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Benthic survey 2020
Offshore work for Star of the South project in 2020.
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Benthic survey 2020
Team prepares to head offshore for benthic environmental survey in late 2020.
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Fish surveys
Underwater vision captured as part of the summer fish surveys in 2020.
Star of the South
RPS supports Australia’s most advanced Offshore wind development, Star of the South.
From feasibility to approvals
Since 2017, RPS has partnered with the Star of the South project team as lead offshore approvals consultant. In this role, we've supported the progression of environmental approvals, technical studies and the marine baseline survey program.
It's anticipated that in 2026 the supporting environmental assessment will be released for public review and submissions.
About Star of the South
Australia is rapidly transitioning from coal to renewables, with 90% of coal capacity due to retire by 2035. Offshore wind is emerging as a key solution for reliable, large-scale clean energy.
The Star of the South project, off the coast of Gippsland, is Australia’s most advanced offshore wind project, capable of supplying 2.2 GW, enough to power 1.2 million homes and deliver 20% of Victoria’s electricity needs.
As part of its work, RPS is helping the Star of the South team address key challenges:
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Navigating new and evolving approval processes, with no precedent for offshore wind in Australia.
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Providing robust environmental baselines across marine and coastal environments, including designing surveys that were first of their kind for offshore wind in an Australian context.
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Addressing stakeholder concerns from fisheries, ports, aviation, and local communities.
RPS at work for Star of the South
Our services
RPS has been a trusted partner to Star of the South since 2017, guiding the project through its environmental and approvals journey.
Early feasibility
Delivered the first due diligence study to identify environmental and approvals risks, helping the client make confident investment and planning decisions.
Approvals strategy and development
Appointed as the lead offshore approvals consultant, shaping the pathway for Australia’s first offshore wind project through both State (EES) and Commonwealth (EIS) processes.
Marine Ecology Survey Program
Designed and managed a multi-year program of baseline surveys covering marine mammals, seabirds, shorebirds, fish, sharks, benthic habitats, and coastal processes — working with leading universities and research partners, and independently peer-reviewed.
Technical Leadership
Coordinated 15+ technical studies to inform impact assessments and ensure robust, defensible science.
Government engagement
Delivered the first stage approval submissions (referrals) to both governments.
Underwater environments explored
This underwater vision was captured as part of the 2020 summer fish surveys. Close encounters between octopus and shark!
Next steps
RPS is proud to be working on such a monumental project and contributing to the advancement of Australia’s renewable energy future. Pending all necessary approvals Star of the South is targeting construction later this decade to support Victoria’s 2 GW by 2032 offshore wind energy target.
Sounds of the sea
This audio of humpback and dwarf minke whale calls was captured as part of our marine ecology survey program.
Related services
Star of the South: Measuring potential impacts on ocean waves and currents
To support Star of the South with its offshore approvals and environmental impact assessments, our Ocean Science & Technology team has been working to quantify the potential impacts of the development on ocean waves and currents.
