Northern Tasmania set to become Renewable Energy Powerhouse

 

A re-elected majority Liberal Government will turbocharge northern Tasmania’s economic future as a renewable energy powerhouse.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future will drive new investment into the region, creating thousands of jobs and securing the state’s energy supply.

"In our first 100 days, we will declare Tasmania’s first Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in the North West," the Premier said.

"The REZ will designate an area where new generation projects can be built close to the transmission networks they need, and alongside the new job-creating industries they will supply.

"The REZ will also enable local communities within the area to directly share in the benefits.

"Tasmania's first REZ will be located near Burnie.

"The declaration of the zone will ensure the vital North West Transmission Development is built, with the government to underwrite the North West Development Transmission line between Hampshire and Burnie to connect at least three wind farms and significant industrial projects.

"Our Strong Plan for Tasmania’s future will also invest in partnership with industry $4 million into developing a state-of-the-art renewable energy industry training facility in Burnie.

"The training facility will support up to 20 new apprentices each year.

"Our Strong Plan for Tasmania’s future will also create a Renewable Energy Services Hub at Bell Bay to harness opportunities created by new energy projects across the nation.

"Bell Bay’s deep-water port, along with its existing industrial infrastructure means it is ideally situated to become a renewable energy services powerhouse, creating hundreds of Tassie jobs.

"Only a re-elected majority Liberal Government will ensure Tasmania continues to lead the nation in renewable energy."

Cost: Capital expenditure: $55 million. Operating costs: $9 million. Investment in training facility: $4 million.