Josh Dolega (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise in reply to Senator Dean Smith's matter of public importance. Senator Smith cited some commentary about regional Australia being unfairly burdened by large-scale renewable energy projects, but I don't see it like that at all. What some may see as a challenge or a burden, I see as a once-in-a-generation opportunity, especially for communities in Tasmania and the state's mighty north-west. It's an opportunity for jobs, economic growth, diversification, community liveability and, most importantly, energy security.

Tasmania, and particularly its north-west region, is uniquely positioned to harness the benefits of the clean energy transition, but we also have the ability to power the Big Island with clean, renewable energy. The recently announced financial close of stage 1 of the Marinus Link project marks a historic milestone not just for Tasmania but for the entire nation. With $3.8 billion secured from the Commonwealth's Clean Energy Finance Corporation, and equity commitments from the Commonwealth, Tasmania and Victoria, this project is no longer just a vision; it's becoming a reality.

Marinus Link will deliver 750 megawatts of capacity—enough to power approximately 750,000 homes. It will strengthen grid reliability in Victoria and other mainland states while providing long-term certainty to major industrial users in Tasmania. By leveraging cheap solar energy from the mainland during the day and Tasmanian hydropower at night, we're creating a more resilient and sustainable energy system.

But, beyond the technical benefits, the real story lies in what this means for our communities and in the opportunities that it unlocks. Stage 1 of Marinus Link is expected to support around 1,400 additional jobs per year at peak construction, increasing to 1,600 jobs with stage 2. That's hundreds of families in Tasmania who will benefit from employment, new career pathways and the revitalisation of local industries. The economic stimulus is equally impressive. Stage 1 alone will inject over $1.4 billion into Tasmania's economy, rising to $2.1 billion with stage 2. The investment will ensure that our communities are not unfairly burdened but are in fact beneficiaries at the forefront of Australia's clean energy future. The Marinus Link and Burnie City Council community partnership program is an example of this.

Two school based initiatives have been awarded funding to inspire and prepare the next generation of workers. Burnie High School's Burnie awards program will receive $60,000 over three years to help students transition from school to local industry, showcasing the career opportunities available to them in the region. Similarly, the Greenpower Tasmania program by GreenSTEM Education will receive $60,000 over three years to encourage students to explore STEM focused careers through teamwork and science. These programs are more than just grants; they are investments in our youth, our future workforce and our community resilience. Additionally, the Marinus Link community grants and sponsorship programs are supporting grassroots initiatives in areas along the project alignment, including Burnie City, Latrobe City, South Gippsland and the Central Coast. These programs ensure that local voices are heard, that local needs are met and that local pride is strengthened.

The Albanese government is delivering what the opposition couldn't: a collaborative, people focused energy policy that puts regional communities at the heart of the transition. Marinus Link is not just a power cable; it's an opportunity for economic renewal, educational opportunity and community empowerment. People across the country, especially in regional areas, are embracing renewable energy, particularly solar, in huge numbers. They are backing in Labor's Cheaper Home Batteries Program. The Minister for Climate Change and Energy has said that over 40,000 Australians have taken up the opportunity to get a cheaper battery for their home or small business, which will quickly enable them to make additional savings on their energy expenses.

I want to make one last comment about the take note debate earlier this week. My colleague on the other side Senator Cadell referred to Tasmania as the Norway of Australia when it comes to renewable energy. It was a pretty good analogy because Tasmania is just about as regional as you can get and we are not burdened by renewables; we've been embracing them for many decades. (Time expired)