Star of the South files EIA paperwork

Star of the South has lodged its environmental impact statement under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.The submission follows seven years of technical and environmental studies, including 26 assessments covering environmental, cultural, social and economic values, the developer said.The milestone comes alongside a land purchase for the project’s shore crossing, renewed Major Project Status, and a formal engagement agreement with Traditional Owners through the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation.“This environmental assessment reflects seven years of rigorous science and consultation to understand the local environment and how to protect it. We’ve done the work, and then some,to ensure government and the community can have confidence that the project will be delivered responsibly,” Star of the South CEO Charles Rattray said.“Securing the shore crossing site locks in a critical piece of the project’s infrastructure and reinforces our long-term commitment to Gippsland,” Mr Rattray added.“These milestones show that Australia’s offshore wind industry is no longer an idea on the horizon – it’s moving from concept to reality and Star of the South is leading the way. We’re getting on with Australia’s first offshore wind project to power more than 1.2 million homes and deliver 10 per cent of the emission reductions needed to reach Australia’s 2035 climate target” Mr Rattray said.“We have backed Gippsland from the very beginning – this region is at the heart of Australia’s energy history and its future. We are ready to turn years of local effort into real jobs, investment and energy security,” Mr Rattray said.The project has completed its feasibility studies, confirming it is suitably located and technically feasible, with construction targeted later this decade pending approvals.

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