The Rockliff Liberal Government is proud of Tasmania’s reputation as the renewables powerhouse of Australia with a legislated target to double our generation through renewables by 2040.
“In support of this vision in December 2022, I announced the North-West of Tasmania as the first region to be explored in detail for its potential to host the State's first Renewable Energy Zone (REZ),” Minister Barnett said.
A REZ is all about economies of scale - being able to benefit from existing energy resources and established grid infrastructure close-by to unlock new energy at lower cost, while also considering environmental, heritage and other important values.
“Community input is critical to understand the places where REZ may be best located and what communities expect in the way of benefits if they are to host a REZ.
“Renewables Climate Future Industries Tasmania have been working with North-west communities throughout 2023 and today launched the Renewable Energy Zones Mapping Important Places initiative for North-West Tasmania.
“This allows community to contribute their local knowledge by identifying places that are important, whilst also identifying places where they think renewables may be best placed in the region.
“The initiative will run over the course of July, and I encourage community to get involved and “drop a pin” on the this interactive map,” Minister Barnett said.
This is just one of the initiatives the Rockliff Liberal Government will be undertaking across this year to provide community input to the REZ establishment process, and Tasmanians are encouraged to register for regular updates at www.renewableenergyzones.tas.gov.au.