Winds of change await as offshore industrial banks on government declaration
The burgeoning offshore wind industry is awaiting a declaration from the federal government to start major work on the water. Key points: The renewable energy industry is waiting for the federal government to designate Gippsland as an offshore wind development zone There are five wind farm projects planning to build turbines off the coast of Gippsland CSIRO says the price for building an offshore wind farm has dropped significantly, making it a viable option There are five offshore wind farms planned off the coast of Gippsland, with the hope of leveraging the existing transmission infrastructure of the Latrobe Valley. Under a new law governing offshore wind farms passed by Parliament last year, operators are only allowed to carry out certain activities in zones designated for offshore wind development. The most developed project, Star of the South, plans to erect up to 200 turbines in the windswept waters of Gippsland. Acting chief executive Erin Coldham said making the declaration wou