Regional Tasmanian councils are nervous about the Morrison Government’s energy policy and want certainty about a jobs-rich investment program.
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In a joint statement, the mayors of the Kentish, Central Highlands, Northern Midlands, Burnie, Circular Head and West Coast councils said they were deeply disappointed and frustrated an energy policy to support the Battery of the Nation program was yet to be legislated.
The mayors said they looked forward to a commitment to regional Tasmania and invited new Prime Minister Scott Morrison to visit regional communities to “better understand the great opportunity provided by the proper policy settings”.
Battery of the Nation involves pumped hydro developments, wind farms and a second Bass Strait interconnector.
It would be expected to lead to at least $5 billion in investment and 3000 jobs in Tasmania, mostly in regional areas.
“Energy policy that is certain and provides a place for cheap, reliable and renewable energy is of the highest priority for us,” the mayors said in their statement.
They said Battery of the Nation would also provide a prosperous future for regional communities.
The mayors said investment in energy generation would continue to be difficult to realise without policy certainty.
“For much of Australia, this may result in further unreliability and expensive energy,” they said.
“For our communities, this policy uncertainty will result in missing out on the opportunities for regional growth and prosperity which we know your government is committed to.
“The Battery of the Nation will not only provide quality employment outcomes for our young people, but will also open up opportunities to attract and retain new residents.”
Franklin Labor MHR Julie Collins recently claimed the Morrison Government dumping its National Energy Guarantee policy “threatens billions of dollars of investment and thousands of potential jobs in renewable energy in Tasmania”.
“This includes the Battery of the Nation project, which has the potential to help Tasmania lead the nation in the transition to clean energy.”
Tasmanian Liberal Senator Jonathon Duniam said Ms Collins’ claims were rubbish.
He said Battery of the Nation pre-dated the NEG and remained the government’s top priority.
“I have spoken personally to Federal Minister for Energy Angus Taylor, who has assured me that the Battery of the Nation initiative is still alive and well,” he said.
Deposed prime minister Malcolm Turnbull was a big fan of Battery of the Nation.
The mayors wrote to Mr Morrison after he became Prime Minister.
They said they told him they were “united by the great opportunity presented by the Hodgman Liberal government's Battery of the Nation initiative”.
