GeelongPort reveals plans for wind farm hub

GEELONGPORT has announced its intentions to become a major player in Victoria’s renewables industry, revealing plans to develop up to 25 hectares of its land for a wind farm hub.

Located at Oyster Cove near GeelongPort’s Lascelles Wharf, the precinct will provide bespoke facilities for the berthing, laydown, and construction of equipment for onshore and offshore wind farm projects.

The new precinct is expected to be a major contributor to economic activity in Geelong and regional Victoria by boosting jobs in the region, developing local supply chains, and providing infrastructure to attract renewables businesses.

GeelongPort chief executive officer Brett Winter said GeelongPort was proud to be a part of Victoria’s transition to renewable energy outlined in the Victorian Offshore Wind Policy Directions Paper, released in March.

“GeelongPort is committed to supporting the establishment and growth of this emerging industry,” he said.

“The strategic location of our port means that we can play a key leadership role in the transition towards renewable energy sources.”

The precinct will incorporate the purpose-built facilities required of a wind farm construction feeder port to meet the unique needs of offshore wind developments.

It will support the construction, operation and maintenance of wind farm projects as well as laydown and storage facilities.

Mr Winter said GeelongPort had a proven track record of supporting sizeable renewable energy projects.

“Since 2018, GeelongPort has facilitated the berthing and laydown of more than two million tonnes of wind farm cargo,” he said.

“While we already have existing capacity to manage wind farm cargo, we are working to grow our infrastructure offering.

“Our priority is to invest in the right infrastructure to meet industry demand and support Victoria’s renewable energy targets.”

For more information and to see concept drawings, head to geelongport.com.au/development/windfarm-project-cargo-precinct