Community

We’re focused on engaging meaningfully with the people and communities who know Gippsland best.

Local knowledge, questions and input help shape how our project is developed – and contribute to the lasting benefits Blue Mackerel will bring to the region.

Our consultation approach

We are committed to open, transparent and honest communication alongside genuine engagement with local communities, Traditional Owners groups, the fishing industry, government and other stakeholders. Our approach is built on sharing information early, often, and in a way that’s easy to understand and responds to different needs.

We’re guided by national and international best practice, including the (IAP2) Spectrum of Public Participation and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Our engagement objectives are to:

Build trusted relationships with communities and stakeholders through a commitment to being authentic, transparent, respectful, and responsive.  

Stack of informational brochures about Blue Mackerel wind project

Provide timely and clear communications to build knowledge about the project and to support effective participation of communities and stakeholders. 

Brochures and flyers about Blue Mackerel on a round table

Ensure community and stakeholder feedback, concerns and aspirations are understood and clearly demonstrate how these have been considered and, where possible, incorporated in project planning and design.  

Close-up of a Vestas wind turbine model with people in the background under a tent

Seek community and stakeholder feedback on how they prefer to participate and identify opportunities for meaningful and enduring social and economic benefits. 

Informational table with brochures and paperwork at an outdoor event

Collaborate with other proponents in the area to identify opportunities for collective activities to help avoid engagement fatigue. 

People engaging with Blue Mackerel offshore wind project exhibits and technology displays

Remain open to learning and adapt our approach based on new insights or changes. 

Map display of Gippsland declared area and licence holders at an outdoor event

Have a question or suggestion on other ways to consult with us? We always welcome hearing your ideas and feedback.

Get in touch with us

Developing an offshore wind project involves a wide range of feasibility studies – including environmental, cultural heritage, social impact, engineering and design, supply chain and skills planning, and developing a community benefits program.

When preparing a Management Plan for activities in our offshore wind licence area, we consult with stakeholders and communities who may be affected. Matters raised about potential adverse effects may be considered “claims” under the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Regulations, and we assess and respond to these as required.

(See further information at this link on consultation and engagement for OEI Management Plans.)

People gathered at a Blue Mackerel information booth under a white canopy outdoors

Blue Mackerel booth providing information at an outdoor event

How to get involved

There are many ways to connect with us, from community drop-ins and local events to online surveys, Q&As and regular project updates.

Visit our Events page for the latest information

Sharing information with regulators

As required under the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Regulations, we will need to provide the Offshore Infrastructure Regulator with summaries of our engagement activities, including feedback, and claims received through consultation on our licence activities.

For claims raised during the development of a Management Plan, we must outline in the Management Plan how each claim has been assessed, whether it has reasonable merit, and (where applicable) the measures proposed to address it. These summaries form part of the Management Plan assessment process. Any personal information will be de-identified and managed in accordance with Australian privacy laws.
For more information, please read our Complaints, claims and feedback process

Privacy and confidentiality

We take privacy seriously. All information provided through engagement activities – including feedback, complaints and claims – is treated as confidential and handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.