Rosalie Woodruff MP | Greens Energy spokesperson
Ahead of tomorrow's COAG Energy Committee meeting, Matthew Groom implied further investment in renewable energy projects can't happen without a second Basslink interconnector. He's got things completely back to front.
Minister Groom suggested another interconnector was needed so that Tasmania could help in the national transition to renewable energy targets. It's pleasing the Liberals are finally seeing the renewable energy future, but our on-island supply must be secure first.
Matthew Groom needs to remember that he’s the Minister for Energy in Tasmania, not the whole nation. He needs to put Tasmania's needs first.
Only six months ago the State was in the midst of an energy crisis, and still hasn't fully realised the financial and environmental costs. The Liberals should be doing all they can to secure our energy supply and make sure Tasmania is never in that situation again.
The push for a second interconnector is a distraction. It's Matthew Groom's attempt to save his political hide after this year's energy crisis.
The proponents of the Granville Harbour wind farm have been waiting at least a year to move forward. If the Liberals were serious about renewables, they would be looking at wind farm proposals, sorting the power purchase agreements, and consulting with communities.
Tasmania can't risk another summer like the last, with another drought and the State's energy security left vulnerable.
Minister Groom needs to focus his energy on a Tasmanian plan for transitioning to 100% renewable energy, instead of on a pre-emptive, expensive and risky push for a second Basslink.