Gippsland's future wind farm policy will be guided by 50 volunteer residents
Community consultation is key to getting the best result from offshore wind, says Wellington Shire Deputy Mayor
Jacob Wallace
June 05, 2025
Fifty randomly selected Gippsland residents have begun deliberating how offshore wind development can best benefit coastal Victorian communities.
The community assembly represents a new approach to major infrastructure consultation, while planning continues for a major renewable energy conference in September.
Wellington Shire Deputy Mayor Cindy Madeley announced the beginning of the consultation at Tuesday's council meeting.
Households from Inverloch to Loch Sport were invited to register their interest in the program, which will run through June. The 50 applicants, randomly selected by Gippsland Climate Change Network and DemocracyCo, will answer questions on how the changes coming with offshore wind construction can benefit local communities.
After these responses have been received, a set of recommendations will then be put forward to local and state government for response.
The consultation process was designed to give coastal communities and regional towns the chance to speak on Australia’s renewable energy future.
Currently, there are 12 proposed offshore wind farms for Gippsland that the Victorian government says will generate enough energy to power 1.5 million homes (2 gigawatts) by 2032.
The 12 proposed offshore wind farms in Gippsland.
Last month, the government agency responsible for planning and developing renewable energy and new transmission lines in the state, Vicgrid, released its draft plan proposing renewable hub and transmission line development locations in Gippsland.
Madeley said the network has also secured funding from regional development Victoria to support further community energy projects.
“Including updates to the Gippsland New Energy portal, youth education programs on renewable careers and coordination of offshore winds and electrification for local groups.
“Planning is also underway for the Gippsland New Energy conference in Traralgon on September 9 and 10. This event, originally initiated by Wellington Shire, will feature prominent speakers with a research focus and a farm sustainability showcase.”
Image credit: John Englart.
