Paul Harriss: Huon pool boiler project may be forerunner for growth in forest biomass

An innovative project may see the Huon Sports and Aquatic Centre heated by a modern, wood-fired boiler, benefiting both the forest industry and the Huon community.

The centre, owned and operated by the Huon Valley Council, is faced with high electricity bills, which is why the Liberal Government is pleased to support a feasibility study, alongside the Bendigo Bank, into a biomass alternative.

The Huon pool project is a relatively small project, but could be the forerunner for a new sector with potential for both economic growth and environmental benefits.

Last year, German academic Professor Andreas Rothe compared Tasmania’s use of forest residues with practices in Europe, finding that there is significant gap in the way that biomass is valued and used here.

His report stated that the appropriate use of biomass could deliver a $200 million boost to earnings and hundreds of new jobs.

In fact, Professor Rothe said that in his home state of Bavaria, where there are 700 biomass plants compared to just a handful in Tasmania, the sensible use of biomass is “encouraged by all political parties, including the Greens”.

What a contrast between the European Greens and those here whose only plan for forestry is to shut it down.

The Liberal Government is committed to rebuilding Tasmania’s forest industries, including the appropriate use of biomass, to create new jobs.
Paul Harriss, Minister for Resources