Blue Mackerel offshore wind project
Tom McINTOSH (Eastern Victoria) (09:48): I rise to update the house on the economic opportunities developing in the Gippsland region in offshore wind. Last week I joined the team from Blue Mackerel project at Port Anthony in South Gippsland to launch their geotechnical survey vessel as part of their preparations for the 1-gigawatt project. On the way to Port Anthony I joined locals for dinner at the pub in Leongatha and heard the excitement around the opportunities coming in offshore wind – well-paid jobs and developing supply chains for local businesses, all backed by billions in investment on the table right now, which is a direct result of the leadership and action this Labor government has taken to decarbonise our economy. Port Anthony is ready to service this industry, which will power our hospitals, homes and businesses with zero-emissions electricity and provide generations of well-paid ongoing jobs.