After months of delay by the federal Coalition, Australia’s first major offshore wind farm, the Star of the South Energy Project proposed off the South Gippsland coast, has received approval for an exploration licence.

Energy Minister Angus Taylor has bowed to community pressure, and finally signed off on the exploration license for the landmark Star of the South offshore wind farm.

The capitulation comes after many months of delay.

This is a critical milestone in our campaign, and one we can all be proud of. In the past few weeks dozens of community members have stepped up the pressure on Taylor with phone calls and emails, and it has made the difference.

“The Star of the South offshore wind farm will be a game changer for action on climate change and Australia’s energy system,” said Pat Simons, Friends of the Earth’s renewable energy spokesperson.

The offshore wind farm is expected to avoid as many as 10.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually, and power as much as 20% of Victoria with clean energy.

BIG NEWS: Australia’s first major offshore wind farm #StarOfTheSouth has just had its exploration license approved after months of delay by the Feds!

It could power as much as 20% of Vic + create thousands of jobs

Thankyou to everyone who has helped make this happen! #auspol pic.twitter.com/XsgnNVQanQ

— Yes 2 Renewables (@Yes2Renewables) March 29, 2019

Star of the South has the potential to create thousands of construction jobs, as well as new manufacturing and broader supply chain opportunities in South Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley.

The news comes just one day after the new Delburn Wind farm was proposed at a plantation site in the Latrobe Valley, a sign that the region could position itself as a renewable energy hub.

“This is what the transition looks like” said Simons.

“Australia’s energy system is shifting from polluting fossil fuels towards clean renewable energy and it’s good news for efforts to tackle climate change,” said Leigh Ewbank, Friends of the Earth’s climate spokesperson.

Commonwealth approvals will open the way to the state approval process and testing of the wind resource. Friends of the Earth will be engaging with the next stages of the planning process closely.

We look forward to seeing more information from the proponent about job creation and manufacturing opportunities for Victoria as part of the project.