Status
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Background
In March 2024, Flotation Energy Pty Ltd, formally advised the Department of Transport and Planning (the department) that it is no longer proceeding with this project or the Environment Effects Statement (EES).
Flotation Energy Pty Ltd was proposing to construct an offshore wind farm in Commonwealth waters off the coast of Ninety Mile Beach, which would connect into Victoria’s electricity network. The proposal included up to 150 wind turbines and a network of subsea cables, with an indicative generation capacity of 1.5 gigawatts.
The scope of the EES referral covered the Victorian section of the project from the 3 nautical mile (NM) limit of Victorian coastal waters. The Victorian jurisdiction was expected to include subsea export cables and a shore crossing, up to two substations, transmission cables and a terminal station connection.
EES preparation
Consultation plan
Flotation Energy Pty Ltd has prepared a consultation plan, outlining the opportunities and approaches for its community engagement during the preparation of the EES. A planned community engagement schedule has also been provided and will be updated each quarter.
The consultation plan may be adapted or modified to meet changing community needs and requirements throughout the EES process.
Technical reference group
The Department has convened an inter-agency technical reference group to advise the proponent and the department, as appropriate, on scoping and adequacy of the EES studies during the preparation of the EES, as well as coordination with statutory approval processes.
The government organisations represented on the technical reference group are:
- DTP Impact Assessment Unit
- Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
- DEECA Renewables Planning Team
- DEECA Regions (Gippsland)
- DEECA Marine Knowledge Team
- DTP Transport
- Environment Protection Authority (Victoria)
- First Peoples - State Relations
- Heritage Victoria
- Agriculture Victoria
- Wellington Shire Council
- Latrobe City Council
- West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority
- Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation
- Safe Transport Victoria (Maritime Safety)
- Victorian Fisheries Authority
Technical reference group representatives are supported by internal experts on specific aspects of the EES studies.
Scoping requirements
The scoping requirements set out the matters to be investigated and documented in the EES.
Draft scoping requirements for this EES were placed on public exhibition from 20 September to 11 October 2023. DTP is currently reviewing the submissions. After considering public submissions on the draft scoping requirements, the Minister for Planning approved final scoping requirements in December 2023.
The project also requires approval under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The Victorian and State jurisdictions plan to coordinate administration of assessment processes where possible.
To view the Commonwealth EIS Guidelines for Marinus Link, go to: Project Decision · EPBC Act Public Portal
Minister's decision on referral
On 10 April 2022 the Minister for Planning required Flotation Energy Pty Ltd to prepare an Environment Effects Statement (EES) under the Environment Effects Act 1978 to assess the potential environmental effects of the project, specifically the works proposed within Victorian jurisdiction.
Project contact
If you have any questions or feedback, please get in touch via the contact details below.
Proposed Seadragon Offshore Wind project queries:
Flotation Energy Pty Ltd
✉ Email: enquiries-Australia@flotationenergy.com
Page last updated: 15/10/24