The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to a “Tasmania-First” energy policy to ensure Tasmanians have access to renewable and reliable energy, and pay the lowest possible electricity prices.
Growing our renewable energy capacity is the best way to ensure Tasmania’s energy security is sound, and will also bring benefits to the economy through investment and job creation.
Today I welcome the announcement from Goldwind Australia, as the developer of the Cattle Hill Wind Farm, to launch a program to employ local workers for the construction of this significant renewable energy project.
The $300 million Cattle Hill Wind Farm is a massive investment for Tasmania, and construction is expected to commence in January next year.
The Local Business Participation Program will see Goldwind seek capable local sub-contractors and suppliers to work on the project, and with more than 150 jobs expected to be created during construction, this will be a major boost to employment in the region.
Construction will also provide a positive flow on effect to local businesses in the Derwent Valley, Southern Midlands and Central Highlands, including regional centres like New Norfolk, with the project expected to produce increased business activity.
The Hodgman Liberal Government has a Plan to Build Your Future, and we have set a target to make Tasmania energy self-sufficient with an additional 1000 gigawatt hours of on-island renewable energy generation by the end of 2022.
Once completed, the 49 turbine wind farm will generate 144 MW, enough to power over 60,000 homes and increase wind generation capacity in Tasmania by nearly 50 per cent.
The Hodgman Liberal Government is dedicated to providing Tasmanians with renewable, reliable and cheap energy.