ZAIDA GLIBANOVIC
By ZAIDA GLIBANOVIC
GIPPSLAND: Leading the way in the renewable energy transition. More than 500 people flocked to The Wedge Performing Arts Centre in Sale to attend Australia’s largest regional-led energy conference. More than 70 leaders from local and state government, industry and the local community came to share and learn the latest developments in renewable energy at the conference, held from Thursday, August 31 to Saturday, September 2. The formal proceedings began with an optimistic buzz in the room as people ushered themselves into the John Leslie Theatre to hear of the exciting energy prospects in the region. Darren McCubbin, the chief executive of the Gippsland Climate Change Network (GCCN), was the master of ceremonies for the event, bringing his theatrical flair and some comic relief to the conference. The event began with a warm Welcome to Country from Uncle Grattan Mullett Snr followed by a welcome by Wellington Shire Deputy Mayor, John Tatterson. Going green this year due to their sustainability partners, the conference could opt for compostable coffee cups, with handmade recycled show bags alongside many other renewable and recycled goods on display. Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, provided the audience with a video message announcing offshore wind farms would not be constructed off the west coast of Wilsons Promontory. The interim chief executive of the State Electricity Commission (SEC), Chris Miller, spoke on the need for collaboration between the public and private sector in accelerating the renewable transition. Chief executive of the Latrobe Valley Authority, Chris Buckingham, reflected on the changes affecting Gippsland over the past year. The audience was engaged from the start, listening to the opportunities and developments in Australia’s new and renewable energy hub, Gippsland. Experts shared their knowledge on community engagement, circular economies, carbon capture, geothermal use, the marine environment and the farming industries role in renewables. Friday’s session proved just as informative, as registered participants were taken on a tour of Elecsome’s solar panel up recycling site in Kilmany. Government representatives – the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio (by video link) and Victorian Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing (in person), also made an appearance. The audience heard insights into regulating offshore renewables – an Australian first – with a presentation by the executive director at the Offshore Renewables Offshore Infrastructure Regulator (NOPSEMA), Owen Wilson. Transmission and connecting the offshore wind farms to the mainland have been a divisive topic, and Alistair Parker, the chief executive of VicGrid, spoke to the audience of its challenges, processes and future. The day continued with presentations on social outcomes, transport connections, hydrogen as an energy opportunity and community engagement. The second ever Gippsland New Energy Conference on all accounts was a huge success, with an added youth summit and a community day; the new energy and renewable transition reached a broader audience. Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Ian Bye, said this year’s conference provided greater insight into the regional projects underway with much visible enthusiasm. “While last year’s event unlocked the potential of renewable energy in Gippsland, this year’s focus will provide greater insight about the projects, initiatives and policies established across the region and what we can expect to see delivered from some of the biggest global renewable energy project developers, and what that means for local communities on the ground,” the Mayor said.
