THE TASMANIAN government wants the federal government to consider the port of Bell Bay as an option for development of an offshore wind terminal.
State minister for energy and renewables Nick Duigan suggested the alternative after federal environment minister Tanya Plibersek nixed plans for an offshore wind facility at Port of Hastings.
Mr Duigan said the port of Bell Bay would be “an ideal option” to service construction and maintenance of Bass Strait offshore wind farms.
“Tasmania is already the nation’s renewable energy leader, and we are forging ahead with our plans to continue to position our state as a clean energy powerhouse,” Mr Duigan said.
“Bell Bay is an outstanding location for this type of infrastructure.
“The Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone is already an important industrial driver for the state and is very much at the forefront of our renewable energy plans, including the development of a world-leading green hydrogen industry.”
Mr Duigan also called on the federal government to approve the Robbins Island wind farm – a controversial development proposed for an island off northwest Tasmania.
A local advocacy group has lodged an appeal with the supreme court against development of the wind farm.
The Circular Head Coastal Awareness Network group said the proposed wind farm would be a risk to local wildlife, including the endangered orange-bellied parrot.
