May 29, 2026
Currently in the advanced stages of development, Star of the South is Australia’s most advanced offshore wind project.
In May 2026, the draft Commonwealth Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Victorian Environment Effects Statement (EES) were released for public consultation.
About the Star of the South Project
Located off the south coast of Gippsland, The Star of the South will harness the strong Bass Strait winds to power up to 1.2 million homes annually with an installed capacity of up to 2.2 GW. The project can meet approximately 20% of Victoria’s current electricity demand.
The project commenced in 2019, exploring the potential for an offshore wind project off the Gippsland coast by studying the wind, seabed and marine environment. Those studies confirmed that Gippsland has the strongest offshore wind fundamentals in Australia and, in 2024, the project secured a feasibility licence. All initial site studies have been completed and confirmed that the project is technically feasible.
Pending approvals, the Star of the South project aims to start construction around 2030 and deliver first power by 2032. Per the draft Commonwealth Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), construction may take up to 7 years if the project is built to its maximum capacity. Construction is expected to take place in stages, starting with the onshore works before moving offshore.
The project is expected to operate for 30 years before being decommissioned at the end of its life.
The next steps for the project include:
- Securing all approvals
- Participating in the Victorian offshore wind auction
- Reaching a final investment decision
Have Your Say: Environmental assessment public review
Star of the South’s draft Commonwealth Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and draft Victorian Environment Effects Statement (EES) are currently available for public consultation.
This is an important opportunity to have your say on the Star of the South project. Submissions for both assessments must be received by 11:59 pm on Monday 29 June.
Commonwealth Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
The draft Commonwealth Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) provides an assessment of Star of the South’s construction, operation and decommissioning activities and sets out measures to protect the environment at each stage.
Find out more about the draft Commonwealth Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and complete the submission by 11:59 pm on Monday 29 June.
Victorian Environment Effects Statement (EES)
An Inquiry is collecting submissions to consider the environmental effects of the Victorian works of the proposed Star of the South Project on the Victorian Environment.
The draft Victorian Environment Effects Statement (EES) relates to the works that are set to be completed in Victoria.
Through the Victorian EES, it outlines that the proposed works for the Star of the South project include underground cables located in Victorian waters (approximately 5.5 km offshore) and on land between Reeves Beach and Giffard (approximately 30 kilometres) in Gippsland, Victoria.
The key components of the works in Victoria include the development of:
- up to eight offshore export cables in Victorian waters to connect the offshore wind farm (located outside of Victorian waters) to the shore crossing
- up to eight trenchless crossings for the export cables to make landfall at the shore crossing at Reeves Beach in South Gippsland; and
- an underground cable system connecting the shore crossing to the proposed VicGrid connection hub.
The EES assesses works in Victoria associated with Star of the South’s underground transmission cables. For information about the offshore wind farm and an assessment of the whole project, refer to the Commonwealth EIS.
Find out more about the draft Victorian Environment Effects Statement (EES) and complete the submission by 11:59 pm on Monday 29 June.
Community Engagement
Community Drop-in Information Sessions
Drop-in anytime to talk with Star of the South’s team in person and look through the documentation.
- Traralgon Town Hall – Thursday 28 May, 5 – 7pm
- Seaspray Hall – Friday 29 May, 4 – 6pm
- Foster War Memorial Hall – Saturday 30 May, 10am – 12pm
- Port Albert Hall – Saturday 30 May, 2 – 4pm
- Woodside Hall – Monday 1 June, 4:30-6:30pm
Community pop-ups
Star of the South’s team will be available to chat with locals about the environmental assessments and provide project information.
- Gippsland Centre Sale – Monday 1 June, 10am – 12pm
- McLoughlins Beach – Saturday 6 June, 9 – 11am
Webinar
Star of the South recently hosted a webinar to discuss the project and environmental assessments. It can be viewed here.
Have Your Say
VRFish encourages any recreational fishers that fish in the proposed area or want to know more about the project to visit the Star of the South website.
If you have any feedback to assist us representing your interests, please drop us a line at [email protected].
