Labor backs wind power

Launceston Examiner
Monday 30/7/2007 Page: 4

TASMANIA'S wind energy industry look set for a major boost if Labor wins power in this year's federal election. Roaring 40s, Hydro Tasmania's renewable energy arm, was forced to scrap plans for the $300 million Heemskirk and $230 Musselroe wind projects after the Howard Government decided against an extension of Mandatory Renewable Energy Targets last year. But speaking in Launceston yesterday, Opposition trade and regional development spokesman Simon Crean said Labor was committed to developing greater incentives for the renewable energy industry. "We have to invest more in renewables, and I think there's great economic opportunity for this State," Mr Crean said.

Mr Crean met Dorset Council representatives on Saturday, discussing the economic benefits to the North-East of the Musselroe wind project. Roaring 40s has revived the Musselroe development after the Victorian and NSW governments flagged the introduction of their own renewable energy targets. "They (the council) are very excited about the prospects at Musselroe," Mr Crean said. "What it highlights is the importance of committing to a MRET." Mr Crean said that a Labor Government would extend the MRET programme, breathing new life into Roaring 40s wind energy programme. "We haven't formally announced that, but we will," Mr Crean said. "And its important to do it, and if that announcement is made, Roaring 40s will make significant commitments beyond the Musselroe project."

In addition to its Australian wind farms, Roaring 40s has been successful in contracting to develop wind farms in China, where the Government is aiming for 15 per cent of all power generation to be from renewable technologies by the year 2020. The Howard Government has repeatedly refused to extend the MRET programme, preferring to investigate nuclear and clean coal technologies to meet the nation's energy needs. Less than 2 per cent of Australia's electricity comes from renewable sources.