The Victorian Government has unveiled its preferred transmission route to connect the first offshore wind projects off the Gippsland coast to the state’s electricity grid.
The preferred route runs around 60 kilometres between the Loy Yang Power Station switchyard and a proposed new terminal station at Giffard. At around 200 metres wide, it will provide the corridor for shared transmission infrastructure.
“Gippsland has powered Victoria for generations – offshore wind will keep it an energy powerhouse, creating thousands of jobs and attracting billions in investment,” said Minister for Energy and Resources, Jaclyn Symes.
“We’ve launched Australia’s first offshore wind auction and now we’re getting on with the transmission needed to bring that cheap, reliable energy into the grid.”
The milestone follows the launch of Australia’s first offshore wind auction last month – which will deliver the first 2 gigawatts of offshore wind, enough to power around 1.5 million homes.
Offshore wind is expected to drive more than $20 billion of investment into Victoria, with the first auction alone delivering a $3.1 billion boost to Gippsland communities.
VicGrid has worked with landholders, communities and stakeholders since 2023 to refine the route, alongside environmental, cultural heritage and technical studies.
VicGrid is now meeting directly with landholders within the preferred route. Discussions include indicative tower locations, likely construction activities and the indicative transmission easement.
These details will inform the project’s reference design, said the Minister.
“Landholders and locals have helped shape the route we have today – we’ll keep working with them as we build an offshore wind industry that delivers jobs, investment and opportunities for Gippsland,” said Minister Symes.
The reference design will be assessed through the Environment Effects Statement (EES), with the community able to view the design and make submissions when it is exhibited in early 2027.
The Government says final tower and easement locations will continue to be refined through further technical work and consultation.
Community sessions will be held throughout October in Willung, Giffard West and Rosedale, as well as online.
More information is available on the VicGrid website.
