It is potentially back to the future for Tasmania with plans for pumped hydro moving forward.
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Our state is sitting on the cusp of a major investment – a $5 billion project – that would take 10-15 years to complete. The developments would also employ about 3000 people during construction.
The exciting scheme is a reminder of the Hydro era when thousands of people migrated to Tasmania in the 1940s and 1950s.
It was after World War II, the world was a different place and Tasmania offered new opportunities.
While we’re not exiting a great war, the world we live in is fast changing.
Many people are choosing Tasmania for a sea or tree change.
The state government has a population strategy to ensure the future of Tasmania is prosperous.
We have the lifestyle people around the world envy.
There was commentary following the David Attenborough-narrated feature on Tasmania that our island home was described as a bit of a lost world.
That we are a rare find and unique. This is true, but we’re definitely not a secret.
We are also not reliant on what is happening on mainland Australia.
Our uniqueness and rare attributes are opportunities, not limitations.
Tasmania’s population strategy includes attracting professionals to our region.
While we welcome retirees, we also don’t want to become the aged care island. While it creates employment opportunities, it could also produce limits.
Our future needs continual investment. To attract businesses to use Launceston, East Coast, Northern Midlands or Meander Valley as their base.
Knowing that the access to quality health care and education is on their door step and transport to capital cities is of ease. We are already seeing a housing stress.
This is why it’s vital we have consistent connections to Melbourne, Sydney and other cities so professionals can travel efficiently.
There must also be continual improvement and investment in health and education.
The pumped hydro development demonstrates that Tasmania is more than just potential. We are living the opportunities right now.
We don’t have to fake it until we make, we’ve already become it.