The Basslink failure highlights the ongoing risk to Tasmania’s electricity supply, which relies on an overused undersea cable.
The best and most future-focused way to prevent the state entering periods of energy insecurity is to produce everything we need on-island.
The Liberals’ adoption of parts of the Greens’ energy policy, and commitment to becoming 100% renewable by 2022 needs to be fast-tracked. It’s only four years away, and Minister Barnett needs to provide a detailed plan about how we can get there, as a priority.
The future for our island state rests in becoming more than 100% renewable as soon as possible, and having a reliable electricity excess to export. The Greens will actively contribute to any tripartisan effort to develop a real renewable energy plan for Tasmania.
It would take more than a decade to build a new undersea cable, and that funding should be the federal government’s responsibility. The current conversations about a second Basslink are a pointless distraction from the State Government’s real work over the next four years – to become more than 100% renewable, 100% of the time.
Securing energy generation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are urgent for Tasmania in this term of government. Mr Barnett and his colleagues must make it a priority.
Rosalie Woodruff MP | Greens’ Energy spokesperson
