Premier Jeremy Rockliff has called on the Federal Labor Government to urgently support SunCable's $2 billion high voltage cable manufacturing facility proposed for Bell Bay, warning that the project is at risk without Federal Government action.
"This transformative project will create up to 800 jobs during construction and 400 advanced-manufacturing jobs upon completion, but we must secure Federal Government support," Premier Rockliff said.
"The Tasmanian Liberal Government has backed this project from the outset, and I urge the Federal Government to come to the table before it's too late."
Just this week, Premier Rockliff met with SunCable executives in Tasmania to reiterate the Tasmanian Government's support for the project.
Premier Rockliff has also written to the Federal Government several times about this project.
"The Prime Minister knows this is a priority for my government and for Tasmania as we continue to deliver intergenerational, job creating infrastructure to secure our future," Premier Rockliff said.
"I am at a loss to understand why a project that clearly aligns to the Australian Government's commitment to its Future Made in Australia plan, which promises to position Australia as a global leader in clean energy manufacturing and build sovereign capability, is in question.
"The Federal Government has the means to support SunCable's reasonable loan request through the National Constructional Fund or the Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund, as part of the overarching AAPowerlink project.
"SunCable's project clearly embodies the Federal Government's Future Made in Australia plan, creating secure, skilled jobs, strengthening supply chains, and driving the energy transition, so Federal Government support is crucial.
"This is a once in a generation opportunity for Tasmania and Australia. The Federal Labor Government cannot let this critical project slip away."
With 11 days until Christmas there is plenty of time for the Federal Government to back in this project.
