APAC Wind Energy Summit 2025 16–18 September, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Reflections from the Day 2 Plenary Session a Gippsland Focus
The APAC Wind Energy Summit 2025, held from 16–18 September at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, once again cemented its reputation as the premier gathering for wind energy stakeholders across the Asia-Pacific region. On Day 2, the spotlight was firmly on Gippsland, with a plenary session dedicated to exploring the power of community partnerships in shaping Australia’s wind energy future.
Under the banner “Partnering with communities for Australia’s wind future,” the session delved deep into the pivotal role that local engagement plays in accelerating wind energy growth—not just in Victoria, but across the wider APAC landscape. The discussion highlighted how the unique perspectives of Gippsland’s coastal towns and regional industries are essential to ensuring the successful delivery of offshore wind projects.
By putting local voices at the heart of the process, the session illustrated how transparency, trust, and tangible benefits can be embedded throughout the development journey.
The plenary session brought together a panel of well recognised Gippsland representatives from community, industry and government:
• Renee Kurowski, Iberdrola Australia
• Sarah Guilfoyle GAICD, Voyager Renewables
• Bodye Darvill, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
• Darren McCubbin, Gippsland Climate Change Network Inc.
Each panellist brought their own perspective on the challenges and opportunities shaping Gippsland’s wind energy journey. Together, they unpacked:
• Key challenges and opportunities unique to the region, from infrastructure constraints to the need for robust community engagement.
• Strategies and lessons from global leaders in offshore wind, offering a roadmap for Victoria and beyond.
• Practical steps for advancing regional projects, including collaborative frameworks, transparent decision-making, and local benefit-sharing initiatives.
This session was a testament to how local experience can inform global best practice. By showcasing Gippsland’s proactive approach on an international stage, Victoria demonstrated its potential to lead the way in delivering offshore wind projects that prioritise community partnership and real, lasting benefits for regional Australia.
As Gippsland moves towards a renewable energy future, it’s clear that fostering strong relationships between industry, government, and local communities will be crucial. The lessons from Gippsland, shared at this year’s APAC Wind Energy Summit, are sure to resonate far beyond Victoria’s shores.
