Normal
In short the community / politics decided that hydro was off the agenda not just with the Franklin but also at literally every other possible site of any significance (in terms of power output). In some cases the conservation boundaries were drawn just few metres upstream of viable dam sites to ensure that outcome.No interest in reigniting that debate here. It was done to death a third of a century ago and has simmered beneath the surface ever since. All I'll say on that is that Hydro itself is no longer in the dam building business, the entire construction workforce and infrastructure is all gone years ago.Meanwhile the Greens themselves did actually use the slogan "clean green Hydro" for political purposes, a point that didn't go unnoticed by many.Talk to most involved from back then and they'll tell you the same thing - regardless of which side they were on at the time, they see both sides now. It's shades of grey not black and white. As someone who goes bushwalking, and yes I've been in the SW, I share that view.From a practical perspective, with hydro off the agenda and demand exceeding capacity it was a case of looking to alternatives. Most, including conservationists, assumed that would mean a coal-fired power station in Tasmania but in practice Basslink and gas were cheaper options so that's what was done. Basslink always was intended to be a net importer despite exporting to Vic during the peaks.That said, from a technical perspective it's certainly possible to run an isolated grid in any Australian state. The only reasons not to do so are political or economic but technically it's very doable. Tasmania was separate until 2006, SA was separate until 1990 and WA and NT are both still not connected to anywhere else today.Anyway, for anyone in Tas who finds themselves needing something to do over Summer we've come up with a nice new touring route via the original Great Lake power scheme. This won't be officially launched until next year but the road signs are up and here's a link to the brochure:http://www.hydro.com.au/system/files/www.hydro.com.au/Highlands_Power_Trail/HPT_Brochure_WEB.pdf
In short the community / politics decided that hydro was off the agenda not just with the Franklin but also at literally every other possible site of any significance (in terms of power output). In some cases the conservation boundaries were drawn just few metres upstream of viable dam sites to ensure that outcome.
No interest in reigniting that debate here. It was done to death a third of a century ago and has simmered beneath the surface ever since. All I'll say on that is that Hydro itself is no longer in the dam building business, the entire construction workforce and infrastructure is all gone years ago.
Meanwhile the Greens themselves did actually use the slogan "clean green Hydro" for political purposes, a point that didn't go unnoticed by many.
Talk to most involved from back then and they'll tell you the same thing - regardless of which side they were on at the time, they see both sides now. It's shades of grey not black and white. As someone who goes bushwalking, and yes I've been in the SW, I share that view.
From a practical perspective, with hydro off the agenda and demand exceeding capacity it was a case of looking to alternatives. Most, including conservationists, assumed that would mean a coal-fired power station in Tasmania but in practice Basslink and gas were cheaper options so that's what was done. Basslink always was intended to be a net importer despite exporting to Vic during the peaks.
That said, from a technical perspective it's certainly possible to run an isolated grid in any Australian state. The only reasons not to do so are political or economic but technically it's very doable. Tasmania was separate until 2006, SA was separate until 1990 and WA and NT are both still not connected to anywhere else today.
Anyway, for anyone in Tas who finds themselves needing something to do over Summer we've come up with a nice new touring route via the original Great Lake power scheme. This won't be officially launched until next year but the road signs are up and here's a link to the brochure:
http://www.hydro.com.au/system/files/www.hydro.com.au/Highlands_Power_Trail/HPT_Brochure_WEB.pdf
Hello and welcome to Aussie Stock Forums!
To gain full access you must register. Registration is free and takes only a few seconds to complete.
Already a member? Log in here.
