LATEST NEWS
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22 March 2021
Community Workshops - SOLVE Media Release
Not Actual Photo of Marinus Team
TasNetworks’ War on Community continues.
Which is worse? The frustration of knowing the Marinus Project is a for-profit scam to export power and jobs to the Mainland, or enduring another Marinus “community engagement event”. Tough call.
Over the weekend, some of our community were able to attend Marinus PR team’s “community workshops” in Preston and Wilmot. The topic was ‘social impacts’ of TasNetworks’ proposed transmission lines. We told the PR people TasNetworks had ignored community for two years on this, and reminded them that TasNetworks’ new grid puts the social, economic and environmental costs on us while offering zero benefits (eg. the much-hyped ‘jobs and growth’). When confronted, the Marinus PR team couldn’t come up with a single benefit for Tasmania, excusing this by saying they “weren’t across the details of the project.”
Here’s some of our community’s comments following the meetings: “the usual TasNet PR”, “no genuine discussion”, “they gathered information but didn’t give any out”, “evasive”, “no local knowledge or understanding”, “they downplayed the visual impacts with just two long-distance images”, “we got nothing out of it”.
Tasnet have had eighteen months to ask about our issues and have declined to do so, even in face-to-face meetings, so this latest PR exercise is just another box ticked on the path to approval. They’ll be able to claim our attendance means they ‘have engaged in extensive consultation with community’. The workshops were as we expected, uninformed PR shills and Dip Comm graduates heaping more misery on communities that Tasnetworks continue to ignore. TasNetworks will never get social license for the Marinus Project because it doesn’t stack up economically, environmentally or socially. TasNetworks know this, even if their PR teams don’t, but that’s why they’re spending millions of our money on PR consultancies – to sell us on something we don’t want or need. Marinus is all cost and no benefit for Tasmania.
Ben Marshall – Chair – SOLVE – Supporting Our Loongana Valley Environment
Which is worse? The frustration of knowing the Marinus Project is a for-profit scam to export power and jobs to the Mainland, or enduring another Marinus “community engagement event”. Tough call.
Over the weekend, some of our community were able to attend Marinus PR team’s “community workshops” in Preston and Wilmot. The topic was ‘social impacts’ of TasNetworks’ proposed transmission lines. We told the PR people TasNetworks had ignored community for two years on this, and reminded them that TasNetworks’ new grid puts the social, economic and environmental costs on us while offering zero benefits (eg. the much-hyped ‘jobs and growth’). When confronted, the Marinus PR team couldn’t come up with a single benefit for Tasmania, excusing this by saying they “weren’t across the details of the project.”
Here’s some of our community’s comments following the meetings: “the usual TasNet PR”, “no genuine discussion”, “they gathered information but didn’t give any out”, “evasive”, “no local knowledge or understanding”, “they downplayed the visual impacts with just two long-distance images”, “we got nothing out of it”.
Tasnet have had eighteen months to ask about our issues and have declined to do so, even in face-to-face meetings, so this latest PR exercise is just another box ticked on the path to approval. They’ll be able to claim our attendance means they ‘have engaged in extensive consultation with community’. The workshops were as we expected, uninformed PR shills and Dip Comm graduates heaping more misery on communities that Tasnetworks continue to ignore. TasNetworks will never get social license for the Marinus Project because it doesn’t stack up economically, environmentally or socially. TasNetworks know this, even if their PR teams don’t, but that’s why they’re spending millions of our money on PR consultancies – to sell us on something we don’t want or need. Marinus is all cost and no benefit for Tasmania.
Ben Marshall – Chair – SOLVE – Supporting Our Loongana Valley Environment
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4 January 2021
Tasmanian Planning Commission
Exhibition of draft planning criteria : Northwest Transmission Upgrades Project
Public Submissions close
SOLVE Media Release 1 January 2021
Railroaded community group fights flawed Marinus Project, and shows the way forward.
Loongana community group, SOLVE (Supporting Our Loongana Valley Environment), have asked the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC) to fix planning criteria, or risk State government, TasNetworks, and foreign renewables companies like UPC, proceeding with a plan that will trash local jobs and environment here, while exporting our wind-power to the Mainland, and sending profits offshore. With State government backing pro-corporate Marinus Project, we need strong planning criteria and environmental laws to rein them in.
SOLVE’s submission has provided solid pathways for the Commission, and revealed TasNetworks’ proposed “North West Transmissions Upgrade Project” is not an upgrade but an entire new grid. The Hampshire to Staverton section alone rams enormous new infrastructure through landscapes, posing irreversible impacts on the environment and increased fire risks into the future. Better plans haven’t been explored because TasNetworks are the commercial beneficiary of their own grid design. This conflict of interest will criss-cross Tasmania with huge last-century overhead wires, while Victoria gets their section put underground.
SOLVE has called on the Commission to ensure every aspect of any new infrastructure include climate as critical to planning. The TPC take a ‘precautionary’ approach, when the reality, and science, has long shown that global warming is already real, rapid and dangerous. All energy projects must address climate change, including their transmission lines. Planning of any sort cannot morally walk past our climate and extinction crises. TasNetworks must produce analysis of all stages of their project’s total carbon footprint, and the environmental damage caused.
Planning criteria must force TasNetworks to include independent cost-benefit analysis– not just infrastructure costs but the true costs incurred on communities and the environment. Benefits must also be assessed independently to show where electricity and profits will end up. Bushfire risks must be quantified, and thorough management plans, made with community and TFS, must be included. TasNetworks must also be held to account for long-term weed and feral animal management and the increased risks to threatened species from their power line easements.
The SOLVE submission to improve planning criteria not only exposes the current flaws of infrastructure planning, it shows the way to fix them. SOLVE will continue to fight not just to protect the beautiful Loongana Valley but to ensure better planning that benefits all Tasmanians.
SOLVE – Supporting Our Loongana Valley Environment
Railroaded community group fights flawed Marinus Project, and shows the way forward.
Loongana community group, SOLVE (Supporting Our Loongana Valley Environment), have asked the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC) to fix planning criteria, or risk State government, TasNetworks, and foreign renewables companies like UPC, proceeding with a plan that will trash local jobs and environment here, while exporting our wind-power to the Mainland, and sending profits offshore. With State government backing pro-corporate Marinus Project, we need strong planning criteria and environmental laws to rein them in.
SOLVE’s submission has provided solid pathways for the Commission, and revealed TasNetworks’ proposed “North West Transmissions Upgrade Project” is not an upgrade but an entire new grid. The Hampshire to Staverton section alone rams enormous new infrastructure through landscapes, posing irreversible impacts on the environment and increased fire risks into the future. Better plans haven’t been explored because TasNetworks are the commercial beneficiary of their own grid design. This conflict of interest will criss-cross Tasmania with huge last-century overhead wires, while Victoria gets their section put underground.
SOLVE has called on the Commission to ensure every aspect of any new infrastructure include climate as critical to planning. The TPC take a ‘precautionary’ approach, when the reality, and science, has long shown that global warming is already real, rapid and dangerous. All energy projects must address climate change, including their transmission lines. Planning of any sort cannot morally walk past our climate and extinction crises. TasNetworks must produce analysis of all stages of their project’s total carbon footprint, and the environmental damage caused.
Planning criteria must force TasNetworks to include independent cost-benefit analysis– not just infrastructure costs but the true costs incurred on communities and the environment. Benefits must also be assessed independently to show where electricity and profits will end up. Bushfire risks must be quantified, and thorough management plans, made with community and TFS, must be included. TasNetworks must also be held to account for long-term weed and feral animal management and the increased risks to threatened species from their power line easements.
The SOLVE submission to improve planning criteria not only exposes the current flaws of infrastructure planning, it shows the way to fix them. SOLVE will continue to fight not just to protect the beautiful Loongana Valley but to ensure better planning that benefits all Tasmanians.
SOLVE – Supporting Our Loongana Valley Environment
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21 December 2020
State government Releases Renewable Energy Action Plan (TREAP)
SOLVE Media Release
The State government’s Renewable Energy Action Plan (TREAP) is a crushing disappointment to our community. Instead of policy that might benefit Tasmanians, the Plan is a marketing document for the finance and investment sector. Genuine economic modelling and climate science are absent, and absurdities like “biomass energy” – the clear-felling and burning of our forests and waste - is claimed to be green when it actually releases extraordinary amounts of CO2 and other pollutants.
The Marinus Project is another part of this policy failure, and will merely enable companies to send power offshore to ‘the Market’. The ‘green hydrogen’ energy plan is more of the same – sending hydrogen offshore as another Tasmanian raw resource. Worse, it will also be used to extend the life of the fossil fuel gas industry here by utilising gas pipelines, adding a mere 10% hydrogen to gas which should stay buried. Electrification of cars and transport is given vague targets that don’t include agricultural or commercial vehicles. Security of power supply omits to mention much of our privatised renewables industry is already Chinese-owned or controlled.
The TREAP is an outline for a business model that serves corporate investors. The plan pays lip service to community consultation, and offers little for local jobs and business growth beyond the construction phase. As with Marinus Project and TasNetworks proposed new electricity grids, there’s nothing in this ‘plan’ for Tasmanian workers, business or communities. We deserve better, and call on Tasmanian leadership to stop Marinus, end rampant corporate welfare, and begin coordinated multi-sector planning that addresses climate and serves Tasmanian interests, not those of wealthy local donors, the finance sector and offshore investors.
The State government’s Renewable Energy Action Plan (TREAP) is a crushing disappointment to our community. Instead of policy that might benefit Tasmanians, the Plan is a marketing document for the finance and investment sector. Genuine economic modelling and climate science are absent, and absurdities like “biomass energy” – the clear-felling and burning of our forests and waste - is claimed to be green when it actually releases extraordinary amounts of CO2 and other pollutants.
The Marinus Project is another part of this policy failure, and will merely enable companies to send power offshore to ‘the Market’. The ‘green hydrogen’ energy plan is more of the same – sending hydrogen offshore as another Tasmanian raw resource. Worse, it will also be used to extend the life of the fossil fuel gas industry here by utilising gas pipelines, adding a mere 10% hydrogen to gas which should stay buried. Electrification of cars and transport is given vague targets that don’t include agricultural or commercial vehicles. Security of power supply omits to mention much of our privatised renewables industry is already Chinese-owned or controlled.
The TREAP is an outline for a business model that serves corporate investors. The plan pays lip service to community consultation, and offers little for local jobs and business growth beyond the construction phase. As with Marinus Project and TasNetworks proposed new electricity grids, there’s nothing in this ‘plan’ for Tasmanian workers, business or communities. We deserve better, and call on Tasmanian leadership to stop Marinus, end rampant corporate welfare, and begin coordinated multi-sector planning that addresses climate and serves Tasmanian interests, not those of wealthy local donors, the finance sector and offshore investors.
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18 December 2020
Politicisation in DPIPWE : Survey
We've been hearing from insiders about censorship in the public services and private consultancies who advise TasNet and the State government, but we had no idea the politicisation was this bad. Thanks to the CPSU, we now know the shocking reality.
“Probably the most concerning result of the survey is this culture of politicisation in DPIPWE – 46 per cent of staff have said that they’ve felt morally compromised in what they have been asked to do or stopped from doing,"
whole article here
“Probably the most concerning result of the survey is this culture of politicisation in DPIPWE – 46 per cent of staff have said that they’ve felt morally compromised in what they have been asked to do or stopped from doing,"
whole article here
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18 December 2020
CEPU CALL TO ACTION
CALL TO ACTION:
To be called out as being too negative when being factual about energy in Tasmania from a community point of view is a poor attempt to dodge the big questions. That’s all the liberals have been doing, pretending that optimism is a substitute for evidence.
Many community groups are opposing publically funded private energy takeovers in their various backyards (
SOLVE - Supporting Our Loongana Valley Environment, Circular Head Coastal Awareness Group, Nietta Action Group) being attacked simply for raising these fundamental questions, and it’s been a piss poor showing from our government, State and Federal.
So on the off chance you aren’t a private energy generator trying to use our public network to gouge Tasmanians, join us in saying that it’s a hard NO to Marinus or further privatisation by stealth until Tasmanians get real guarantees about real benefits for bill payers and working families.
To be called out as being too negative when being factual about energy in Tasmania from a community point of view is a poor attempt to dodge the big questions. That’s all the liberals have been doing, pretending that optimism is a substitute for evidence.
Many community groups are opposing publically funded private energy takeovers in their various backyards (
SOLVE - Supporting Our Loongana Valley Environment, Circular Head Coastal Awareness Group, Nietta Action Group) being attacked simply for raising these fundamental questions, and it’s been a piss poor showing from our government, State and Federal.
So on the off chance you aren’t a private energy generator trying to use our public network to gouge Tasmanians, join us in saying that it’s a hard NO to Marinus or further privatisation by stealth until Tasmanians get real guarantees about real benefits for bill payers and working families.
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16 December 2020
CEPU Tas reject the hype about the Marinus Link.
"None of the spin and hysteria has gone anywhere near the community’s issues, and worse, are patently untrue"
"After all is said and done, this cable is a furphy to have Tasmania pay for a super expensive extension cord to allow private wind farms access to the NEM.
- Marinus will not in itself make power cheaper
- there are very few local jobs involved
- even fewer apprenticeships
- will probably be obsolete in a short time meaning we are stuck with another basslink on steroids.
- the aberration of the NEM doesn’t have a certain future as it is being found out for the scam that it is
Tasmanian Liberals being endlessly positive should be treated with great caution, because of who they blindly serve. In this case, it is foreign/interstate workers and privately-owned energy generators".
Michael Anderson, CEPU Tasmania State Secretary
Communications Electrical & Plumbing Union
Full statement on CEPU facebook page
- Marinus will not in itself make power cheaper
- there are very few local jobs involved
- even fewer apprenticeships
- will probably be obsolete in a short time meaning we are stuck with another basslink on steroids.
- the aberration of the NEM doesn’t have a certain future as it is being found out for the scam that it is
Tasmanian Liberals being endlessly positive should be treated with great caution, because of who they blindly serve. In this case, it is foreign/interstate workers and privately-owned energy generators".
Michael Anderson, CEPU Tasmania State Secretary
Communications Electrical & Plumbing Union
Full statement on CEPU facebook page
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15 December 2020
It's a NO from AMWU (Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union) Tasmania Branch
“Marinus Link creates next to no ongoing jobs. Basslink didn’t decrease power prices, and neither will Marinus,” Acting @theamwu State Secretary, Jacob Batt
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15 December 2020
Lake Cethana named as the preferred site for Hydro Tasmania’s pumped hydro development as part of Battery of the Nation.
But there remains no clear detail about when the Marinus Link will carry that extra power across Bass Strait and who will own the infrastructure.
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15 December 2020
Federal and State Government sign a memorandum of understanding to further progress development of the Marinus Link interconnection to the mainland and National Electricity Market, and and the Cethana pumped hydro and other hydro upgrades that form Battery of the Nation.
Named the Tasmanian State Energy and Emissions Reduction Deal the Federal Government will provide a $93.9 million convertible loan to push Marinus Link through to a final investment decision.
"The Morrison Government will contribute a further $93.9 million as part of the agreement for the Marinus link project;
The creation of a joint special purpose corporate vehicle (62.5 per cent shares to Commonwealth & 37.5 per cent shares to Tasmania) that will progress the Marinus Link transmission through to a Final Investment Decision;
The agreement as part of the Morrison Government’s Underwriting New Generation Investments (UNGI) program to a scoping and development process for underwriting the first Battery of the Nation project site at Tarraleah that will provide additional dispatchable electricity and energy storage to the mainland."
NOTE: The investment decision is due 2023-2024, while The new Hampshire to Staverton Transmission line and North West Upgrades are due to be finished 2022-2023. PRESS RELEASES
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12 December 2020
Another bombshell for TasNetworks!
New Australia Institute economic analysis adds to the growing calls for our government to stop banging on about "billions in investment and thousands of jobs", and go back to the drawing board on Marinus. Tasmania deserves better!
"If history is any guide, there is certainly a risk that the benefits generated by projects such as Marinus Link and Battery of the Nation will be captured by energy generators with little benefit to ordinary Tasmanians. In particular, a more interconnected energy market, exposed to high or volatile energy prices on the mainland,could further impact energy costs for Tasmanian households and businesses. Meanwhile,the benefits of those inflated prices would be captured by energy companies. While it is true that Tasmania’s generation is publicly owned, a transfer of wealth from households to the Tasmanian Government as a result of this exposure to the NEM may not be an optimal outcome for Tasmania." Download the whole report here
"If history is any guide, there is certainly a risk that the benefits generated by projects such as Marinus Link and Battery of the Nation will be captured by energy generators with little benefit to ordinary Tasmanians. In particular, a more interconnected energy market, exposed to high or volatile energy prices on the mainland,could further impact energy costs for Tasmanian households and businesses. Meanwhile,the benefits of those inflated prices would be captured by energy companies. While it is true that Tasmania’s generation is publicly owned, a transfer of wealth from households to the Tasmanian Government as a result of this exposure to the NEM may not be an optimal outcome for Tasmania." Download the whole report here
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10 December 2020
Wilderness Society Tasmania host a town hall meeting bringing together 14 community groups that share SOLVE's concern that community interests, the environment, and democracy are suffering from secretive and opaque planning done in back rooms. [RECLAIM OUR RESERVES: https://fb.watch/2ik_U0sSwo/] 1:51:24
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8 December 2020
Guy Barnett reveals in House of Assembly Estimates that Project Marinus will send “in excess of 90%” of Tassie renewable power to the Mainland. With transmission losses around 5%, that implies Tasmania will get almost NO power from the Renewable Energy Zones, yet we will pay the social, environmental and economic costs for private companies to do so.
SOLVE ASKS: Will the Minister and TasNetworks explain how they continue to claim any of this benefits Tasmanians?
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5 December 2020
Tasmanian Planning Commission
Exhibition of draft planning criteria : Northwest Transmission Upgrades Project
Public Submissions open until January 4 2021.
The Minister for Planning determined that the Tasmanian Planning Commission will undertake the planning approval process for these projects.
When finalised, the planning criteria will be used to assess an application for a permit for the North West Transmission Upgrades Project, instead of the provisions of the planning scheme.
This is for ALL North West Transmission Projects, NEW and upgrades, covering a huge area and impacting many landowners and communities.
Palmerston to Sheffield
Sheffield to Burnie
Spur line to Heybridge
Burnie to East Cam
East Cam to Hampshire
Hampshire to Staverton
The whole project comprises of: 220kv overhead electricity transmission lines, transmission towers and ancillary facilities, substations at East Cam, Heybridge, hampshire and Staverton. Construction facilities such as concrete batching plants, site offices and storage yards at Hampshire, Nietta and South Nietta.
EXHIBITION DOCUMENTS:
Explanatory document
Draft planning criteria
When finalised, the planning criteria will be used to assess an application for a permit for the North West Transmission Upgrades Project, instead of the provisions of the planning scheme.
This is for ALL North West Transmission Projects, NEW and upgrades, covering a huge area and impacting many landowners and communities.
Palmerston to Sheffield
Sheffield to Burnie
Spur line to Heybridge
Burnie to East Cam
East Cam to Hampshire
Hampshire to Staverton
The whole project comprises of: 220kv overhead electricity transmission lines, transmission towers and ancillary facilities, substations at East Cam, Heybridge, hampshire and Staverton. Construction facilities such as concrete batching plants, site offices and storage yards at Hampshire, Nietta and South Nietta.
EXHIBITION DOCUMENTS:
Explanatory document
Draft planning criteria
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17 November 2020
EPBC REFERRAL DECISION ANNOUNCED:
TasNetworks Hampshire to Staverton Transmission Line is a 'controlled action' requiring environmental assessment and approval under the EPBC Act before it can proceed. BUT the assessment approach will be via an 'Accredited assessment' pathway through the Major Infrastructure Development Approvals Act 1999 (Tas) (MIDA) this is also called a 'bilateral agreement.'
TASMANIAN PLANNING COMMISSION: MIDA Flowchart
So, whats next? TasNetworks will do a final Environment Impact Assessment. EPA Tasmania will receive this and prepare an assessment report through the EPCMA (Environmental Management and Pollutions Control Act). This then goes back to the EPBC, the Commonwealth Environment Minister has the final decision whether to approve, approve with conditions or not approve.
There will be more opportunities for public submissions!
There will be more opportunities for public submissions!
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15 November 2020
TOO DANGEROUS:
8 Victorian CFA chiefs say " we will not respond to fires on, above or around the proposed 500kv high voltage powerlines."
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19 October 2020
EPBC REFERRAL: TasNetworks refer the proposed Hampshire to Staverton Transmission Line to the EPBC
Public Comment opens for 10 business days (2 November)
Referral Number: 2020/8817
to assess whether the proposed action is a controlled action (will have impacts on federally listed species or ecological communities). The Minister has three options:
to assess whether the proposed action is a controlled action (will have impacts on federally listed species or ecological communities). The Minister has three options:
- not a controlled action,
- A controlled action requiring assessment (by the Federal Minister or via a Bilateral agreement which handballs it back to EPA Tasmania)
- completely unacceptable.
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12 October 2020
Environmental Impact Assessment : Surveys commence.
Statement from TasNetworks:Spring surveys will commence from the 12 October 2020, across the entire length of the Staverton to Hampshire Hills route. This includes ecology and cultural heritage on-the-ground investigations.
The surveys are being undertaken by Entura and Cultural Heritage Management Australia (CHMA) and support the Environmental Impact Assessment. The results are required for environmental planning and heritage approvals, for both State and Commonwealth assessment and approvals processes.
Statement from TasNetworks:Spring surveys will commence from the 12 October 2020, across the entire length of the Staverton to Hampshire Hills route. This includes ecology and cultural heritage on-the-ground investigations.
The surveys are being undertaken by Entura and Cultural Heritage Management Australia (CHMA) and support the Environmental Impact Assessment. The results are required for environmental planning and heritage approvals, for both State and Commonwealth assessment and approvals processes.
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Tuesday 6 October
Chopper flights scheduled for Black Bluff and Valentines Peak.
Statement from TasNetworks:
... we will be conducting more detailed visual impact studies at Black Bluff and St Valentines Peak. To help with this work a helicopter will be used reach the peaks.
We have scheduled the flight for Tuesday 6 October (weather dependent). The helicopter will be used for transiting and not needed to undertake low-level flying.
The first landing will be at Black Bluff, to take into account Paddy’s Lake and Winterbrook Falls. As with the rest of the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment we will be taking photos that mimic the eye, so that a ‘to scale’ photo montage can be produced.
The second landing will take place on St Valentines Peak, and again, photographs will be taken to create a photo montage. These montages will be available for public comment and feedback in the coming months. We will continue to keep you updated as this work progresses.
Statement from TasNetworks:
... we will be conducting more detailed visual impact studies at Black Bluff and St Valentines Peak. To help with this work a helicopter will be used reach the peaks.
We have scheduled the flight for Tuesday 6 October (weather dependent). The helicopter will be used for transiting and not needed to undertake low-level flying.
The first landing will be at Black Bluff, to take into account Paddy’s Lake and Winterbrook Falls. As with the rest of the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment we will be taking photos that mimic the eye, so that a ‘to scale’ photo montage can be produced.
The second landing will take place on St Valentines Peak, and again, photographs will be taken to create a photo montage. These montages will be available for public comment and feedback in the coming months. We will continue to keep you updated as this work progresses.
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September 17, 2020
MIDA (North West Transmission Upgrate Project) Order 2020
Passes both houses of parliament
Under section 7(2) of the Major Infrastructure Development Approvals Act 1999 the Governor has made the Oder. The Order provides for the project to be assessed as a combined development application.
The project consists of a high voltage (220Kv) power line from Palmerston to Sheffield, Sheffield to Burnie via a spur line to Heybridge, Burnie to East Cam, East Cam to Hampshire and Hampshire to Staverton. The project will also includes four substations at East Cam, Heybridge, Hampshire and Staverton. The project will include three sites at Hampshire, Nietta and South Nietta that will provide concrete batching plants, site offices and storage areas during construction. The project also includes any necessary ancillary development, such as access tracks, concrete batching, communications systems, conductor winching and braking sites, construction camps, site offices and storage areas.
The Order can be viewed here
The Proponents report can be viewed here
The project consists of a high voltage (220Kv) power line from Palmerston to Sheffield, Sheffield to Burnie via a spur line to Heybridge, Burnie to East Cam, East Cam to Hampshire and Hampshire to Staverton. The project will also includes four substations at East Cam, Heybridge, Hampshire and Staverton. The project will include three sites at Hampshire, Nietta and South Nietta that will provide concrete batching plants, site offices and storage areas during construction. The project also includes any necessary ancillary development, such as access tracks, concrete batching, communications systems, conductor winching and braking sites, construction camps, site offices and storage areas.
The Order can be viewed here
The Proponents report can be viewed here
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September 24, 2020
Major Projects Bill passed
Labor Supports Liberals in Opposing Community Amendments
Most notably the unsuccessful amendments included:
SOLVE is a proud member of Planning Matters Alliance Tasmania (PMAT) and thank them for all the work involved in continuing to stand up for communities throughout Tasmania.
- rights of appeal against a major project approval;
- requiring a major project to be compliant with reserve management plans and consistent with state policies and planning policies; and
- numerous changes to require more appropriate membership of the Development Assessment Panel and more transparent and inclusive assessment processes.
SOLVE is a proud member of Planning Matters Alliance Tasmania (PMAT) and thank them for all the work involved in continuing to stand up for communities throughout Tasmania.
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For over a year the small community of Loongana Valley has been threatened with a proposed giant transmission line, which will kill tourism jobs, damage critical habitats, increase fire risk, and decrease property values.
TasNetworks and the State government have ignored our concerns, while persistently claiming that the line, part of a new grid tied to the proposed Marinus and Battery of the Nation projects, is for the greater good. We could find no modelling to back those claims.
We have now been proved right. A new report by Bruce Mountain and Steven Percy from the Victorian Energy Policy Centre and Victoria University Melbourne shows not only was there no prior economic modelling to support Marinus, but that Marinus will cost, not benefit, Tasmanians.
The report, prepared for Christine Milne of the Bob Brown Foundation, is conservative and has a narrow economic focus, but completely dismantles claims that business or the environment benefits from Marinus-BoTN in its current form.
If Marinus is unjustified and unwarranted, then so is UPC-TasNetworks’ transmission line through our valley – designed solely to ship Tassie power and profits offshore.
We join with other communities in calling for energy planning to go back to the drawing board. We call on TasNetworks, and the major political parties, to begin coordinated, multi-sector planning that treats power generated in Tasmania as a utility to benefit Tasmanians first. If there is no U-Turn now, Tasmanians will be saddled with useless debt, and miss a multi-generational opportunity to invest our own energy to transition to a low carbon economy, increase business opportunities, and share economic benefits to every corner of our society.
The alternative is bleak – an industrialised North West, littered with TasNet towers and stranded assets, as Victoria build their own power and storage at a much cheaper cost. A scarred landscape will reduce tourism and cause job losses. A deadly combination of warming climate and transmission lines risks wildfires. Our region will become an example of the worst transition to renewables in Australia’s history.
This new analysis is unequivocal proof that TasNetworks, and the major political parties, need to stop trying to sell us what isn’t in our interests. We call on them to start again, and begin coordinated, multi-sector planning that treats power generated in Tasmania as a utility, and work with communities to the benefit of all Tasmanians.
TasNetworks and the State government have ignored our concerns, while persistently claiming that the line, part of a new grid tied to the proposed Marinus and Battery of the Nation projects, is for the greater good. We could find no modelling to back those claims.
We have now been proved right. A new report by Bruce Mountain and Steven Percy from the Victorian Energy Policy Centre and Victoria University Melbourne shows not only was there no prior economic modelling to support Marinus, but that Marinus will cost, not benefit, Tasmanians.
The report, prepared for Christine Milne of the Bob Brown Foundation, is conservative and has a narrow economic focus, but completely dismantles claims that business or the environment benefits from Marinus-BoTN in its current form.
If Marinus is unjustified and unwarranted, then so is UPC-TasNetworks’ transmission line through our valley – designed solely to ship Tassie power and profits offshore.
We join with other communities in calling for energy planning to go back to the drawing board. We call on TasNetworks, and the major political parties, to begin coordinated, multi-sector planning that treats power generated in Tasmania as a utility to benefit Tasmanians first. If there is no U-Turn now, Tasmanians will be saddled with useless debt, and miss a multi-generational opportunity to invest our own energy to transition to a low carbon economy, increase business opportunities, and share economic benefits to every corner of our society.
The alternative is bleak – an industrialised North West, littered with TasNet towers and stranded assets, as Victoria build their own power and storage at a much cheaper cost. A scarred landscape will reduce tourism and cause job losses. A deadly combination of warming climate and transmission lines risks wildfires. Our region will become an example of the worst transition to renewables in Australia’s history.
This new analysis is unequivocal proof that TasNetworks, and the major political parties, need to stop trying to sell us what isn’t in our interests. We call on them to start again, and begin coordinated, multi-sector planning that treats power generated in Tasmania as a utility, and work with communities to the benefit of all Tasmanians.
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September 18, 2020
Lance Balcombe, CEO TasNetworks, announces his resignation.
Energy minister Guy Barnett announced on Friday he had been advised of Mr Balcombe’s intention to resign and thanked him for his service to Tasmania’s energy companies. “He has played a key role in delivering the Government’s Tasmania First energy policy that aims to make our state fully renewable-energy self-sufficient and have the lowest regulated power prices by 2022,” Mr Barnett said. “He has also been instrumental in our ongoing work to deliver the Marinus Link and Battery of the Nation projects, which have the potential to deliver thousands of jobs and generate billions in investment for Tasmania.”
Lance Balcombe will step down in March next year, TasNetworks will now begin a recruitment process to appoint Mr Balcombe’s successor.
Lance Balcombe will step down in March next year, TasNetworks will now begin a recruitment process to appoint Mr Balcombe’s successor.
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September 18, 2020
Barnett, Morrison Need to Respond to Marinus Report : Rosalie Woodruffe, Peter Whish-Wilson
Large scale investment in renewable energy is crucial to rapidly decarbonise our economy. In a climate crisis, multi-billion dollar investments should only be directed into the most efficient emissions reducing technology available. Unless that happens, we are losing precious time and wasting money.
The Wrong Way Go Back report concludes that Marinus Link and Battery of the Nation will not generate the revenue to pay for their costs, and cheaper renewable options will be available to achieve Australia’s transition to zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Especially concerning is the possibility Marinus/BOTN will significantly raise electricity prices in Tasmania.
We have to pursue the best approach to bring down greenhouse gas emissions. Energy Minister, Guy Barnett needs to come out from hiding behind his spin and respond to this report.
Full Press Release Here
The Wrong Way Go Back report concludes that Marinus Link and Battery of the Nation will not generate the revenue to pay for their costs, and cheaper renewable options will be available to achieve Australia’s transition to zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Especially concerning is the possibility Marinus/BOTN will significantly raise electricity prices in Tasmania.
We have to pursue the best approach to bring down greenhouse gas emissions. Energy Minister, Guy Barnett needs to come out from hiding behind his spin and respond to this report.
Full Press Release Here
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September 18, 2020
Wrong Way Go Back: An Analysis of the economics and greenhouse gas impact of Marinus Link and Battery of the Nation
A report commissioned by the Bob Brown Foundation to test the assumptions on which the two major projects are based, prepared by Bruce Mountain and Stephen Percy of Victoria University’s Victoria Energy Policy Centre. Download the report here.
Find articles surrounding the report and a YouTube Webinair explainer on our Articles Page.
Find articles surrounding the report and a YouTube Webinair explainer on our Articles Page.
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September 15, 2020
Millions for Marinus study puts cart before horse : Christine Milne.
The Morrison government’s grant of millions to study the proposed $3.5 billion Marinus link between the mainland and Tasmania is putting the cart before the horse at taxpayers’ expense, Bob Brown Foundation director Christine Milne said in Hobart today.
“Marinus is to service the so-called Battery of the Nation (BotN), the proposed pumped-storage hydro schemes in the Tasmanian highlands. But there has been no costing of the BotN which will cost more billions. Until that cost is revealed and independently checked, it is highly imprudent to be spending money advancing Marinus. That is putting the cart before the horse. It is likely the cost of BotN will make the whole project a white elephant,” Christine Milne said.
“In terms of jobs for Tasmanians, these billion would create far more jobs on projects in Tasmania servicing Tasmanians rather than draining out of Tasmania to service the mainland with expensive electricity,” she said.
“Marinus is to service the so-called Battery of the Nation (BotN), the proposed pumped-storage hydro schemes in the Tasmanian highlands. But there has been no costing of the BotN which will cost more billions. Until that cost is revealed and independently checked, it is highly imprudent to be spending money advancing Marinus. That is putting the cart before the horse. It is likely the cost of BotN will make the whole project a white elephant,” Christine Milne said.
“In terms of jobs for Tasmanians, these billion would create far more jobs on projects in Tasmania servicing Tasmanians rather than draining out of Tasmania to service the mainland with expensive electricity,” she said.
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September 15, 2020.
Federal Government Announcement : three energy projects fast-tracked, including Marinus Link
(Article here)
Guy Barnett : Jobs, growth, lower electricity prices.... 'The next steps will involve finalising a Memorandum of Understanding with the Australian Government to expedite the design and approvals phase to a Financial Investment Decision, which we expect will be done in coming weeks'. (media release)
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September 10, 2020.
TasNetworks PR team again refuse meeting with all Loongana residents at a suitable venue, announce a community benefits fund (CBF) despite not listening or acknowledging the damages and costs to the one community asked to bear all the burdens of their transmission line, continue to use tactics of divide and conquer.
Bess Clarke, (TasNetworks General Manager Project Marinus), at a pop-up session informally indicated that TasNet are creating a “community benefits fund” (CBF) to “share the benefits” of TasNet’s transmission line through affected communities.
We presume this “fund” is in line with our previous understandings that UPC and TasNet, and other energy developers, use “cash splashes” to win hearts and minds, soothe outrage, and weaken community resistance.
The problem with this approach is that we know from long and direct experience that TasNet have no genuine interest in understanding, let alone acknowledging, the damages and costs their HVOTL will impose on our community. So how can any “cash splash” negotiation be genuine without that understanding, especially when TasNet have all the power, and we’d be basically holding our hands out for anything they deem fit to give us.
We presume this “fund” is in line with our previous understandings that UPC and TasNet, and other energy developers, use “cash splashes” to win hearts and minds, soothe outrage, and weaken community resistance.
The problem with this approach is that we know from long and direct experience that TasNet have no genuine interest in understanding, let alone acknowledging, the damages and costs their HVOTL will impose on our community. So how can any “cash splash” negotiation be genuine without that understanding, especially when TasNet have all the power, and we’d be basically holding our hands out for anything they deem fit to give us.
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August 27, 2020
TasNetworks release a detailed map of the transmission line route.
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August 20, 2020
SOLVE representatives meet with Lance Balcombe (CEO TasNetworks) and his PR team
SOLVE held a brief meeting with TasNet’s CEO Lance Balcombe and his PR people in Burnie yesterday. In a building full of meeting rooms that could accommodate dozens, Balcombe declined to meet more than three of us, and restricted the time to a single hour.
To say Balcombe didn’t enjoy being told to listen and hear our issues – issues his PR team forgot to mention over the last year – would be an understatement. It was clear neither Balcombe nor his PR really listened to us. When given the chance at the end of our presentation to ask us questions to deepen their understanding of our concerns, Balcombe et al merely vented defensive outrage, and more of the kind of PR spin about 'processes' we’re all very used to.
When asked directly if any of the processes they referred to could move the line out of the Valley, they obfuscated and declined to allow any possibility of that happening – it’s clear that TasNet’s “preferred route” is, and always was, the only route.
They did, however, inadvertently give away the issues that hold the most fear for them, so we’ll be working more on them in coming months.
The last thing we said to Lance-[I’m outraged you’re telling me things I refuse to hear]-Balcombe was that his legacy wouldn’t be ‘jobs and growth’ but stand as an exemplar of the worst and least effective transitioning to renewables in Australian history.
Oh, and they’re still refusing to give our community the maps.
To say Balcombe didn’t enjoy being told to listen and hear our issues – issues his PR team forgot to mention over the last year – would be an understatement. It was clear neither Balcombe nor his PR really listened to us. When given the chance at the end of our presentation to ask us questions to deepen their understanding of our concerns, Balcombe et al merely vented defensive outrage, and more of the kind of PR spin about 'processes' we’re all very used to.
When asked directly if any of the processes they referred to could move the line out of the Valley, they obfuscated and declined to allow any possibility of that happening – it’s clear that TasNet’s “preferred route” is, and always was, the only route.
They did, however, inadvertently give away the issues that hold the most fear for them, so we’ll be working more on them in coming months.
The last thing we said to Lance-[I’m outraged you’re telling me things I refuse to hear]-Balcombe was that his legacy wouldn’t be ‘jobs and growth’ but stand as an exemplar of the worst and least effective transitioning to renewables in Australian history.
Oh, and they’re still refusing to give our community the maps.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
18 August 2020
11am - 1pm
Live Webinar
27 August → 28 August 2020
Cradle Coast Future Energy Hub, Burnie
Drop-in sessions
19 August → 02 September 2020
Available after the Webinaire
Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment feedback form
11am - 1pm
Live Webinar
27 August → 28 August 2020
Cradle Coast Future Energy Hub, Burnie
Drop-in sessions
19 August → 02 September 2020
Available after the Webinaire
Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment feedback form
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SOLVE - Supporting Our Loongana Valley Environment
The Loongana community reject UPC-TasNetworks’ entire proposed route from Robbins Island to
Staverton, including and especially through the Loongana Valley.
TasNetworks’ transmission lines through Loongana have extensive and destructive impacts on our
entire valley, and this ‘new’ route fails to address any of our issues.
The UPC-TasNetworks transmission lines are claimed to form the backbone to the Marinus
Project, but as currently planned, there is no long-term benefit to Tasmania or the North West -
profits and power will go offshore, and the transmission lines will cause more job losses in tourism
than those few line maintenance jobs gained.
It’s claimed the Marinus Project will attract more investment in renewables projects – but this
only means more power and profits going offshore, and more transmission lines criss-crossing the
North West – devastating more communities, wilderness and tourism jobs.
Why aren’t we planning to keep and use this power to build resilience and jobs across our region?
We call for TasNetworks’ self-interested transmission plans, and the ‘Marinus Project’ itself to
go back to the drawing board. We demand transparent and independent planning that serves
Tasmanians rather than TasNetworks’ commercial interests, and those of offshore investors. We
demand that State government direct all planning to adhere to accepted climate science modelling,
and a future that isn’t dictated by commercial imperatives and political spin. The necessary
transition to renewables must be directed to serve us, our communities, and the sustainable growth
of our local and wider economies – without damaging what is most precious about our North West
wilderness.
We warn other communities that what is being forced on our community is planned to happen
widely across the North West, and call on your support in rejecting it.
Ben Marshall - Chairperson
SOLVE - Supporting Our Loongana Valley Environment
www.solvetasmania.org
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solvetasmania/
The Loongana community reject UPC-TasNetworks’ entire proposed route from Robbins Island to
Staverton, including and especially through the Loongana Valley.
TasNetworks’ transmission lines through Loongana have extensive and destructive impacts on our
entire valley, and this ‘new’ route fails to address any of our issues.
The UPC-TasNetworks transmission lines are claimed to form the backbone to the Marinus
Project, but as currently planned, there is no long-term benefit to Tasmania or the North West -
profits and power will go offshore, and the transmission lines will cause more job losses in tourism
than those few line maintenance jobs gained.
It’s claimed the Marinus Project will attract more investment in renewables projects – but this
only means more power and profits going offshore, and more transmission lines criss-crossing the
North West – devastating more communities, wilderness and tourism jobs.
Why aren’t we planning to keep and use this power to build resilience and jobs across our region?
We call for TasNetworks’ self-interested transmission plans, and the ‘Marinus Project’ itself to
go back to the drawing board. We demand transparent and independent planning that serves
Tasmanians rather than TasNetworks’ commercial interests, and those of offshore investors. We
demand that State government direct all planning to adhere to accepted climate science modelling,
and a future that isn’t dictated by commercial imperatives and political spin. The necessary
transition to renewables must be directed to serve us, our communities, and the sustainable growth
of our local and wider economies – without damaging what is most precious about our North West
wilderness.
We warn other communities that what is being forced on our community is planned to happen
widely across the North West, and call on your support in rejecting it.
Ben Marshall - Chairperson
SOLVE - Supporting Our Loongana Valley Environment
www.solvetasmania.org
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solvetasmania/
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August 4, 2020
TasNetworks releases their Preferred Route : Community issues have been ignored
Community Engagement opportunities have been set up and details are here. They are : Webinair (18th August), Drop in Sessions (27/28 August in Burnie, a Visual Impact Feedback form open for 2 weeks from 19 August) Registration required for all.
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JULY 30 2020.
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) publishes its 2020 Integrated System Plan (ISP), identifying Marinus as a priority major project which should proceed in coming years.
Key points:
By the project being listed as an “actionable project with decision rules” there are hopes that the first cable can be completed as early as 2028-29.
The project will require the state government to pass legislation Tasmanian Renewable Energy Target and to figure out who is going to pay for the project’s construction.
Early works for Marinus Link are expected to be completed by 2023-24, including land and marine surveys; technical design and engineering; detailed modelling and analysis; and significant community engagement in both Tasmania and Victoria.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison last month announced that the federal government would provide additional help to deliver this Marinus Link and earmarked it as one of 15 projects across the country to be accelerated as part of COVID-19 recovery plans.
Guy Barnett:
“Tasmania’s biggest economic opportunity during the next decade”.
Project will “play a vital role as we rebuild from COVID-19, by injecting up to $2.9 billion into our economy and creating up to thousands of direct and indirect jobs across our state and Victoria, with the majority in regional Tasmania.
...hmm up to thousands of jobs.
“Marinus Link will also unlock a pipeline of investment in renewable energy and long-duration energy storage with an estimated value of up to $5.7 billion and 2,350 jobs.”
.....Who gets the power Guy ?
“Listing Marinus Link as an “actionable project with decision rules” confirms a second Bass Strait interconnector is needed to keep the lights on across the country, and importantly will be delivered with ’the successful resolution of how the costs will be recovered’.”
... And who will pay for it Guy?
Mr Barnett said the matter of who would pay for the project would need to be sorted out before it could proceed.
“This means that resolution of a fair costing allocation for Tasmanians is an essential step in implementing this project,” he said.
“The Tasmanian Liberal Government stands steadfast – Tasmania should only pay our fair share for what is strategic national infrastructure benefiting the nation.”
By the project being listed as an “actionable project with decision rules” there are hopes that the first cable can be completed as early as 2028-29.
The project will require the state government to pass legislation Tasmanian Renewable Energy Target and to figure out who is going to pay for the project’s construction.
Early works for Marinus Link are expected to be completed by 2023-24, including land and marine surveys; technical design and engineering; detailed modelling and analysis; and significant community engagement in both Tasmania and Victoria.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison last month announced that the federal government would provide additional help to deliver this Marinus Link and earmarked it as one of 15 projects across the country to be accelerated as part of COVID-19 recovery plans.
Guy Barnett:
“Tasmania’s biggest economic opportunity during the next decade”.
Project will “play a vital role as we rebuild from COVID-19, by injecting up to $2.9 billion into our economy and creating up to thousands of direct and indirect jobs across our state and Victoria, with the majority in regional Tasmania.
...hmm up to thousands of jobs.
“Marinus Link will also unlock a pipeline of investment in renewable energy and long-duration energy storage with an estimated value of up to $5.7 billion and 2,350 jobs.”
.....Who gets the power Guy ?
“Listing Marinus Link as an “actionable project with decision rules” confirms a second Bass Strait interconnector is needed to keep the lights on across the country, and importantly will be delivered with ’the successful resolution of how the costs will be recovered’.”
... And who will pay for it Guy?
Mr Barnett said the matter of who would pay for the project would need to be sorted out before it could proceed.
“This means that resolution of a fair costing allocation for Tasmanians is an essential step in implementing this project,” he said.
“The Tasmanian Liberal Government stands steadfast – Tasmania should only pay our fair share for what is strategic national infrastructure benefiting the nation.”
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JULY 24 2020
NATIONAL CABINET FAST-TRACK MARINUS : 50% REDUCTION IN ASSESSMENT AND APPROVAL TIME
National cabinet meeting today. Agreement to fast-track 15 projects (Marinus was included in the 15 projects back in June). Environmental approvals will shift to a single-touch process, with bilateral deals between the federal government and all states and territories.
Part of the MIDAA environmental process that the Transmission Line is going through is an either/or (bi-laterial or EPBCA). The EPBCA with all its failings is bad enough but it looks like the EPBCA is no longer an option an the assessments will be done in Tasmania.
Part of the MIDAA environmental process that the Transmission Line is going through is an either/or (bi-laterial or EPBCA). The EPBCA with all its failings is bad enough but it looks like the EPBCA is no longer an option an the assessments will be done in Tasmania.
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JULY 19 2020
LOONGANA ON THE TELLIE : ABC NEWS
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JULY 14 2020
RESIDENTS EMAIL MARINUS/TASNETWORKS REQUESTING 'THE UPDATED ROUTE'
We've waited long enough!
TASNETWORKS: We are working hard on finalising the proposed route following the input provided by community members. We look forward to sharing the results of the route assessment with you in the coming weeks. Following the release of the route we will be providing ongoing opportunities for community engagement which we encourage you and your members to participate in.
SOLVE: We know that you know the proposed route, and we therefore know you're simply refusing to tell us what it is. This means your response is fobbing us off, and any so-called 'community engagement' is as redundant as your email.
As for the community's 'input', we've made it clear you have no social license to put the UPC-TasNetworks HVOTL through the Loongana Valley. That will not change in any further 'engagement' between us.
It's insulting to refuse us basic information that directly affects us all on so many levels, and is yet another example of UPC-TasNetworks-Marinus' disregard and contempt for north-west communities.
We request that when TasNet-Marinus recommence the next round of community engagement they set aside time to meet with the Loongana community group, SOLVE, directly.
TASNETWORKS: we were hoping to have the opportunity to meet with SOLVE as part of our next round of engagements. I will be in touch in the near future to schedule a time.
SOLVE: We know that you know the proposed route, and we therefore know you're simply refusing to tell us what it is. This means your response is fobbing us off, and any so-called 'community engagement' is as redundant as your email.
As for the community's 'input', we've made it clear you have no social license to put the UPC-TasNetworks HVOTL through the Loongana Valley. That will not change in any further 'engagement' between us.
It's insulting to refuse us basic information that directly affects us all on so many levels, and is yet another example of UPC-TasNetworks-Marinus' disregard and contempt for north-west communities.
We request that when TasNet-Marinus recommence the next round of community engagement they set aside time to meet with the Loongana community group, SOLVE, directly.
TASNETWORKS: we were hoping to have the opportunity to meet with SOLVE as part of our next round of engagements. I will be in touch in the near future to schedule a time.
______________
JUNE 24 2020
MINISTER ISSUES ORDER TO PARLIAMENT - The Transmission Line between Hampshire and Staverton to be assessed under the Major Infrastructure Development Approvals Act 1999 (MIDAA)
MIDAA - What is it? See our MIDAA EXPLAINER & FLOWCHART
From Proponents Report 20 December 2019
MIDAA has only been used in Tasmania a couple of times, so it is no surprise that information on the process is scarce. We have made a flow chart and highlighted key questions within the process - will the planning process go through the Planning Commission or a panel? What assessments will be required? will the project be 'called in' and go to the Federal Environment Minister? will that Minister decide it is a 'controlled action'? Will further assessment go through the EPBCA (Federal) or use a bilaterial agreement returning it to Tasmania for final environmental assessment?
Will the MIDAA achieve proper democratic process? Or, is this what the Major Projects Bill will look like for any future major project?
Will the MIDAA achieve proper democratic process? Or, is this what the Major Projects Bill will look like for any future major project?
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S.O.L.V.E : Supporting Our Loongana Valley Environment
The beautiful north-west Tasmanian Loongana Valley, and the community who live there,
are under threat from UPC-TasNetworks’ proposed transmission line, which will see a 60-90
metre wide easement plough through the valley, and 45-60 metre high towers dominate the
iconic views, including Black Bluff and the Leven Canyon Lookout.
The transmission line will divide the narrow valley, 17 kilometres from Cradle Mountain,
and cause widespread damage to critical habitat for threatened species, contaminate water
supplies, increase fire risk, and harm local tourism and land values.
Valley residents, neighbours and local tourism operators have formed Save Our Loongana
Valley Environment (SOLVE) to reject the claims being made by the PR companies hired
by TasNetworks to justify the transmission line route. SOLVE is calling out failures of basic
planning by State government, and TasNetworks contractors for avoiding genuine multisector
consultation.
While big taxpayer dollars have been spent on PR to spruik the plan, TasNetworks are largely
acting on behalf of UPC, an offshore renewables company, and are refusing to recognise the
damage their transmission line will cause. After a year of PR masquerading as ‘community
consultation’ from TasNetwork, SOLVE is rejecting this route selection, refusing to bear
the costs of the cheapest route that benefits UPC, and demanding Tasnetworks and State
government go back to the drawing board.
Ben Marshall
Chairperson
www.solvetasmania.org
SOLVE Facebook page
[email protected]
The beautiful north-west Tasmanian Loongana Valley, and the community who live there,
are under threat from UPC-TasNetworks’ proposed transmission line, which will see a 60-90
metre wide easement plough through the valley, and 45-60 metre high towers dominate the
iconic views, including Black Bluff and the Leven Canyon Lookout.
The transmission line will divide the narrow valley, 17 kilometres from Cradle Mountain,
and cause widespread damage to critical habitat for threatened species, contaminate water
supplies, increase fire risk, and harm local tourism and land values.
Valley residents, neighbours and local tourism operators have formed Save Our Loongana
Valley Environment (SOLVE) to reject the claims being made by the PR companies hired
by TasNetworks to justify the transmission line route. SOLVE is calling out failures of basic
planning by State government, and TasNetworks contractors for avoiding genuine multisector
consultation.
While big taxpayer dollars have been spent on PR to spruik the plan, TasNetworks are largely
acting on behalf of UPC, an offshore renewables company, and are refusing to recognise the
damage their transmission line will cause. After a year of PR masquerading as ‘community
consultation’ from TasNetwork, SOLVE is rejecting this route selection, refusing to bear
the costs of the cheapest route that benefits UPC, and demanding Tasnetworks and State
government go back to the drawing board.
Ben Marshall
Chairperson
www.solvetasmania.org
SOLVE Facebook page
[email protected]
