The Rockliff Liberal Government welcomes today's decision by the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TasCAT) to overturn the five-month shutdown condition imposed on ACEN's Robbins Island Wind Farm.
Premier, Jeremy Rockliff, said the decision was a pragmatic outcome that got the balance right while noting the challenges of the national energy transition.
"Tasmania is the nation's leader in renewable energy, and our Government recognises the economic development and job creation that the sector holds," Premier Rockliff said.
"As our State grows, our energy demand is also growing, and we will need more energy to continue to meet Tasmania's needs.
"Today's decision recognises that an appropriate balance needs to be struck between enabling renewable energy projects and protecting our native species.
"As a Government and as a society, we have responsibilities to both.
"Our Government understands the need for greater renewable supply, and we cannot allow single-minded agendas to override the best interests of all Tasmanians.
"We are looking forward to continuing to work with ACEN to bring both the Robbins Island and Jim's Plains wind farms online."
Minister for Energy and Renewables, Nick Duigan, welcomed the decision as a positive step in our renewable agenda.
"I'm pleased that common sense has prevailed, and this project can now proceed to the next stage," Minister Duigan said.
"Our Government will continue working closely with ACEN and other proponents in the region to ensure the supporting infrastructure needed for these projects proceeds."
The Rockliff Liberal Government will also seek urgent talks with the Federal Government to better coordinate environmental approvals for renewable energy projects.
"Our Government understands that getting projects approved under Federal environmental law has been challenging and we call on the Federal Government to work with us on solutions," Premier Rockliff said.
"Where there are matters of national interest, like renewable energy supply and native species, Tasmania cannot do it alone.
"We need the Federal Government to work with us and share the responsibility of striking the right balance.
"All of Australia needs to do more to ensure we have the energy supply we need for our future."
Minister Duigan said that the Rockliff Liberal Government's energy policy will always focus on growing renewable energy supply to ensure we have the power we need to continue to build the economy and create jobs while at the same time ensuring power bills are kept as low as possible.
"Under our Renewable Energy Coordination Framework, we have been working on the potential to improve approvals processes and we want to work with the Federal Government to ensure that Commonwealth legislation doesn't stand in the way," Minister Duigan said.
"We have a plan, and we are getting on with it. A plan that grows supply, creates jobs and continues to ensure that Tasmania has the lowest power prices in the nation."
