On Friday 20 September, the Committee for Geelong convened an event with Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for Corio Richard Marles to showcase the preparations for GeelongPort’s Renewables Terminal.
GeelongPort is aiming to develop up to 25 hectares of land at its Oyster Cove site and build a new offshore wind farm terminal to support Victoria’s growing renewables industry in the Gippsland and Southern Ocean zones.
The Geelong Renewables Terminal proposal has been designed for a streamlined environmental approvals pathway to support the delivery of the project in late 2028 or early 2029, in line with the Victorian Government’s development targets.
CEO Brett Winter said GeelongPort was looking forward to working with both Federal and State Governments to achieve their renewable energy targets.
“Achieving Australia’s renewable energy targets will require both public and private sectors to come together and work hand in glove to accelerate the project. We believe our new terminal can be a cornerstone of Victoria’s multi-port strategy to support the establishment of the offshore wind sector and achieve two gigawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2032.
“Given the natural advantages of the Oyster Cove site and the speed at which we can get our project up and running, we are well placed to help get this new industry off the ground and achieve Australia’s offshore wind targets.”
GeelongPort’s site at Oyster Cove has the required space and berth depth for an offshore wind terminal to facilitate the supply of wind farm equipment to Victoria’s offshore wind development zones.
Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for Corio Richard Marles, who attended the event, said the Geelong Renewables Terminal would play an important role in driving the growth of renewable energy and boosting the Geelong region economy.
“Unlocking the power of offshore wind in Australia will help power the nation.
“Projects like the Geelong Renewables Terminal will be important as we work towards becoming a renewable energy superpower, contributing to Australia’s 2050 net zero emissions target and I am pleased to support this project.
“This will see significant economic benefits for the wider Geelong region, with the project forecast to create more than 4,200 direct and indirect jobs for Victorians during construction and an additional 850 once operational.”
Committee for Geelong CEO Michael Johnston agreed that Geelong is an ideal region to support the burgeoning renewables industry.
“We believe there is a genuine opportunity for Geelong and GeelongPort to play a role in the development of the offshore wind industry. We have a highly skilled workforce, advanced manufacturing focus, leading tertiary educators and a world-class port ready, willing and able to support this vital industry.”
-ends.
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