SouthWest Victoria Alliance is offering to help the State Government ensure that a proposed renewable energy terminal is secured for Victoria.
The terminal, which is vital to the state’s energy transformation is in danger of being located interstate following a recent decision by the Federal Environment Minister to block the Port of Hastings renewable energy terminal.
The alliance – which includes the shires of Colac-Otway, Corangamite, Glenelg, Moyne, Southern Grampians, the City of Warrnambool and representation from Deakin University and Wannon Water – is offering to work with the state government to ensure that the terminal, remains in Victoria.
Landside port facilities are necessary to manage and assemble turbines and foundations for offshore windfarms. Alternative sites mentioned for the terminal include the Port of Bell Bay, on the north coast of Tasmania.
SouthWest Victoria Alliance Chair Cr Ben Blain said:
“With the recent announcement by the Federal Environment Minister blocking the development of the Port of Hastings renewable energy terminal, we must work together to secure this key renewable asset for Victoria.
“The SouthWest Victoria Alliance would welcome the opportunity to engage with the State government on the potential for a location in southwest Victoria to become home to this important project.
“The region has a long and proud history of providing energy to the state. For more than 20 years it has been home to renewable energy production.
“The Port of Portland is an important export location transporting 45% of the state’s dry bulk cargo. It is a busy working port that handles large vessels.
“The importance of offshore wind in delivering emissions targets both at the Australian and Victorian level cannot be understated.
“The absence of an import port near offshore windtower locations effectively prohibits the roll out of offshore wind farms in southern Australia due to the prevailing weather conditions and the distances involved.
“Portland would provide crucial access to windfarm locations off the coasts of Victoria and South Australia.
“It is impractical to barge wind-tower components from Tasmania to Victoria.
“Using Portland would also allow value capture and job creation in the SouthWest Victoria region.
“SouthWest Victoria’s strategic location opens doors to global opportunities. We are poised to work with our community to ensure that we harness every opportunity to benefit our region and connect with the wider world.
“We understand the vital importance of energy transition and want to see our region play a role.
“This new industry should bring opportunity and prosperity and deliver jobs, training, and community infrastructure to support our community into the future.
“The SouthWest Victoria Alliance is ready to engage with government and industry to explore ways that a renewable energy terminal can still be built in Victoria in our region.
“The use of the Port of Portland for off-shore wind components would require infrastructure upgrades and investment given the weight of components,” Cr Blain said.
Resources:
- Map of Gippsland, Victoria declared offshore wind area https://www.dcceew.gov.au/energy/renewable/offshore-wind/areas/gippsland
- Map of Southern Ocean region off Victoria and South Australia, proposed offshore wind area: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/energy/renewable/offshore-wind/areas/southern-ocean-region#toc_2
