GeelongPort pitches site to support offshore wind industry

GEELONGPORT is keen to be part of Victoria’s offshore wind industry, and is pushing a site on its land to be a key link in the process.

Originally announced in 2022, the Geelong Renewables Terminal is proposed to be built at up to 25 hectares of land at Oyster Cove in Corio Bay to support the Gippsland and Southern Ocean renewable energy zones.

The works are expected to cost about $500 million, with GeelongPort to make a final investment decision in mid-2025.

The Geelong Renewables Terminal proposal has the required space and berth depth for an offshore wind terminal, and been designed to have a streamlined environmental approvals pathway so it can be built by late 2028 or early 2029, in line with the Victorian government’s development targets.

Speaking at the Oyster Cove site yesterday (Friday, September 20), GeelongPort chief executive officer Brett Winter said GeelongPort was looking forward to working with both the state and federal and 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.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Corio federal member Richard Marles is backing the proposal.

“The Geelong Renewables Terminal would play an important role in driving the growth of renewable energy and boosting the Geelong region economy,” he said.

“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 said Geelong was an ideal region to support the growth of renewables.

“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.”