RPS Group has been appointed to carry out environmental studies for Start of the South, Australias first offshore wind project.

RPS will undertake marine mammal and bird surveys to support the projects offshore planning approvals.

The deal was signed by Star of the South Chief Executive Casper Frost Thorhauge and RPS Executive General ManagerforPlace and Environment Susan Farr.

RPS is excited to be able to drive success for Australias first offshore wind project by combining the expertise we have gained on other offshore wind projects overseas including the Hornsea Projects in the UKthe largest currently under construction globallywith our experience managing Australias most complex environmental studies, plans and approvals, said Farr.

Were pleased to be working on an iconic project like the Star of the South, which has the potential to transform our energy supply, while delivering positive environmental, community and economic outcomes for Gippsland, Victoria and Australia.

Eight subsea passive acoustic monitoring recorders will be deployed at the Star of the South site from mid-February as part of a passive acoustic monitoring program for vocalizing marine mammals.

Also, a bathymetric and geophysical site survey will commence at the site offshore Gippsland on 28 February.

Star of the Southcould comprise up to 250 turbines with a combined capacity of up to 2GW. The project is a joint development by AustraliasOffshore Energy and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP).

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RPS to Conduct Star of the South Environmental Studies - Offshore WIND