Responsible Renewables

05/12/2025

AGL has cancelled plans to develop the Gippsland Skies project - the offshore wind development closest to Waratah Bay.

Energy giant AGL has become the third company this year to abandon plans to develop an offshore wind farm in Victoria's east.

17/05/2025

Transmission Update

We are relieved by the draft released by VicGrid of the 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan. The plan confirms that only Marinus Link will come ashore in Waratah Bay - as previously understood.

Importantly, VicGrid has NOT designated Waratah Bay or surrounding areas as a Renewable Energy Zone, keeping development contained to the Giffard area as expected. We note that the plan recognises the significant and sensitive landscape in our area, along with medium to high productivity agriculture further inland.

To learn more:
https://engage.vic.gov.au/project/victransmissionplan/page/document-library
Community information sessions: https://engage.vic.gov.au/project/victransmissionplan/page/events

02/04/2025

No further exploration of Waratah Bay by Gippsland Skies

We were very pleased to be advised today that Gippsland Skies today will not continue with plans to survey Waratah Bay. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback and supported our efforts to keep Waratah Bay safe.

Their email to us is included in full below.

“Gippsland Skies has conducted extensive engagement with the Gippsland community regarding the development of its potential offshore wind project off the South Gippsland coast.

This consultation has included 19 separate sessions conducted over the past nine months, with the most recent being eight consultation sessions held throughout February and March.

We are grateful to members of the Gippsland community for the time they took to attend our various consultation and information sessions and for providing clear and respectful feedback on our proposed offshore wind project. We deeply respect and appreciate your opinions and points of view.

Taking into consideration the large volume of community feedback received, Gippsland Skies will not be surveying the proposed offshore northern grid connection cable route.

Any further marine surveys of potential alternative offshore grid connection corridors by Gippsland Skies will be informed by further information being provided on additional future connection points for offshore wind including through the Victorian Transmission Plan being developed by VicGrid.

The company’s upcoming marine survey program will include surveys in the feasibility licence area and proposed eastern cable corridor route only.”

17/03/2025

Get along to the Gippsland Skies information session if you're keen to better understand their plans for exploring Waratah Bay as a potential transmission route for their project just south of Wilson's Promontory.

11/03/2025

As we continue our advocacy regarding the proposed Waratah Bay exploration by Gippsland Skies, Responsible Renewables remains committed to supporting renewable energy that truly balances environmental protection and community benefits.

this recent article in The Australian highlights growing concerns from country councils about rushed renewable rollouts without proper planning or consideration for local communities. This mirrors our position that while the clean energy transition is essential, it must be done thoughtfully.

We believe:
1. Renewable energy is needed, but projects must be developed responsibly.
2. Environmental impacts must be thoroughly assessed and minimized, especially in ecologically sensitive areas like Waratah Bay.
3. Communities hosting infrastructure deserve tangible benefits, not just burdens.
4. Proper planning and consultation are non-negotiable.

This isn't about opposing renewable energy - it's about ensuring it's done right, with respect for both our environment and the communities affected.

NSW councils at the forefront of the renewable energy transition have laid bare serious planning failures and raised doubts that the promised riches will deliver long-term benefits to the very communities selected to power the nation.

27/02/2025

We have requested that Gippsland Skies cease all current and future exploration of Waratah Bay as a transmission corridor for offshore wind. We remain gravely concerned about its potential impact on our unique marine ecosystem and inland region. We have also requested all candidates for Monash declare their positions on this issue for the upcoming Federal election. We keep you posted on their replies.

16/02/2025

Responsible Renewables has received new information from Gippsland Skies and Marinus Link regarding expanded infrastructure plans for the Gippsland offshore wind zone. While the current onshore connection corridor at Giffard has a 2GW capacity, the zone's total planned capacity of 7-9GW will require additional connection points. Waratah Bay, adjacent to Wilsons Promontory National Park, is being investigated as well as the entire area from McLoughlin's Beach to Seaspray. We have been advised that VicGrid will undertake public consultation by October 2025 and make the final decision on connection points.

We are deeply concerned about proposals to establish onshore connections through Waratah Bay – an integral part of the Wilsons Promontory seascape. This directly contradicts Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen's commitment to protect the western side of Wilsons Promontory from offshore wind turbines and associated infrastructure.

The environmental cost to Wilsons Promontory’s pristine coastline, marine ecosystem, and local environment is simply too high. While we support renewable energy development, it cannot come at the expense of protecting our irreplaceable natural heritage. This appears to be driven by multinational developers' profit motives rather than community interests.

We're now facing a scenario where responsibility will likely be shifted between developers and different levels of government. The community consultation process by both state and federal governments has been inadequate from the start, failing to properly consider the needs of both current and future generations. This rush toward renewable energy development without due environmental consideration prioritises corporate interests over long-term environmental stewardship.

Responsible Renewables will continue to advocate for environmentally conscious renewable energy development that genuinely serves community interests and protects Victoria's natural environment for future generations.

If you are also concerned, please share this information widely, attend any upcoming community consultation events, and contact your local members to voice your concerns.

14/02/2025

Important community update: We encourage everyone to attend these information sessions by Gippsland Skies offshore wind. While we were initially advised the lines would be placed east of Waratah Bay, we understand an alternative route through Waratah Bay/Sandy Point is now under consideration. These decisions will impact where we live and work - your voice matters. Please attend to learn more and have your say