Renewable Energy

Local government funding and infrastructure

One of Council's key concerns is ensuring that local government has the resources required to support the development of a major new industry.

Large-scale renewable energy projects can create additional demands on local infrastructure and services, including roads, waste management, emergency management, community facilities, planning services, workforce accommodation and other local government responsibilities.

It essential that appropriate funding and benefit-sharing arrangements are established so that the financial and service impacts of major renewable energy development are not transferred to local ratepayers and that the benefits of major investment are shared locally.

Council is particularly advocating for:

• Investment in enabling infrastructure;

• Appropriate funding and resourcing for local government;

• Opportunities for local businesses and workers;

• Development of local supply chains and skills;

• Appropriate planning for housing and community infrastructure;

• A strong role for Gippsland's ports and transport infrastructure;

• Effective coordination between Commonwealth, Victorian and local governments;

• Meaningful community engagement; and

• Long-term regional economic development opportunities.

Community and environmental considerations

Council recognises that offshore wind development can raise legitimate questions and concerns within the community.

These may relate to visual amenity, the environment, marine activities, tourism, fishing, infrastructure, housing, local character and the broader pace and scale of change.

Council considers open, transparent and meaningful engagement to be essential.

Council will continue to advocate for clear information about proposed developments and their potential impacts, as well as appropriate opportunities for communities, Traditional Owners and other affected stakeholders to participate in decision-making processes.

Supporting renewable energy does not mean that all projects or all impacts should be accepted without consideration. Council will continue to assess proposals and policy settings in the context of South Gippsland's environmental, economic, social and community values.

Working across Gippsland

The scale of offshore wind development means that many of the opportunities and impacts extend beyond individual municipal boundaries.

South Gippsland Council is therefore working with Wellington Shire Council and other Gippsland organisations to promote a coordinated regional approach.

Regional collaboration can help ensure that Gippsland presents a clear and consistent position to government and industry and is better placed to secure investment, infrastructure, employment and economic opportunities.

Council will continue to work with regional partners to strengthen Gippsland's preparedness for offshore wind and the broader energy transition.