The Hodgman Liberal Government has helped secure the long term future of Bell Bay Aluminium and more than 1,500 workers (employed directly and indirectly) by facilitating a deal between Hydro Tasmania, TasNetworks and Bell Bay Aluminium to deliver more power to the smelter.
The commercial arrangement increases the amount of power supplied to the smelter by around 10 per cent, allowing Bell Bay Aluminium to increase productivity and production.
Today’s announcement ensures Bell Bay Aluminium can remain competitive in tough global market conditions while also paving the way for a parallel $30 million capital investment program by the company, around half of which will be spent with local suppliers and contractors, creating business and job opportunities for Northern Tasmania.
This arrangement will deliver an additional 33 megawatts of power at a competitive price, but which is sustainable and consistent with other major industrials, ensuring a benefit not only for Bell Bay Aluminium but for Hydro Tasmania as well.
Consistent with the Tasmanian Energy Strategy released today, this outcome is a practical demonstration of the Hodgman Liberal Government’s commitment to once again make energy an economic driver to attract new investment and create jobs.
The Government will continue to work with the Coordinator General and our energy businesses to aggressively market Tasmania as an attractive destination for energy intensive industry.
I congratulate Bell Bay Aluminium, TasNetworks and Hydro Tasmania on today’s announcement, as well as the Coordinator General John Perry for helping to facilitate the deal, and welcome the benefits it will have for Tasmania.