From Lance Balcombe – TasNetworks CEO

Today the Cradle Coast Authority (CCA) will open the Cradle Coast Future Energy Hub in the CCA building in Burnie.

“The Cradle Coast Future Energy Hub has been established to foster greater collaboration and information sharing between renewable energy projects and the community.

“Tasmania’s North West and West Coast has enormous potential as a renewable energy generation and storage powerhouse and Burnie is emerging as a hub for this economic progress including as the connection point for Marinus Link. The renewable energy industry will be at the forefront of the region’s future prosperity, and if projects proceed, will bring thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investment.

“The Energy Hub will provide a central place for information sharing with community members and other regional stakeholders. It will enable the community to ask questions and provide feedback about the opportunities that exist in the North West and West Coast regions of Tasmania,” Mr Balcombe said.

This initiative aligns with The Cradle Coast Regional Futures Plan which provides the blueprint for a new, collaborative approach to regional economic development in North West Tasmania.

The Cradle Coast Future Energy Hub will be a shared space where TasNetworks and renewable energy generation businesses can collaborate to share information with the community and stakeholders, and host community and stakeholder engagement activities.

The space will have a dedicated resource – the Regional Economic Development Officer (Future Energy Hub) – the first point of contact for the community, stakeholders and industry. This role will support the work of project proponents, and the recently established CCA Renewable Energy Working Group. The CCA will recruit locally to fill this role with funding support from TasNetworks.

Media contact Dan Sinkovits 0417 767 124