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Energy Readiness Plan

How can we manage future growth in South Gippsland and Wellington Shires?

South Gippsland and Wellington Shire Councils are developing an Energy Readiness Plan to prepare for expected changes linked to energy investment. We'd love your feedback. 

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windmills, offshore wind farm

Complete Survey Here

Provide your feedback in person

The team leading the development of an Energy Readiness Plan (ERP) for Wellington and South Gippsland Shires will be visiting local coffee shops and markets to chat with residents about the potential opportunities and challenges. Stop in for a chat at the following locations:

  • Leongatha - Wed 11 Nov @ Number 9 Dream Café (7:00-10:00am) 
  • Foster - Thurs 12 Nov @ Bohnny’s Café (7:30-10:30am) 
  • Sale - Tues 17 Nov @ Red Catt Café (7:00-10:00am) 
  • Yarram - Wed 18 Nov @ Yarram Coffee Palace (8:00-11:00am) 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What towns are being considered in the Plan?
    As a starting point, we are taking a closer look at several locations across both councils where growth pressures, opportunities, or infrastructure needs warrant further planning. These include the areas of Yarram, Sale, Foster, Leongatha, Port Anthony/Barry Beach, and other communities. These towns are initial focus areas only. Through technical analysis and community engagement, we will review these areas and identify whether other towns or communities also need closer investigation. As the Plan progresses, some projects will need to be prioritised through the development of business cases. Not all projects or locations can be funded, but the prioritisation will be done transparently in 2027.
  2. What is the Gippsland Renewable Energy Land and Infrastructure Plan (RELIP)?
    The Gippsland Renewable Energy Land and Infrastructure Plan (the Plan) is a major planning project being developed by Wellington and South Gippsland Shire Councils in partnership with Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation. It is supported through a $4.7 million Commonwealth Government investment under the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program. The Plan is about preparing our communities for change. It will our two Councils determine where growth might occur and what will be needed to support future growth.
  3. Why are we planning for growth now?
    Energy and other major projects will bring new jobs and investment to our region. New workers and their families will create more demand for housing, roads, infrastructure, services and community facilities.Planning early gives us time to prepare for this growth, work on current issues and make the most of the regional investment.
  4. Does the Plan decide where renewable energy projects will go?
    No. The Plan does not determine the location or approval of wind farms, solar farms, battery projects or transmission infrastructure. Those projects go through separate planning and environmental assessment processes. The Plan instead helps Councils to determine what communities will need to support future growth, and prioritise projects that can be progressed, funded and delivered to strengthen housing, local job opportunities, infrastructure and services.
  5. What will you do with my feedback?
    What we hear from communities will be considered alongside technical analysis, existing Council strategies and input from Traditional Owners, government agencies, industry and other stakeholders. This first stage of engagement will inform an Issues and Opportunities Report, which will provide an important foundation for developing the Plan. We will report back on what we heard and there will be further opportunities to provide feedback as the Plan develops in 2027.
  6. What happens next?
    Late 2026: Community, Traditional Owner, industry, government and stakeholder engagement to identify issues and opportunities
    Early 2027: Share what we've heard and seek community and stakeholder feedback as the Plan develops.