In a significant development, the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TasCAT) has lifted the five-month shutdown condition imposed on ACEN’s Robbins Island Wind Farm.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff expressed satisfaction with the decision, emphasising the government’s commitment to finding a balance amid the challenges of the national energy transition.
“Tasmania is the nation’s leader in renewable energy, and our Government recognizes the economic development and job creation that the sector holds,” Rockliff said.
“As our state grows, our energy demand is also increasing, and we will need more energy to continue meeting Tasmania’s needs. The decision recognises that an appropriate balance needs to be struck between enabling renewable energy projects and protecting our native species.”
Rockliff said the government is looking forward to continuing to work with ACEN to bring both the Robbins Island and Jim’s Plains wind farms online, indicating ongoing collaboration.
Minister for Energy and Renewables Nick Duigan welcomed the decision as a positive step in Tasmania’s renewable agenda, expressing satisfaction that “common sense has prevailed.”
He said the government’s commitment to working closely with ACEN and other proponents to ensure the necessary infrastructure for these projects progresses seamlessly.
Minister Duigan highlighted the Rockliff Liberal Government’s energy policy, focusing on growing renewable energy supply to meet the island’s needs for economic growth and job creation while 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 collaborate with the Federal Government to ensure that Commonwealth legislation doesn’t hinder our progress,” 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.”