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Re: MAK - Minemakers
A bill to prohibit nuclear power generation and uranium mining in Tas was defeated by both Labor and Liberal yesterday. The bill was put up by the Greens.
Tasmanian premier Paul Lennon has however said that "Tasmania doesn't need nuclear power". A comment that's absolutely correct in a technical sense since in the absence of a very major rise in power demand, a nuclear plant just wouldn't be viable to build. Unlike the mainland states, Tas has a virtually zero ongoing cost renewable supply for over 94% of its electricity (predominantly hydro and a bit of wind). A nuclear plant to supply the other 6% just wouldn't stack up technically or financially.
The Tas government has a strong vested interest in renewables since it is the 100% owner of the Hydro-Electric Corporation, by far the state's largest financial asset with operations in Tas, on the mainland and overseas. The Tas govt has far more to gain from promoting renewables than nuclear energy.
Don't for a moment underestimate the vote swinging capability of energy in Tasmania. It's seen leaders dumped, governments thrown out and at different times both major partys virtually annihilated at the polls. And of course it created the Greens in the first place.
So I just can't see Labor in Tas easily backing a U mine. They might back it but its not something that would come naturally and not without a lot of thought. It would be like the Pope advocating condoms. Possible but not a natural position to be taking.
Overall, I'd be very surprised to see a proposal for a uranium mine in Tas NOT meet with a response very similar to any of the past major environmental battles such as the Franklin, Wesley Vale etc. Labor may well be in government, but the Greens are undoubtedly a very major force in Tas politics whether elected or not. Both Labor and especially Liberal governments have seen past policies and major projects stopped or at least seriously threatened by the Greens - simply being in government doesn't guarantee anything.
I'd be surprised if appropriately worded triangles aren't already being printed ready for the campaign...
The Tas govt is generally pro-development but there's a lot more to Tassie politics than what the government wants. A LOT more.
A bill to prohibit nuclear power generation and uranium mining in Tas was defeated by both Labor and Liberal yesterday. The bill was put up by the Greens.
Tasmanian premier Paul Lennon has however said that "Tasmania doesn't need nuclear power". A comment that's absolutely correct in a technical sense since in the absence of a very major rise in power demand, a nuclear plant just wouldn't be viable to build. Unlike the mainland states, Tas has a virtually zero ongoing cost renewable supply for over 94% of its electricity (predominantly hydro and a bit of wind). A nuclear plant to supply the other 6% just wouldn't stack up technically or financially.
The Tas government has a strong vested interest in renewables since it is the 100% owner of the Hydro-Electric Corporation, by far the state's largest financial asset with operations in Tas, on the mainland and overseas. The Tas govt has far more to gain from promoting renewables than nuclear energy.
Don't for a moment underestimate the vote swinging capability of energy in Tasmania. It's seen leaders dumped, governments thrown out and at different times both major partys virtually annihilated at the polls. And of course it created the Greens in the first place.
So I just can't see Labor in Tas easily backing a U mine. They might back it but its not something that would come naturally and not without a lot of thought. It would be like the Pope advocating condoms. Possible but not a natural position to be taking.
Overall, I'd be very surprised to see a proposal for a uranium mine in Tas NOT meet with a response very similar to any of the past major environmental battles such as the Franklin, Wesley Vale etc. Labor may well be in government, but the Greens are undoubtedly a very major force in Tas politics whether elected or not. Both Labor and especially Liberal governments have seen past policies and major projects stopped or at least seriously threatened by the Greens - simply being in government doesn't guarantee anything.
I'd be surprised if appropriately worded triangles aren't already being printed ready for the campaign...