resource Centre.
Please register by Monday March 4th for catering purposes. Learn More button to register.
Gippsland Women in New Energy Launch
GWNE will officially launch on Friday 8 March – International Women’s Day – at Carrajung Estate.
We’ll be there and look forward to connecting with women and men from across Gippsland interested in creating a diverse and inclusive energy industry for the region.
Find out more and get your tickets
www.eventcreate.com/e/iwdgippsland
What’s On Form
Image credit: Angharad Neal Williams and Gippsland Social Enterprise Collective.
Join a community energy group
Across Gippsland, individuals and community groups are actively exploring, building and using renewable energy in their towns and homes.
Check out the below groups to find out how you can get involved in your local area:
- Baw Baw Sustainability Network
- Energy Innovation Co-operative
- Environment Victoria
- Gippsland Alliance for Climate Action
- Gippsland Climate Change Network
- Green Lab Futures
- Heyfield MyTown Microgrid
- Just Transition South Gippsland
- Regen Gippsland
- Sandy Point Community Power
- Totally Renewable Phillip Island
- Venus Bay Community Energy
- Voices of the Valley
- Mycelia Renewables
- Wellington Climate Action Network Inc.