2016-08-15
Warwick Smith’s sudden resignation from the viability study of a second Basslink cable should prompt an urgent rethink of the proposal, Greens Senator for Tasmania Nick McKim says.
“Mr Smith’s departure while halfway through a study into the second interconnector gives state and commonwealth governments an opportunity to reconsider their approach,” Senator McKim said.
“They should take off the blinkers and look at all options rather than limiting their thinking to old solutions that have failed Tasmania in the past.”
“Renewable energy experts, major industrial companies and eminent academics have all raised concerns about a second interconnector in recent months.”
“Tasmania’s first priority should be to achieve energy self-sufficiency through investment in renewables, real incentives for localised generation, and demand reduction across the state.”
“The first Basslink reduced Tasmania’s energy self-sufficiency, and the danger is that a second cable would simply compound the problem while providing another expensive lifeline to dirty coal-fired power stations in the Latrobe Valley.”