North West Renewable Energy Zone (NWREZ) - Submissions
The Tasmania government is currently consulting on the potential North West Renewable Energy Zone. This is the first of three proposed onshore zones in Tasmania.
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Recommendation 4: Long-term upgrades for roads
Investing in the infrastructure of local towns and upgrading roads (both during and after the construction of projects) in and around the NWREZ will be essential for supporting the increased activities and traffic associated with the renewable energy projects. Collaborating with local governments and communities, the draft plan should include provisions to upgrade existing roads and other transport infrastructure.
Additionally, town planning should be given due consideration to ensure that new infrastructure is designed in a way that aligns with the community's needs, protects the local environment, and creates a sustainable living environment.
Recommendation 6: affordability of housing
The NWREZ is likely to lead to a short term boom and bust in rents and property prices during project construction years. This is likely to make housing unaffordable for some members of the local communities, particularly those already struggling with recent increases of cost of living. To mitigate this, the draft plan should include mechanisms to ensure the availability of affordable housing options for those most in need. This could involve working with local governments, clean energy developers and private developers to provide subsidized accommodation, affordable rental units, and affordable homeownership opportunities in these regions. Additionally, mechanisms such as community land trusts or inclusionary zoning policies should be considered to promote affordability and prevent displacement of vulnerable long term residents.
By prioritizing these recommendations, the NWREZ can go beyond being just an economic opportunity and serve as a catalyst for positive change in the region. Sharing the benefits with local communities through long-term upgrades for roads, better town planning, improved health services, and affordable housing will foster sustainable development, enhance social cohesion, and create a legacy that will benefit the region for years to come. By implementing the above recommendations, the North West Renewable Energy Zone can strike a balance between renewable energy development and the preservation of reserved areas, nature, heritage and precious agricultural lands. This approach will help to ensure the sustainable and responsible growth of renewable energy while safeguarding the environment and supporting local communities.
Tasmania’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions (2021)
Tasmania projects its net-zero emissions status and abundance of renewable energy. However, upon closer examination, only 42% of all energy used in Tasmania is derived from clean energy (Australian Energy Statistics), while the rest relies on the use of fossil fuels.
On a per capita basis, Tasmanians emit 15.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year— an identical figure to the Australian national average. Despite extensive hydropower, Tasmania contributes no less to greenhouse gas emissions than the rest of Australia per person. This presents a pressing need to mitigate our per-capita impact to global heating.
By strategically planning the development of new clean energy, Tasmania can reduce our fossil fuel use and rapidly transition to 100% energy. Strategic region by region planning also presents an opportunity for communities voices to be heard and thereby reduce the impact of cumulative developments to nature, agriculture, heritage and community amenity.
Recommendations to the North West Renewable Energy Zone:
Recommendation 1: Exclude all reserved areas
To ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the North West Renewable Energy Zone (NWREZ), it is recommended that reserved areas be excluded from consideration for renewable energy development. Reserved areas often serve critical environmental or cultural purposes, such as wilderness, world heritage areas, protected habitats, first nations lands, or areas of historical significance. By excluding these areas, the NWREZ will avoid conflict and maintain their value for future generations.
Recommendation 2: Exclude areas of high ecological value
Preserving and protecting our natural ecosystems should be a priority when undertaking the planning for Tasmania’s RNREZ. It is recommended that areas of high ecological value be excluded from the draft NWREZ. These areas may include habitat for threatened species, significant biodiversity hotspots, or sensitive ecosystems. By avoiding development in these areas, we can safeguard the delicate balance of nature and prevent any irreversible damage to valuable ecosystems.
Recommendation 3: Exclude areas of high agricultural value
Agricultural land is a vital resource that plays a crucial role in food production and sustains local economies. It is crucial to exclude areas of high agricultural value from the draft NWREZ. These areas are differentiated by highly fertile soils, suitable climates, and water resources necessary for productive farming. By preserving and protecting these agricultural lands, we can ensure that food production remains uninterrupted and maintain the economic stability of rural communities in the North West region.
Recommendations to the draft North West Renewable Energy Zone. 4.
Sharing Benefits with Local Communities
The success of the NWREZ depends on its ability to address the needs and concerns of local communities. To this end, the benefits of the NWEZ project must extend beyond the energy sector to positively impact the lives of the people residing in the region.
Recommendation 5: Improving health services
With the influx of new workers and increased population resulting from the NWREZ development, it is imperative to enhance the capacity of local health services. This includes increasing the number of doctors, nurses, and the capacity of healthcare facilities servicing the region. Collaborating with local health authorities, the draft plan should propose initiatives to improve access to quality healthcare, particularly in rural areas where the impact of the NWREZ projects may be most significant.
Recommendation 7. Collaboration with local community organizations
To ensure the effective sharing of benefits and meet the unique needs of local communities, it is vital to collaborate with local community organizations that have a deep understanding of the region and its dynamics. These organizations can help identify specific needs, engage community members, and ensure that the benefits of the NW REZ projects are distributed equitably. Establishing partnerships with local non-profit organizations, community groups, and indigenous communities will facilitate the effective implementation of community development programs and initiatives.
Carbon Zero Initiative supports Tasmania’s transition beyond fossil fuels. We work to unlock the immense opportunities of the clean energy revolution and electrification to create new jobs, and a safe climate future, whilst protecting nature and community amenity for future generations.