The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to taking action on cost of living pressures.
Accordingly, it is my pleasure to deliver the keynote speech at today’s CEDA conference in Hobart, outlining the measures we have taken to protect Tasmanians from the high wholesale prices currently being experienced nationally.
We have acted decisively to intervene and cap power price increases for regulated customers, which will result in a saving of around $300 for the average Tasmanian household.
So in Tasmania, while regulated prices will increase by around two per cent from the 1st of July, mainland customers in the ACT, SA and NSW will experience price increases of around 16 to 20 per cent.
This is an important outcome in mitigating cost of living pressures for Tasmanians. It will also mean that regulated power prices are still lower than when the Hodgman Government was elected a little over three years ago. This is a stark contrast to the previous Labor-Green Government that oversaw regulated power price increases of around 65 per cent.
The Hodgman Government will also continue to ensure that we maximise our natural renewable energy advantage and cement our reputation as the country's renewable energy powerhouse.
We recently announced the $300 million Wild Cattle Hill wind farm that will add nearly 50 per cent to the existing wind generation in Tasmania and create up to 150 jobs during construction. Further wind projects such as the Granville Harbour proposal are currently being progressed and I look forward to having more to say about this soon.