… TASMANIAN JOBS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH THROUGH RENEWABLES
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Water Lisa Singh met with Hydro Tasmania’s CEO Stephen Davy yesterday to discuss the threat to their business from the on-going uncertainty surrounding the Renewable Energy Target (RET).
“The RET creates jobs in Tasmania. With the downturn in the forestry and mining industries, this state needs new jobs right now. If we don’t grab this opportunity not only will future job opportunities evaporate, but current jobs will vanish as well,” said Senator for Tasmania Lisa Singh.
“This uncertainty needs to stop. Investors need a clear commitment from the Abbott Government on the RET. That is what will create jobs,” said Senator Singh.
She also met with representatives of the Granville Harbour Wind Farm, a project that will generate more than 200 jobs on the West Coast.
“Renewable Energy projects like those coming from Hydro Tasmania and Granville Harbour provide major economic opportunities for our state and need support, not hostility, from the Abbott Government.”
“Hydro Tasmania is the largest producer of renewable energy in Australia, generating nearly half of the nation’s renewable energy through a combination of hydroelectric and wind power plants.
“The Abbott Government is preparing to receive the recommendations on the review of the Renewable Energy Target from its hand-picked panel chaired by global-warming sceptic and former Caltex Chairman, Dick Warburton, in the coming weeks.
“No doubt the RET review will give the Prime Minister wriggle-room to break yet another election promise.
“Tony Abbott has already signalled he is walking away from the RET which aims to ensure at least or 41,000 GWh of Australia’s energy is from renewable sources by 2020.
Senator Lisa Singh (Tas), Shadow Parliamtary Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Water
