Three reasons why offshore wind is a perfect next step for Gippsland

For decades, Gippsland powered Victoria through coal and gas. Now, as coal fired power plants age and close, a new future presents itself for Gippsland – to lead Australia in offshore wind generation. This energy future that supports local jobs, protects community health and cuts climate pollution.

Are you a Gippsland resident that supports a clean energy future? Send a message the Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, to back offshore wind. ⏩

While there is widespread public support for the energy transition in the Gippsland region, there’s still a lot of misinformation floating around in relation to offshore wind. We’re here to provide the facts. Put simply, there are three key reasons why offshore wind is the perfect next step for Gippsland.

1. It will boost local jobs, and the local economy

Offshore wind is already a proven industry globally, with around 14,000 turbines installed at sea producing 150% more energy than Australia’s total annual electricity use. 

Gippsland has one of the best offshore wind resources in the world. 

Harnessing the strong winds off Gippsland’s coast could deliver thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in regional investment, particularly in ports engineering, manufacturing and long-term operations. 

Recent modelling by Jacobs shows that 7 GW of offshore wind in Gippsland alone could deliver major economic benefits across Gippsland, and continue the region’s legacy of powering Victoria. 

It would reduce the need for large amounts of additional onshore generation, transmission, gas peaking and storage while lowering wholesale electricity prices across the grid.

By 2040, this could translate into around $5.9 billion in annual savings for electricity consumers, while also cutting emissions and reducing reliance on expensive gas. 

With the right policy support, offshore wind can help Gippsland continue its long tradition of powering the state — this time with energy that is cleaner, more secure and built for the future.

Workers with an unfinished wind turbine in Portland, Victoria. Image credit: Arsineh Houspian

2. It will lead to a healthier community

Moving away from coal and gas power is not only good for the climate — it is good for people.

Burning fossil fuels like coal releases harmful air pollution that contributes to asthma, heart disease and other health problems. Young and old people are particularly at risk. Replacing ageing coal power stations with clean energy sources like offshore wind can dramatically reduce this pollution and help improve air quality. 

Offshore wind also provides large volumes of reliable clean electricity, helping replace gas generation across the grid while maintaining energy security as coal stations retire. This means Victoria can keep the lights on while reducing pollution that harms people’s health. 

Cleaner energy means cleaner air, healthier communities and lower health costs over time. Offshore wind gives Gippsland the opportunity to help power the state while protecting the health of families and future generations.  

A family enjoying an Australian beach. Image credit: Annette Ruzicka

3. It will help support nature

Climate change is one of the greatest threats to Australia’s wildlife and ecosystems including our spectacular reefs, alpine forests, rainforests and the wildlife they support. Rapidly replacing coal and gas with renewable energy is essential to protecting nature. 

Offshore wind can generate large amounts of clean electricity close to major population centres, reducing the need for extensive new onshore infrastructure and helping limit pressure on sensitive landscapes. 

According to recent modelling, offshore wind in Gippsland could deliver around 20% of the emissions reductions needed for Australia’s 2035 climate targets, helping cut pollution while supporting a reliable electricity system as coal plants retire. 

As for local wildlife, there is no scientific evidence to support claims that offshore wind leads to injured marine life. On the contrary, some offshore wind infrastructure can attract, and provide habitat for marine life, acting as an artificial reef. 

With careful planning and strong environmental safeguards, offshore wind allows Australia to tackle climate change while protecting the landscapes, wildlife and coastal environments that make Gippsland special.

By pursuing offshore wind and a clean energy future, Gippsland would see a boost to local jobs, local economy, and the health of humans and nature. If this sounds like something you want for Gippsland, let Darren Chester know. ⏩

A woman walking along a beach-side trail in Victoria. Image credit: Shutterstock/Quincy Lee

Send your local MP a message

Darren Chester represents Gippsland in Federal Parliament. He is a National Party MP who is on the fence about offshore wind.

Ask him to support offshore wind and other renewables that deliver jobs, cleaner energy and a safer future for the region.

Sign the open letter saying:

Header image: an offshore wind farm in the Netherlands. Image credit: Nuon, Amsterdam and Jorrit Lousberg, Rotterdam, The Netherlands