Star of the South Victorian Inquiry

Overview

The Minister for Planning has appointed the Star of the South Victorian Inquiry (the Inquiry) to advise on the environmental effects of the Victorian works of the proposed Star of the South Project on the Victorian environment as assessed in the Victorian Environment Effects Statement (EES).

The proposed works in Victoria associated with the Star of the South Project (works in Victoria) includes underground cables located in Victorian waters (approximately 5.5 km offshore) and on land between Reeves Beach and Giffard (approximately 30 kilometres) in Gippsland, Victoria.

The key components of the works in Victoria include the development of:

• up to eight offshore export cables in Victorian waters to connect the offshore wind farm (located outside of Victorian waters) to the shore crossing
• up to eight trenchless crossings for the export cables to make landfall at the shore crossing at Reeves Beach in South Gippsland; and
• an underground cable system connecting the shore crossing to the proposed VicGrid connection hub.

Note: the development of the offshore wind turbines, offshore substations and inter array cables off Reeves Beach are located wholly in Commonwealth marine waters and are therefore not considered in the EES.

The Proponent is Star of the South Wind Farm Pty Ltd as trustee for the Star of the South Trust.

The Inquiry will, in line with the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference:

• review the Victorian EES (covering Victorian works) and public submissions
• run a submitter conference to hear from the Proponent and submitters who want to speak to their written submission on ‘Key Victorian Matters’
• give parties the opportunity to provide further written material on ‘Other Victorian Matters’
• provide advice to the Minister about the environmental effects of the Victorian works of the proposed project on the Victorian environment, on the identified relevant ‘Key Victorian Matters’ and ‘Other Victorian Matters’.

It is not the role of the appointed Inquiry to consider the Commonwealth Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or Commonwealth matters of national environmental significance, under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), whether those matters are located in Victoria or elsewhere.

Inquiry and advisory committee members

• Lisa Kendal (Chair)
• Elizabeth McIntosh (Deputy Chair)
• John Hartigan
• Colin McIntosh
• Cameron Miller

Documents

You may view and download the exhibited EES, including draft Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA) C129well to the Wellington planning scheme and any relevant documents at Proponent’s webpage.

Make a submission

Submissions to the Committee can be made at Engage Victoria.

Make a submission

Need help putting together a submission?

Read our guide about submissions. The Guide to Presenting at an EES Hearing at Planning Panels Victoria also provides general information about EES Hearings and what to expect.

Terms of reference

Legal Assistance Pilot Program

The Legal Assistance Service is a new 12-month pilot program for PPV hearings, offering no-cost or low-cost legal assistance to eligible submitters. The options for legal assistance can range from preliminary advice, review of documents and assistance with preparing submissions, and representation at a hearing. The scope of assistance and fee arrangements will be discussed directly with the barristers who will be engaged by direct brief.  Foley’s List is facilitating the pilot program.

The Legal Assistance Service aims to assist eligible participants in PPV processes. Foley’s List will discuss next steps directly with those who submit an enquiry form. Further information can be found on our Legal Assistance Service webpage.

More information

To find out more about the Star of the South Project, the EES, including the draft PSA, contact:

Southerly Ten (Star of the South)

Phone: 1800 340 340
Email: info@southerlyten.com.au
Website: https://southerlyten.com.au/project/star-of-the-south/

For more information about the Minister's Assessment and EES process contact:

Impact Assessment Unit
Department of Transport and Planning

Email: environment.assessment@transport.vic.gov.au

Accessibility and assistance

Deaf, hearing or speech impaired? Please contact the National Relay Service on 133 677 or www.relayservice.gov.au

Page last updated: 26/05/26