GIPPSLAND can benefit from the coming energy transition including from offshore wind and hydrogen developments, but only if the right policy settings are in place, according to local MP Danny O’Brien.
The Member for Gippsland South recently outlined a suite of recommendations to ensure that coming changes in the energy sector – especially with respect to offshore wind – provide some benefits to Gippsland.
Mr O’Brien has included the recommendations in a report to state parliament after undertaking recent travel to Europe to better understand the offshore wind industry.
“Whether we like it or not, it appears there is going to be a significant offshore wind industry off the Gippsland Coast, but there is a risk that the benefits of these developments could pass us by and Gippsland only experience the negatives like transmission lines,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Having seen how the offshore wind industry operates in the UK and Denmark, I am optimistic that there are offshore job opportunities for our region, but only if the government gets policy right.
“This is a port-based industry, and the state government must encourage the development of Barry Beach Marine Terminal in South Gippsland to be used as both an operations and maintenance base and potentially for construction activity if we are to reap the benefits.
“Without utilising a local port, we will see the activity happening off our coast but will reap very few jobs or economic outcomes from the offshore wind sector.
“The fact the state government has chosen to invest in a new port at Hastings suggests it doesn’t understand how Gippsland could miss out.”
Other recommendations in Mr O’Brien’s report include that state and federal government should actively pursue offshore wind component manufacturing facilities, that fishing and other marine users must be genuinely considered, and a seabed HV/DC cable connection to the electricity grid should be investigated.
“There is significant concern from local land holders who would be impacted by a new transmission line through Gippsland,” Mr O’Brien said.
“I understand the cost and technical challenges with going underground, but a seabed cable around Wilsons Prom and into Melbourne may well be an option and I urge the state government and developers to investigate it.”
Mr O’Brien is also backing the development of a Gippsland hydrogen and carbon capture and storage industry, as well as improved outcomes from the creation of pit lake in Latrobe Valley coal mines. His report was presented to parliament last month and can be viewed online.
