Australia has taken a big step forward for offshore wind, with news that Gippsland project Star of the South will partner with Bluescope to explore using Australian made steel in a project that has put the region on the map as a global leader in offshore wind.
The news comes just days after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced $500 million to make sure new wind power projects use steel manufactured in Australia.
"Using Australian made steel in offshore wind is a great step forward for the country and shows the huge opportunity in this industry" said Wendy Farmer, President of Voices of the Valley and Gippsland organiser with Friends of the Earth.
The partnership will specifically look at using Australian steel to manufacture boat landings and platforms for the turbine foundations for Star of the South.
Another Gippsland project Blue Mackerel North also progressed to the next stage in the announcement after being awarded the first management plan.
"This shows how building renewables is good for manufacturing jobs in the regions and is building a stronger future for our young people," said Farmer.
The announcement is a vote of confidence in renewable energy at a time when the industry is facing ongoing political attacks from the Liberal National opposition.
"By investing in domestic manufacturing, Australia continues its leap towards becoming a world leader in renewables. This is a win for workers, and a win for the climate. It is shocking that opposition leader Peter Dutton is trying to destroy this opportunity by attacking renewable energy," said Coco Venaglia, National Yes2Renewables Organiser for Friends of the Earth.
