Renewable Energy
Our Position and Background
Council's approach
South Gippsland Shire Council is committed to supporting the Gippsland region for the influx of renewable energy projects to be established in the coming years and recognises the significant opportunities that offshore wind and other renewable energy projects can provide for Gippsland, Victoria and Australia. State and National policy targets dictate that emissions must be reduced to net zero by 2050.
Council's support for renewable energy development is informed by the need to balance the benefits of the energy transition with the interests and priorities of our community. Offshore wind development needs to occur with Gippsland, rather than to Gippsland. This means ensuring that local government, communities, Traditional Owners, industry and other regional stakeholders are meaningfully involved in decisions that affect the region, and that Gippsland is appropriately resourced to support the development of this nationally significant industry.
Our Position and Advocacy
Council believes successful renewable energy development should:
- Support Australia's energy transition and energy security;
- Create meaningful economic and employment opportunities for Gippsland;
- Provide opportunities for local businesses and workers to participate in emerging industries;
- Support investment in regional infrastructure;
- Appropriately recognise and manage impacts on communities, agriculture, tourism, the environment and local character;
- Involve local government, communities and Traditional Owners in decisions that affect them;
- Provide clear and transparent communication between government, industry and communities;
- Ensure infrastructure and services are planned and funded in advance of increased demand; and
- Ensure the costs associated with supporting major new industries are not unfairly borne by local ratepayers.
Council's support is therefore measured and informed by the need to ensure that renewable energy development delivers lasting benefits for South Gippsland while appropriately managing local impacts.
Federal Government Gippsland Offshore Wind Zone Engagement
Council endorsed a submission to the Federal Government's Offshore Renewable Energy Infrastructure Area Proposal. The submission provided in-principle support for offshore renewable energy, but also outlined Council's concerns, which primarily stemmed from our community's feedback and a lack of information on the direct and indirect impacts, including the proposed zone's visual impacts of areas adjacent to our south western coastline and bays.
South Gippsland and Latrobe City Renewable Energy Impact and Readiness Study
South Gippsland Shire Council and Latrobe City Council, in conjunction with Regional Development Australia, commissioned a Renewable Energy Impact and Readiness Study, which was adopted by South Gippsland Shire Council in July 2024.
The Study considers the economic, social and land use implications of renewable energy development, including:
- Infrastructure and community readiness;
- Housing and accommodation;
- Workforce and skills;
- Local business and supply chain opportunities;
- Ports and transport infrastructure;
- Economic development; and
- The capacity of local communities to respond to change.
This work is helping Council identify the infrastructure, investment, workforce and economic development requirements needed to ensure South Gippsland is positioned to participate in the energy transition.
South Gippsland Shire Council's Current Position on Renewable Energy in South Gippsland
Council adopted a submission to VicGrid's draft Victorian Transmission Plan Guidelines in July 2024.
This explains that Council supports renewable energy development in principle, but recognises the changing energy landscape. Council's support is measured, considering the need to limit negative impacts on our nationally-significant agricultural and tourism land, especially the impacts to our economy, local character, natural landscape, culture and environment.