The Tasmanian Government is committed to an energy plan that sustainably grows our renewable energy generation to 200 per cent of the current level by 2040.
We need to ensure this is done in the right way and that Tasmanian communities will be able to share in the benefits of a fast-growing renewable energy industry.
Tasmania’s renewable energy opportunities are significant with projects such as Marinus Link, Battery of the Nation and Green Hydrogen securing our future energy supply, reducing emissions, putting downward pressure on electricity prices, and bringing billions of dollars in investment and thousands of jobs to our State.
Today the Government is also releasing its Draft Guideline for Community Engagement, Benefit Sharing and Local Procurement which seeks public submissions on the draft to inform and finalise the Guideline over the coming months.
Through the Guideline, the Government sets a clear standard for best practice community engagement, benefit sharing and local procurement in the Tasmanian renewable energy industry.
It will set an important benchmark for renewable energy proponents and emphasises the importance the Government places on community engagement and sharing the benefits of renewables with all Tasmanians.
The Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner, Andrew Dyer, has said that effective, genuine community engagement is crucial for all major infrastructure projects and a proponent's ability to engage the community throughout the development and operational stages of a major project can be the difference between success or failure
“Landholders, neighbours and the broader community will have material concerns about energy projects that will need to be addressed. Community members also have tremendous skills and capabilities that can readily assist the project, be they via a community consultative committee or directly supporting project activities. Once finalised, these guidelines should play a vital role in helping to enable a project's acceptance and success through effective engagement,’’ Mr Dyer said.
“The Tasmanian Government is to be commended for its leadership and commitment to promoting effective community engagement. Through the valuable insights and information contained in these proposed guidelines and with the emphasis on community engagement in the Government’s Renewable Energy Coordination Framework, the Tasmanian Government is clearly articulating its expectations and requirements for energy projects to gain community acceptance.
“Industry and communities should find this publication, once finalised, of immense value. I encourage stakeholders to carefully consider and implement the well-considered collection of best practices contained within,’’ Mr Dyer said.
The Tasmanian Government welcomes all community and proponent feedback on the Draft Guideline and expects the final version to be released early next year.
It is available at recfit.tas.gov.au/renewables/guideline_community_engagement with submissions closing on 15 November 2022.