A plan to streamline the approvals process for new renewable energy projects has been unveiled by the Rockliff Liberal Government which will ensure Tasmania continues to be the renewable energy powerhouse of the nation.
Minister for Energy and Renewables, Nick Duigan, said in a new move to secure the ongoing expansion of the sector, a dedicated approvals pathway will assist the continuing rollout of major renewable energy projects.
"I'm very pleased to be progressing the new Renewable Energy Approvals Pathway – also known as REAP," Minister Duigan said.
"The Renewable Energy Approval Pathway (REAP) will provide a pathway for projects, such as wind farms and transmission lines, through the Major Projects Assessment Process.
"We already have significant renewable energy projects in the pipeline, and the new approvals pathway will ensure we continue to build that resource."
The dedicated major renewable energy projects approvals pathway is the result of the Government's Renewable Energy Coordination Framework.
As part of the Renewable Energy Coordination Framework, the Tasmanian Government undertook a review which identified the need for a Renewable Energy Approval Pathway (REAP). It also complements other actions underway within the framework's environmental pillar.
Components of the REAP include:
- Establishing a Major Renewable Energy Project case management team within Government, made up of a dedicated case management officer in ReCFIT and a cross agency team to facilitate a more integrated and coordinated pre-assessment process;
- Develop definitive guidance on information requirements for Major Projects; and,
- A coordinated pre-assessment which considers a Reserve Activity Assessment and related assessment processes - parallel to the major projects.
Other options committed to, complement and support the establishment and ongoing operation of the REAP, include:
- Prioritise progressing a bilateral assessment agreement for the Major Projects assessment pathway;
- Establish assessment protocols between the Tasmanian and Australian Governments to address current shortages creating regulatory delays and inconsistent advice;
- Progress the establishment of a guideline on community benefit schemes specific to Tasmania, and identify a funding model that provides greater certainty to regional communities, and shows results sooner; and,
- Respond to recommendations from the Future of Local Government Review.
Minister for Energy and Renewables, Nick Duigan said that the Government is now developing a separate supporting initiative for statutory recognition of the Reserve Activity Assessment (RAA) process, including required assessment timeframes.
"Major Projects provides a more contemporary assessment process that is designed to align with community expectations of project assessment," Minister Duigan said.
"Opportunity for public involvement will continue to be provided through consultation and exhibition processes as well as public hearings.
"The Rockliff Liberal Government will continue to support Tasmanians by delivering new generation capacity that grows our economy and create more jobs, while keeping power prices the lowest in the nation."
