Tasmania tips Renewable Energy Target announcement in weeks
The Tasmanian Government is tipping an announcement on the Commonwealth's review of the Renewable Energy Target (RET) within weeks.
The review has recommended closing the scheme to new entrants and shutting it by 2030, or ditching it altogether.
After meeting the Federal Environment Minister, the state's Energy Minister, Matthew Groom, said he understood a decision on the review would be known within weeks, but could not give further details.
Tasmania generates about half of Australia's renewable energy and the scheme, which subsidises clean power, is worth up to $100 million a year to the local economy.
Hydro Tasmania has said $2 billion worth of proposed wind farms are in doubt if the target is scrapped.
Tasmania's Liberal Government has urged the Commonwealth to end the uncertainty surrounding the RET.
Mr Groom said the Coalition should side with Labor in maintaining the scheme in its current form.
"[That would be] a sensible outcome, ideally a bi-partisan outcome," he said.
"I made it very clear to Minister Hunt that it is our expectation that our investments won't be compromised."
"What we need is certainty, we need policy certainty to encourage an environment for investment and further job creation."
"I think it is very important that the Commonwealth works constructively with all stakeholders to deliver an outcome that can provide that certainty."
Greens leader Kim Booth says it is too little, too late.
"It's pathetic their response so far, given that they lobbied to remove the carbon price, I guess they're feeling guilty," he said.
Tasmanian renewable energy businesses have also accused the State Government of failing to do enough to protect the RET.
Jack Gilding from the Tasmanian Renewable Energy Alliance wants Mr Groom to take the fight to the top.
"I think it is pretty clear that Tony Abbott is calling the shots here," he said.
"Matthew Groom is in Canberra to stick up for Tasmania, he should certainly be talking to Tony Abbott and talking about the impact that the attacks on renewable energy are having on the people and the jobs and the economy of Tasmania."
The Palmer United Party has threatened to block any moves to scrap the scheme.
