PREMIER David Bartlett used the National Press Club in Canberra yesterday as the forum to announce stage two of the National Broadband Network roll-out in Tasmania.
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But both he and his advisers were tight-lipped about the real reason for the Canberra trip, which more closely resembled a deputation for federal help on major projects than a premier's speaking engagement.
Mr Bartlett took Treasurer Michael Aird, Deputy Premier Lara Giddings and the heads of his two most influential departments - Premier and Cabinet and Economic Development - with him on the two-day mission.
He said a meeting with federal Treasurer Wayne Swan that preceded the National Press Club lunch had been a great opportunity to discuss the Tasmanian economy in general and a range of projects.
But political sources say that main topics of discussion were how the Federal Government could help the state lock in international interest in setting up a silica processing plant on the North- West Coast and financial partners in the proposed Bell Bay pulp mill.
The sources say the Federal Government could provide financial backing for major infrastructure projects in road, rail or energy that would provide valuable good news stories for Mr Bartlett before the March election.
The Federal Government could also accelerate foreign investment approval for companies wanting to set up new industry in Tasmania, such as the silica plant proposed for Port Latta or invest in the pulp mill.
Mr Bartlett told the National Press Club lunch that seven new regional, urban and outer city locations across Tasmania would be hooked up to the National Broadband Network in the stage two roll-out due to start immediately.
Work has started on stage one which will see Smithton, Scottsdale and Midway Point, in the South, hooked up to the network.
The next seven locations will be Deloraine, George Town, St Helens, Triabunna, Sorell, South Hobart and Kingston Beach.
The first service to customers is expected to be available in the middle of next year.
Mr Bartlett's speech, which took more than half an hour, contained only one short reference to the pulp mill near the end.
He said that the mill, which had been such a feature in the national consciousness recently, would be a "very technologically advanced mill, meeting the strictest environmental standards anywhere in the world".
"It too will provide opportunities for innovation and the effective use of new-generation technologies," he said.
In a speech that predictably focused on the state's strong economic growth reported in the past fortnight, Mr Bartlett stressed that Tasmania would rest its future development around three key areas.
"Tasmania is embracing the three great global challenges that will dominate the 21st century," Mr Bartlett said.
"They are:
•Management of increasingly scarce water resources.
•Creating sustainable and renewable energy.
•The rapid race of the telecommunications revolution.
"In each one, Tasmania has the natural advantages that we must and will seize for the future ... "
Mr Bartlett outlined plans to replace the Murray-Darling basin as the food bowl of the nation and for the state to lead the national sustainable energy market.
Jim Bacon's 2002 address was the last time a Tasmanian premier had spoken at the press club.
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