The Minister for Energy and Resources Bryan Green said today Tasmanian workers would continue to be given priority during construction of the Musselroe wind farm.

Mr Green rejected criticism from Unions Tasmania secretary Kevin Harkins about employment on the $400 million project as typically misleading.

"It is a shame Mr Harkins wants to be so negative and he of all people should know better," Mr Green said.

Mr Green said he had been assured by Hydro Tasmania that local workers would always be the first option.

"It is only when contractors need specialist skills or equipment not available in Tasmania that labour from elsewhere will be sought.

Only five or six visa workers with particular expertise will work on site and they have worked with Vesta in Australia for a number of years.

"Over the life of the project more than 80 per cent of the work will be undertaken by Tasmanians."

"Tasmanian workers will outnumber interstate or overseas labour by five to one."

Mr Green said 30 local companies were benefitting from work and services need during the construction phase.

"This is a huge development which is delivering jobs for Tasmanians, opportunities for local businesses and a significant boost for the North East and the State's economy," Mr Green said.