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Star of the South Marine Baseline Study Program Project Manager Peter Crockett, RPS Practice Lead - Marine Science
“Many of the marine ecology survey program studies documented species, habitats and animal behaviours for the first time in this region. The results were fascinating and substantially improved our understanding of how species and the ecosystem function – with more than a few surprises! Opportunities to work on projects like Star of the South are rare, so it was an enormous privilege to contribute to the project and something to look back on as a career highlight.”
Offshore wind: from baseline to benefits in the benthic zone -
Star of the South Project Manager, Offshore Approvals Anna Mildner, RPS Principal Environmental Consultant
“The Star of the South project has shaped my career in more ways than one (over 5+ years), its challenged me (a lot!), built my knowledge significantly in the marine environment, and given me so many skills as a project manager and impact assessment professional. Working with so many different and smart people, from internationally recognised researchers, industry pioneers, Gippsland locals, and experienced engineers – the opportunity to learn was immense. To be able to work on the first offshore wind farm EIS in Australia is very cool! I’d love to be able to tell my daughter one day that I helped to kick start an industry.”
Anna Mildner: Decarbonising our energy system -
Star of the South Project Director and Marine Mammals Subject Matter Expert Tamara Al-Hashimi, RPS Technical Director and Offshore Approvals Lead
“While I’ve worked on offshore wind projects before, Star of the South is a true career highlight. It’s not often you get to support a project from the earliest feasibility investigations through every development phase to the delivery of an EIA – a nine-year journey! Star of the South has been a program of firsts. For us, for the industry, and for the country. We couldn’t just do impact assessment the way it's been done in other markets. We crafted a tailored approach suited to local species and regulations. Many studies were delivered in the midst of a global pandemic, yet the team introduced safe, effective procedures that kept the study program progressing. I’m proud of the collaborative effort and professional rigour that made this possible. Supporting the delivery of Australia’s first EIA for an offshore wind project was particularly significant. It was rewarding to be present at the industry’s outset here, and I look forward to continuing to contribute as the sector develops.”
Key lessons Australia can take from the UK offshore wind experience -
Star of the South Fish and Fisheries Lead Mike Mackie, RPS Senior Principal Marine Scientist
“I’ve been involved with the Star of the South project since 2019 and have greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with a diverse spectrum of amazing people on such a ground-breaking project. The initial baseline field survey program, involving a range of methods and scientists across two years was definitely a highlight, and the impact assessments which followed (plural – I’ve led two; fish and fisheries) have been a hugely significant part of my scientific career. Hopefully I can continue working with the Star of the South team for a while to come!”
Surveying pelagic fish for offshore wind farm developments -
Star of the South Seabirds and Shorebirds Lead Claire Greenwell – Senior Marine Scientist
“Star of the South has helped transform a previously data-poor area of ocean into a comprehensively characterised seabird baseline by delivering coordinated Marine Environmental Baseline Studies and a rigorous Technical Report. This multi-method program provided insight into seasonal shifts in habitat use, abundance estimates, and site-specific flight height and behavioural data. I’ve enjoyed partnering with a highly skilled team of technical experts to design and deliver a rigorous, multi method program of studies then seeing those datasets synthesised into clear, evidence-based advice that directly guided decision making for this important Australian renewable energy project. The cross-discipline collaboration has been incredibly rewarding.”
Why studying birds is vital in offshore wind development
RPS celebrates major milestone for Star of the South, Australian offshore wind
Australia’s most advanced offshore wind proposal – Star of the South – has reached a major milestone today, with the project’s environmental assessment released for public comment.
The release is a milestone for RPS, too. It represents close to a decade’s work designing, managing and shaping the project’s offshore feasibility, licensing submissions, approvals strategy, and marine baseline study program.
“Getting an offshore wind project off the ground is complex anywhere, but Star of the South has literally charted the path for Australia’s local industry. It’s an incredible achievement for the project team - one that we’re so proud to have been a part of,” said RPS Operations Director and project executive sponsor, Anna Crameri.
Charting the path is perhaps an understatement when it comes to Star of the South. With no precedent for offshore wind in the Australian market, every chapter in Star of the South’s story has had firsts as a central theme. And underpinning every pioneering step has been science, data, and approval expertise from RPS.
“The fact that we have been able to support this project with in-house capability across so many aspects of its feasibility and approval journey since 2017 is a huge source of pride for RPS,” Anna adds.
“From early due diligence, to our principal role pioneering the design and management of marine baseline environmental studies, and long-term leadership for offshore approvals, it’s been an absolute privilege to contribute our best ideas, people, and technology to Star of the South,” Anna adds.
So, as the project celebrates yet another important step in the journey towards renewable wind energy generation for Australia, we asked our project team members to share some of their favourite experiences working on Star of the South.
Our team for Star of the South
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Star of the South
RPS is providing a range of environmental services and planning expertise to support Star of the South offshore project proposal in Victoria.
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Peter Crockett: Sustainability, seaweed, and Australian-first marine projects
A childhood love for the ocean, now sees Peter managing offshore environmental studies for Australia’s first offshore wind project, Star of the South.
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Star of the South: Measuring potential impacts on ocean waves and currents
Star of the South: Measuring potential impacts on ocean waves and currents on this landmark development for Australian energy
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Anna Mildner: Decarbonising our energy system
RPS Melbourne's Anna Mildner discusses her passion for renewable energy projects.
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Surveying pelagic fish for offshore wind farm developments
RPS' Principal Scientist Mike Mackie on why pelagic fish surveys should be included in environmental impact assessments for offshore wind farm developments.
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A conversation with Tamara Al-Hashimi
From childhood wonder at the adventures of Jacques Cousteau to the advancement of offshore renewables across the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, Tamara Al-Hashimi shares the story of her career in science, and love of all things marine.