Times
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021
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INSIDE
PropertyGuide GippslandTimes
Billions of dollars in projects in pipeline for Gippsland:
Jobs boost expected Liz Bell
MORE than a dozen major investment projects throughout the Wellington Shire are poised to create thousands of jobs, boost the local economy and lead
Gippsland’s recovery from COVID-19. A mix of government and private projects are in the pipeline, with most of the development focused on privately funded clean energy projects incentivised by government grants, which have turbo charged the sector and inspired
innovation. One of the most visible construction projects, the much-awaited $25 million TAFE Gippsland campus at the Port of Sale, is currently in the early stages of construction, but is dwarfed in terms of size and cost compared to projects in the
Pandemic? No problem
Solar, wind, green hydrogen and battery storage are part of an ambitions plan for Wellington being developed by Solis RE. Image: Solis RE — www.solisre.com.au wind and solar sector. Another, the ambitious Gippsland Renewable Energy Park, includes a planned eco project that will have a solar farm, battery storage system and green hydrogen production. The park involves a 2347 hectare (5800 acre) site in the Giffard area, which will assist the state government in meeting its target of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030 and shore up additional power supply in the event of the early closure of coal fired power stations. The project is being developed by Solis RE in conjunction with local stakeholders, Marathon Electrical chief executive Brett Singh and the Ferguson Family. Mr Singh, who grew up in Briagolong, said he was passionate about revitalising Gippsland, and ensuring jobs for the future. “This is a massive plan; Gippsland is on its way to becoming the renewable
It might seem like madness to open up a new business during a pandemic, but the Gippsland Times interviewed three local entrepreneurs who haven’t looked back. Pictured is Stratford’s Kiah Cashman, who has been kept busy since opening the Avon Valley Foodstore in July. Full story, page 4
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energy hub of the state,” he said. The park is just one part of the ‘Project Repowering Gippsland’ strategy, which also includes a four megawatt solar and 50MWh battery development in Perry Bridge and a 65 to 80 MW solar and 65MWh battery project development in Fulham. Construction should begin on those projects this year. Mr Singh said Gippsland had a proud energy history, and Project Repowering Gippsland was well positioned to leverage off the existing transmission network in place from coal power plants to provide reliable, efficient, low cost power and big battery storage. All up, the project is estimated to cost $2.6 billion and create hundreds of local jobs and opportunities for regional businesses. To ensure there are enough local Continued page 5
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