Full steam on Marinus

COMMENTS by Clark Federal Member Andrew Wilkie that paperwork has caused a holdup in securing funding for the Marinus Link project are completely untrue (Talking Point, March 5). I have today written to Mr Wilkie offering to provide a briefing on this nationally significant project. Tasmanian and Commonwealth governments have invested up to $145 million into our Marinus Link and Battery of the Nation projects. A $20 million joint funded business case assessment, completed on schedule in December, confirmed a 1500-megawatt interconnector is technically and economically viable. The project has progressed to design and approvals stage, with $56 million Commonwealth investment to progress the first phase.

We are committed to ensuring Tasmanians only pay their fair share. At the December COAG meeting, it was Tasmania that secured support from other ministers for a review of interconnector pricing arrangements. This will consider how rules can be changed for a fair cost allocation.

Negotiations with the Commonwealth have been positive and are progressing the design and approvals phase to reach a financial investment decision. The Business Case Assessment showed Marinus Link is set to underpin 1400 jobs in Tasmania, plus up to 2350 from renewable energy investment and Battery of the Nation. The projects are set to inject $7.1 billion into our economy. See marinuslink.com.au

Guy Barnett Energy Minister