Next steps towards Victoria’s first offshore wind power

Victoria continues to demonstrate strong momentum in the development of Australia’s first offshore wind industry through a key sector update for developers, industry, community and Traditional Owners.

Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio joined OWEV (DEECA) last week to release Offshore Wind Energy Implementation Statement 4 (IS4), providing an outline of the next steps towards building 2 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy.

IS4 outlines Victoria’s approach to offshore wind industry jobs and training, supply chain and local content requirements. It also highlights progress on procurement, ports, transmission, industry development, legislation and protections for the natural environment.

A Registration of Interest (ROI) process commenced in March 2025 for offshore wind feasibility licence holders. This process provides information on draft contract terms, guidance on stakeholder engagement and expectations relating to the Local Jobs First Act 2003 (LJFA). This provides developers with the information needed to inform a future Request for Proposal (RFP). The ROI will close in May 2025.

Hearing from the community is critical to making sure the development of the offshore wind industry is done right – that’s why we’re making it a requirement that proponents provide additional benefits – above what will be required under the Renewable Energy Zones Community Benefits Scheme – to the communities that host their projects.

The industry will work towards a minimum local content requirement of 80 percent for the operations and maintenance phase – 2032 onwards – of the first tranche of projects. During this period 10 percent of all labour hours will be worked by apprentices, trainees and cadets.

This work is another step towards delivering the State’s first 2GW and meeting our legislated offshore wind energy targets of 4GW by 2035 and 9GW by 2040.

To ensure Victoria has the pipeline of workers needed to support the energy transition, we will also soon be opening a grant application process for up to $4.9 million to secure a lead partner to establish the Wind Worker Training Centre. More information is available at www.energy.vic.gov.au/grants/wind-worker-training-centre.

Community engagement at the heart of OWEV’s work

Gippsland has always been central to powering Victoria — and continues to lead the way. That’s why we are committed to keeping the community updated on the key actions of this sector’s development.

Continuing with its regional engagement, OWEV has been meeting with communities in the Gippsland region throughout March. Over 200 residents, local groups and interstate and international businesses across Port Albert, Golden Beach, Sale and Leongatha met with OWEV, VicGrid and Gippsland feasibility licence holders to discuss offshore wind energy. OWEV also met with community members at Farm World.

OWEV’s newly refreshed website is a key resource for staying up to date with the latest information on offshore wind sector development in Victoria – stop by and see what’s new today www.energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/offshore-wind-energy.