TasNetworks welcomes the announcement by the Australian Government to streamline the approvals process for Marinus Link, as part of a plan to drive economic recovery and stimulate jobs in the wake of COVID-19.
Project Marinus General Manager Bess Clark welcomed the inclusion of Marinus Link in the announcement made by the Prime Minister.
“We see the Project as being a key catalyst for jobs, and training opportunities as well as economic investment, particularly in regional Tasmania and Victoria”, Ms Clark said.
“It’s wonderful to see Marinus Link listed alongside other critical major infrastructure projects that will bring benefits to the Nation, including jobs and economic stimulus at a time when we are all feeling the impact of COVID-19.”
TasNetworks is working closely with its owners, the Tasmanian Government, to progress renewable energy sector jobs and training opportunities, and the significant broader economic investment from the construction of Marinus Link and supporting transmission in Tasmania and Victoria.
Marinus Link will unlock further investment opportunities in Tasmania, including Hydro Tasmania’s Battery of the Nation initiative and other renewable projects, such as wind and solar farms.
“Tasmania has tremendous wind and hydro resources, as well as the potential for pumped hydro storage and hydrogen production. The full potential can only be unlocked by building Marinus Link.” TasNetworks CEO, Lance Balcombe said.
“Together these renewable energy projects will create thousands of jobs, many of which will be in North West Tasmania and regional Victoria.”
“Marinus Link also supports Australia’s transition of the energy system and provides benefits to the entire National Electricity Market by enabling delivery of low-cost, reliable and clean energy.”
Tasmania has received $56 million in federal funding to progress Marinus Link into the Design and Approvals stage, which aims to deliver a ‘shovel ready’ Marinus Link by the mid-2020s.
“We look forward to working with our State and Government authorities, industry, business and the community as we progress important environmental and planning approvals processes,” Mr Balcombe said.
ENDS
Media contact
Dan Sinkovits | 0417 767 124
daniel.sinkovits@tasnetworks.com.au