In a boon for the North-East, Planning Minister Michael Ferguson announced the wind farm, proposed by ACEN Australia, as a major project for the state, following campaigning by the Dorset Council.

ACEN Australia chief operating officer David Pollington said that while North East Wind was aligned with the state government's renewable energy action plan, the compamy was keen to work with the local community and stakeholders on how the project could be delivered in a way that offered shared value.

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"It is expected that the project will have an operational life of more than 25 years. We expect the development to take three to five years and full construction about five years," he said.

North East Wind involves the proposed development of a large-scale wind farm on agricultural land across two areas - Waterhouse and Rushy Lagoon.

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North East Wind will be the second project in Tasmania to be assessed under this process, which is designed for projects of significant regional benefit, strategic importance, scale and complexity. Importantly, the Major Projects process involves clear opportunities for public consultation and input.

With such a significant construction investment, it is anticipated that there will be many opportunities for local Tasmanian businesses to be involved.

"We've already been engaging with the local community and stakeholders for some time and importantly we will continue to do this throughout the development. We are seeking inputs from the local community and stakeholders including Aboriginal representative groups, training and education providers as well as social enterprises to help shape the project," Mr Pollington said.

Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone chief executive Susie Bower said the declaration of North East Wind as a major project was a sign of confidence for industry.

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"In particular, the emerging export hydrogen industry will see this as a very positive sign that Tasmania is open for business revolving around increased renewable energy production," she said.

"This is exactly the support that the Tasmanian government can provide to ensure that state-building projects can progress in a timely and competitive manner, attracting and retaining the investment that comes with it."

Ms Bower, who ran as a federal Liberal candidate in the electorate of Lyons at last year's election, said the project would be critical to realising the state government's goals of 200 per cent renewable energy.

"Tasmania's economic and social future has always been based around the innovative use of our extensive natural resources, and this decision ensures that Tasmania will continue to lead the nation in renewable energy generation," she said.

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