Matt Hewson
Deputy Prime Minister and federal member for Corio Richard Marles visited GeelongPort’s Oyster Cove site last week to showcase plans for a renewable energy terminal.
Mr Marles joined GeelongPort chief executive Brett Winter, Committee for Geelong boss Micahel Johnston and Victorian member for Lara Ella George to unveil the proposed Geelong Renewables Terminal (GRT) last Friday, September 20.
The offshore wind farm terminal would support the state’s growing renewables industry as part of a multi-port strategy for the Gippsland and Southern Ocean zones, supporting the marshalling and assembly of offshore wind components and providing.
The 25-hectare Oyster Cove site has an existing 12.3-metre deepwater berth pocket, which would require no dredging, and sits in a port zone, meaning planning approvals can proceed quickly.
Mr Marles said the offshore wind industry and the country’s target of net zero emissions by 2050 meant the GRT would be part of a “journey of national significance”.
“The offshore wind reserves that have been proclaimed in the South West (and) also in Gippsland, will be one of the largest sources of wind energy that we derive in Australia,” Mr Marles said.
“And right here at the Port of Geelong, we are… incredibly strategically located relative to both of those.”
Mr Winter said this was “the right time to support the pioneers of wind industry”, with the proposed terminal expected to provide more than 4200 jobs during construction and 850 jobs during ongoing operations.
“This is an amazing opportunity for Geelong and indeed Victoria, and GeelongPort is ready to play our part in a multi-port strategy to assist getting offshore wind up and running,” he said.
“We’re ready to service the growing renewable energy needs of the Victorian communities by working with both the Federal and State Governments to achieve their ambitious renewables and net zero targets.”
Mr Winter said GelongPort would finalise its decision to invest in the project by mid-2025, with construction potentially completed by early 2029.
Mr Johnston said the GRT was a “genuine opportunity” for Geelong and GeelongPort to become an important part 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,” he said.
