Two announcements this month signal the offshore wind industry in Gippsland is edging closer to becoming reality, despite concerns that a change in the Victorian government come November could derail the roll out of turbines in the Bass Strait.

What happened: Last year, South Gippsland and Wellington Shire councils won $4.7 million in funding from the federal government to work out which communities will need housing, land, infrastructure and road developments before the thousands of expected jobs arrive in the region. This week they announced how that funding would be used.

While council planning proceeds, the Victorian government confirmed Australia’s first ever offshore wind auction will be later this month.

⚡ A renewable preparation plan 

South Gippsland and Wellington Shire councils’ first step in utilising the funding package from the federal government is hiring a project coordinator who will lead planning on how best to prepare the region for the 15,000 expected jobs during the construction of offshore wind turbines.

South Gippsland Mayor, Nathan Hersey, told the Monitor the shires are looking to make the most of the economic opportunity from offshore wind.

Read the full story here.

A curious property in Yarragon is up for sale. The old post office on Campbell Street was built in 1926. But how did it become surrounded by car parking bays?

Take a look at the video below to hear about the history of the property and the Baw Baw Shire town of Yarragon.

Australians have installed almost 500,000 home batteries, but most are unaware of programs that would ensure money back in their pocket.

My colleague Archie Milligan from the National Account took a look at how homeowners with batteries could be making $100 to $200 a year by signing up to a virtual power plant (VPP) network.

Take a look at Archie’s video below.