Demographer Bernard Salt was the star of the star of the show but a panel hosted by Mercury editor Craig Warhurst was also well received with too many questions coming from the floor to be answered in the allotted time.

On that day Mr Warhurst promised the 300-strong crowd that he would gather as many questions together as possible and have them answered by the panellists.

Below are the answers from panellists Norris Carter CEO of the Hobart Airport, Todd Milne General Manager of the Nyrstar Hobart Zinc Works, Caroline Wykamp CEO of Marinus Link, Richard Eccelston from the University of Tasmania and Ray Mostogl Chief Executive Officer of the Tasmanian Minerals Manufacturing and Energy Council (TMEC).

Q. Craig Warhurst, Mercury editor

Norris, looking back at Bernard’s presentation he likened the pandemic to a war, so great was the impact of the event on the population. Looking at those visitor numbers and how they dropped off a cliff for you and your team, it must have been one of the most harrowing things to get through? How did you do that and what lessons have you learnt now you are on the other side?

A. Norris Carter, Hobart Airport CEO

During the pandemic we focused on retaining essential links with the mainland. This had to be our focus because Tasmania still needed access to timely transportation of people and goods, so we worked hard alongside the Tasmanian Government to keep our airport fully operational.

It was important to maintain our team at the airport to make sure we were ready to rebound after the restrictions eased. Tasmania’s tourism sector is now rebounding faster than the Australian average and is recovering second only to South Australia.

The experience really reinforced our view that Tasmania’s recovery and prosperity results from teamwork across industry and government. Our airport succeeds by helping Tasmania succeed.

Q. Looking at your numbers there are projections of 3.5m visitors through the airport by 2030, that’s a big lift compared to 2.8m currently. The airport terminal is set to double in size to accommodate this, what can people expect from the redevelopment and how soon will the change occur?

A. Norris Carter, Hobart Airport CEO

The departures lounge will increase markedly, with additional departure gates, increased retail and dining options, and airside undercover walkways. There will also be a bigger baggage reclaim area, and more capacity at security screening points.

The aim is to improve your journey starting from the moment you park your car, right through to boarding the aircraft. We’ll start some preliminary works in May to move the road out the front of arrivals to make space for the expansion and create a new covered car park. Then all going to plan the main terminal works will start in early 2024 and run through until 2026.

Q. Talking of big plans, Todd you guys at Nyrstar have a massive redevelopment planned for the site. What are the benefits to the community in the future? Jobs, cleaner rivers etc?

A. Todd Milne, General Manager – Nyrstar Hobart.

We are looking to embark on a major infrastructure project – a new $400 million Electrolysis Plant which will modernise our operations and continue creating value and jobs in Tasmania for generations to come. The project is expected to create 1000 jobs over the course of construction and engage 200 workers at its peak.

The new Electrolysis Plant will incorporate advanced manufacturing technology producing up to 300,000 tonnes of high-quality zinc per year and secure the long-term sustainable future of our operations. The plant is designed to further improve the site’s environmental performance, including improving air quality, reducing waste, and lowering the risk of groundwater contamination.

Q. The company (Nyrstar) has been a massive part of Hobart for more than 100 years and has been linked to Hydro and Tasmania’s renewable energy since the beginning. How important is that energy to the company and more importantly how important is future clean cheap power to the company?

A. Todd Milne, General Manager – Nyrstar Hobart.

Most people know the Tasmanian story as one centred on hydro-electricity but the history of energy and industry – especially zinc are intrinsically linked. This link is now more important than ever and makes Tasmania one of the prime locations around the world to produce zinc critical for our decarbonisation journey.

Energy is also a major cost to our business and we’re supportive of any investment in infrastructure and regulatory policy that puts downward pressure on the cost of electricity.

Stable, clean, reliable, low-cost, and secure energy is vital in ensuring our industry remains competitive. This underpins business confidence and certainty allowing us to make future investments in new infrastructure and plants.

Q. While we are on the topic of new projects I might throw to Caroline now, Marinus Link is probably Tassie’s biggest ever coming in at around $3bn. Caroline what is Marinus Link and how will it protect Tasmania’s renewable energy future? Why do we need this?

A. Caroline Wykamp, CEO of Marinus Link

Marinus Link will make sure customers can access the cheapest, most reliable power available at any time across the day or night. Tasmania’s hydro infrastructure and planned pumped hydro allows us to store energy like a battery for days at a time so it’s there when we need it most. Having more connection between Tasmania and Victoria means we can bring cheaper renewable electricity – like solar and wind into Tamania – and export hydro power to the mainland when supply is short there. It will also secure a new market for renewable energy investments in Tasmania which will need access to the mainland market.

Q. So I might go one step further here Caroline, what does it mean for the state’s prosperity and everyday people that live here? Why should people back this?

A. Caroline Wykamp, CEO of Marinus Link

It will provide access to the cheapest, most reliable power for customers and business and Tasmanians will gain access to the cheaper renewable power generated from solar and wind and be able to sell Tasmania’s excess power to the rest of Australia.

It will create jobs and new industry. Together with the North West Transmission Developments, Marinus Link will create around 1400 direct and indirect jobs at peak construction in Tasmania. Both projects will unlock about $7 billion worth of additional economic activity in Tasmania and create thousands of jobs in total from the wind and hydro projects. Marinus Link will also provide 150 times the existing telecommunications capacity between Tasmania and Victoria Tasmania will become a more attractive for investment in clean and high-tech industries, onshore and offshore wind development and other renewable energy innovations.

Q. On the topic of Marinus Link, Ray Mostogl, I might move on to you now if that’s okay? Your organisation, TMEC represents most industrial loads in the state, which accounts for 60% of the total electricity generated and has been notably quiet about its support for Marinus. Can you outline what is the basis for its reservation?

A. Ray Mostogl, TMEC:

TMEC has been reserving its judgment which reflects the complexity of the many impacts Marinus will have when it is in place. Most if not all multibillion-dollar infrastructure projects in Australia cost more and take longer and it is difficult to see why Marinus would be spared this curse – although if it comes in on price and time, it would be wonderful. TMEC’s view is the project will be closer to $5B than $3B when it is done. Our reservation has been around the uncertainty to how this investment will be repaid – and who will be paying. I will come back to who pays for it shortly.

The proposal for Tasmania to double its current electricity capacity (to go from 100 per cent to 200 per cent renewable) is an economic and climate game changer. If Tasmania can generate double its electricity and then have that electricity go to a mix of new Tasmania users as well as selling into the eastern mainland states, there will be significant economic benefits. More jobs, more people needed, more exports, more taxes and of vital importance, Tasmania becomes less reliant on the Commonwealths funding. Tasmania earns more of its economic freedom. Arguably that means more of the population fending for themselves, which means State and Commonwealth support is distributed to fewer people, hopefully resulting in better support. This is a good thing.

The purpose of the proposed 100 – 200 per cent tranche of electricity changes from the original tranche of electricity we use today which powers lights, heating and businesses. The second tranche becomes a valuable green product produced by Tas Inc and is sold by Tas Inc to the highest bidder. TMEC has consistently sought assurance the price escalation of the second tranche should not drive up the price of the first tranche of electricity. One way to do this is to ring fence all the new renewable generators, transmission line upgrades or installations and Hydro Tasmania’s extra generation projects and the cost to do this, including Marinus is paid off by the profits those parties make by selling the electricity.

This has been the basis for why TMEC has not joined others on the soap box spruiking the project. Two recent announcements have resulted in TMEC now offering conditional support for Marinus.

The first is the realisation that the state is in balance – the electricity consumed on island is equivalent to the total electricity which can be generated from the rain which falls and ends up in catchment areas and the wind which blows plus solar. Hydro Tas power stations, if they were fully operational (no maintenance) could generate more electricity but it would drain the dams. Therefore, to grow the amount of electricity used in Tasmania alone (new businesses, new arrivals and existing carbon-based assets converting over to electricity based), Tasmania needs more renewable generators, but we need Marinus to help us ride through the mismatch between what is being generated in any one moment and what load is required. Theoretically new generation could be built and then once all is ready a new load could start. It might take us 30, 40, 50 years to build to 200 per cent without Marinus if investors were prepared to take the risks with this slow approach. Marinus is needed to import and export as the State builds its new generators and new loads come online. It has now become TMEC’s view Marinus import capacity is important.

The second announcement, and it comes with the trust which we should all have of our Governments, the Premier announced on 28th February 2023 that an Energy Dividend would be considered as a mechanism to ensure the spoils of profits from selling the 100-200 percentage tranche is used to offset price increases flowing to the residents and businesses who derive no benefit from all of the extra expenditure associated with Marinus and its supporting infrastructure upgrades. Arguably Marinus will permit the import of lower cost wholesale electricity, but when you add the higher sell price together with the substantial infrastructure needed to move the electricity then prices can only go up from today. Taking the signal the Government is being open to shield all existing users from these price hikes and calling it a dividend addresses the cost concerns TMEC has had.

In summary, TMEC is now providing conditional support for Marinus based on its role as an importer and exporter and the promise by the Government to paying existing users an energy dividend.

The business case from Marinus has probably got better as has the urgency for getting it started based on some of the amendments to the Safeguard Mechanism which was recently passed in Canberra. From all accounts, one of the amendments will make it more difficult to get a new gas supply project started. I understand the climate argument for not wanting new fossil fuel sources being built, but I have not heard from the backers of the amendment what will be done to supply electricity over the next decade, maybe two decades when coal fired power stations close, renewables are being built along with billions spent on transmission and long-term storage is still technologically challenged? In developing countries, where electricity infrastructure and population are out of synch, hospitals and schools have to close intermittently, traffic lights don’t operate and electricity rationing is normal. I genuinely hope Australia doesn’t experience the same consequences because of the mismatch between what we have and what we need we it comes to electricity.

Q. This is a question for Professor Richard Eccleston. There is a risk if we don’t embark on projects like Marinus that Tasmania could lose its carbon-neutral advantage. The university has reported 2030 is the year Tassie could lose that title if nothing changes. Can you give us a rundown on why that is so and what can be done to mitigate the issue?

A: Professor Richard Eccleston, UTAS:

Tasmania is one of the few places on earth which has already reached net zero largely because of hydro-electricity and the expansion of plantation forestry in the 1990s and early 2000s.

We have a head start in the race to reduce emissions but can’t be complacent and have to start reducing emissions in transport, agriculture and heavy industry as a matter of urgency.

There are two reasons for this. First, the amount of carbon our forests remove from the atmosphere will decline gradually over the next 20 years putting Tasmania’s reputation as a leader on climate action at risk.

Second, there is an opportunity to position Tasmania as an innovator in zero carbon technology, processes and products. In an increasingly carbon-conscious world this is a significant economic opportunity but one which requires an ambitious strategy and a community-wide commitment.

Q. The price of energy is a big concern for everyone, What can Tasmania do to limit electricity price rises in the months and years ahead and is it in our long-term interest to go it alone and leave the national energy market?

A: Professor Richard Eccleston, UTAS:

Unfortunately after years of inaction nationally and globally (not to mention the war in Ukraine) we are facing a decade of high and volatile energy prices and Tasmania won’t be immune from that.

The policy challenge will be to smooth out short term price shocks for Tasmanian households and businesses while supporting the most vulnerable customers. Fortunately, with a what is essentially a state-owned and regulated energy system, the Tasmanian government has more policy leavers to manage energy prices in the years ahead and needs to do this in an agile and transparent way.

We must be weary of simple and quick fixes. While we should be reviewing energy prices, withdrawing from the NEM is unlikely to be in our long term interests as it would limit our ability to import cheap renewable energy from the mainland in the 2030s and would limit our ability to get a premium price for hydro electricity.

While well designed price caps can provide some temporary relief, they are hard to target and very difficult to remove when required.

Q. So Caroline. talking on the NEM, the National Electricity Market, what are the benefits of connecting? Because there are calls to disconnect?

A. Caroline Wykamp, CEO of Marinus Link

Tasmania has been part of the national grid for over 14 years. While Tasmania is considered energy self-sufficient, it has achieved this status by importing and exporting about 1 TWh of energy per annum to balance supply and demand. Connection to the NEM supports us to manage variable rainfall into our dams and provide a reliable and secure energy supply.

Tasmania has experienced issues with power insecurity in recent years connected with drought and trouble with the Basslink connection.

If we were in the same boat today, one of our fallbacks would be gas which is not only carbon intensive, but very expensive.

More capacity and connection to the National Electricity Market will put downward pressure on power prices for customers and business, not the other way around.

Q. So Ray, I might put the heat back on you. While much of the conversation is around renewable electricity there are other energy supplies which feature in Tasmania’s emissions profile, natural gas, diesel/petrol – where is the sector up to with decarbonising these fuels?

A. Ray Mostogl, TMEC:

Tasmanians could be forgiven for thinking we have already “crossed the finish line” of being carbon zero, particularly if we measure ourselves by the other states and most other countries. In Tasmania transport, agriculture, and industry are all emitters, despite using renewable electricity and currently get a “free ride” due to Tasmania’s Forest reserves. The minerals industry sector is already well advanced with its plans to move to electric vehicles. Virtually every global manufacturer of heavy machinery is frantically doing the research and development needed to have an electric truck which can, for example haul 200 tonnes of ore up out a pit many hundred meters deep. Mine sites consume huge volumes of diesel, which is their biggest source of emissions in Tasmania. The sites have and are involved in trials of hybrid vehicles. This conversion has some time to go, but it is not a matter of if but when. Here in Tasmania, the NW Coast based Elphinstone Group made the call of their intent to develop Battery Electric Vehicles for underground operations, designed and built in Tasmania. When operational, these will be shipped all over the world – and this is where Tasmanian industry is helping other countries decarbonise.

Emissions also come from the chemistry of turning a raw material into a refined product. Industry research on how to decarbonise this process has in some cases been underway for decades. Admittedly, the original intent may have been to improve conversion efficiency or reduce the amount of energy as opposed to emissions reduction, but all those benefits may come in some cases from this research.

The difficult position is for the public who may not appreciate that solutions just do not exist (as opposed to where solutions may be available, but it is more expensive) and therefore to say emissions will reduce by so many per cent by a certain time frame is not possible. The difficulty in making a definitive public statement about emissions reduction, should not be confused with a lack of willingness to do so.

Q. So Norris, Obviously sustainability is a big thing for you at the airport. Hobart Airport is the first capital city airport to achieve carbon neutral status, how important is that reputation and Tasmania’s carbon neutral reputation in building your business and tourism in the state?

A. Norris Carter, CEO Hobart Airport:

Our airport is the gateway to 60% of the visitors to our state this year. Hobart Airport is a visitor’s first and last impression of Tasmania, so we have a responsibility to uphold Tasmania’s reputation, so for us that includes becoming carbon neutral – like our state.

Sustainability underpins everything we do, environmental sustainability is a good choice for our customers, our community, and Hobart Airport’s bottom line. For example, our terminal redevelopment has sustainability embedded in its design. We have energy efficiency targets for airconditioning and lighting, we will repurpose and reuse demolition waste, and will use low environmental impact materials and finishes.

Q. The other news on the sustainability front for you guys is the runway expansion with $60m injection from the Federal Government, meaning bigger jets can take off and land at Hobart, Can you explain some of the benefits to come from this for the state. Ie Agriculture, Antarctica and more international destinations?

A. Norris Carter, CEO Hobart Airport:

The runway upgrade will unlock $122 million per year of economic activity for Tasmania and generate more than 1200 local jobs. Local tourism businesses get the biggest benefit. For example, the food & beverage businesses are expected to generate an extra $17 million each year. Tasmanian accommodation sector businesses will have economic value add increase by $24 million each year. Time is money for high-value perishable exports. A strengthened runway will mean no need to refuel in Melbourne, providing significant time savings and fuel efficiency benefits. For Antarctic endeavours the runway upgrade means larger aircraft with greater endurance can reach deeper into Antarctic regions to deliver critical supplies. The aviation link to Antarctica strengthens Hobart’s position as one of only five international gateway cities to Antarctica.

Q. So Ray back to you. Given the theme of sustainability and emerging opportunities today, some may say mining and manufacturing, which may be generalised as being an old extractive or an energy and resource intensive sector as not being congruous with the “clean and green” and/or “pursuit of the extraordinary” image which Tasmania brands itself. How does the industry reconcile this view?

A. Ray Mostogl, TMEC:

The simplified view of extracting something and turning it into a product, without restocking or regrowing the original supply can be seen by some as unsustainable. The reality is best covered by the saying, “If it was not grown, it was mined”. I mean look around you right now – what are you wearing, sitting on, doing right now that did not come from being grown of being mined? The “clean and green” tag is therefore earnt by how a product is mined and manufactured, as well as what does it achieve for the world? We know copper is needed to electrify cars, generate, and transmit electricity – using wind, tides, and water. Aluminium, silicon, and tin are needed to make a solar panel. Most mines around the world are in isolated locations and therefore typically must generate their own electricity. This is mostly done by fossil fuels. Tasmanian mines benefit from being relatively close to electricity infrastructure and use 100 per cent renewable. This why we can confidently claim we have some of the greenest minerals in the world. Closing a mine in Tasmania will not stop the worlds demand for the mineral, therefore a mine somewhere else is started up or an existing one ramps production up, but this results in emissions increasing.

Tasmania – by virtue of the earth’s mineralisation process over millions of years has a very diverse range of high-quality minerals and while volumes are low by the standards of some of the big mining jurisdictions, it is economical to mine here. Just like the other speciality products and experiences Tasmania has a reputation for, its minerals and manufactured goods compete on the global stage and primarily because of quality.

Q. Todd, just to expand on the sustainability thread, how does Tasmania’s reputation as a carbon-neutral state influence decision-making in your company (Nyrstar) and what benefits does that give you as a seller of green zinc?

A.Todd Milne, General Manager – Nyrstar Hobart:

The transformation and decarbonising of the global energy industry has significantly increased the world’s needs for strategic base metals like zinc, copper and lead as well as critical minerals. The zinc we make here in Hobart is critical to the world because it’s used in making products that reduce emissions like wind farms, solar infrastructure, galvanising (which extends the life of steel) and batteries.

Using renewable energy in Tasmania is vital to this mission as it allows us to make low carbon zinc for the world. We are working with the Tasmanian Government on being able to brand our zinc – ‘green zinc’. This is essential to support the global competitiveness of our business.

Q. Richard, I would just like to move back to you now … Sustainability means more than just energy. For businesses and communities to be sustainable they need workers.

We hear stories of businesses being unable to find workers due to these workers not having access to accommodation in Tasmania. Just how big a handbrake is our housing situation on industry here in this state? Where does housing supply need to be in the future?

A: Professor Richard Eccleston, UTAS:

Housing is critical social infrastructure – not being able to access secure, suitable housing has significant long-term impacts on health and wellbeing, education, employment and general quality of life. This is especially true of children and other young Tasmanians

What’s less widely appreciated that housing shortages and a lack of affordability are a huge impediment on economic growth and productivity. High rents and house prices drive up costs and mean people have less disposal income to spend in the rest of the economy.

We’re now in a bit a perfect storm in Tasmanian we’re we’ve got both a housing shortages and labour shortages right across the state including the regions.

My colleagues at the Tasmanian Policy Exchange have been working with the West coast community where a lack of suitable rental housing is a key factor in the dramatic growth in the drive in drive out workforce and is now putting major mining and energy projects are at risk – many existing residents on the West Coast don’t support major new projects because they will be so disruptive. The challenge is to develop new models where industry and government invest in long term infrastructure and services so these communities are sustainable and benefit from large resource projects.

Q. I will now go back to everyone now with one last question, first cab of the rank is Todd. What is the biggest hurdle for your organisation over the coming years and what needs to be done to rectify it?

A. Todd Milne, General Manager – Nyrstar Hobart:

Energy security. Long-term access to secure, cost-efficient energy underpins our ability to sustain the major contribution we make to the Tasmanian economy.

Being a commodity business, we simply aren’t able to pass on or offset significant increases in fixed network charges arising from major infrastructure works that do not directly advantage us. We absolutely support Tasmania’s renewable energy ambitions to build on the impressive foundations already in place. It is critical, however, that this does not adversely impact our cost base so we can continue to provide the zinc the world needs for generations to come.

Q. Norris, what is the biggest hurdle for the airport to overcome over the coming years and what needs to be done to rectify it?

A. Norris Carter, CEO Hobart Airport:

Delivering a large program of infrastructure upgrades while keeping the airport operational will certainly be our challenge for the next few years. We have $300 million in projects covering the carparks, taxiways, apron and runway, and of course the terminal expansion.

The construction alone is going to generate around 200 jobs, and once complete around 1200 jobs ongoing. We want to ensure local people can work in these roles, and they have access to the training and skills they need to grow with us.

Q. Richard, What is the biggest hurdle for your organisation over the coming years and what needs to be done to rectify it?

A: Professor Richard Eccleston, UTAS:

We live in a knowledge economy where high-level technical and digital skills are increasingly important across a wide range of jobs and occupations and so access to relevant, future-focused education is more important than ever. We also know from international research that while many regional economies have struggled over the last 30 years nearly all of those that have prospered have strong links with high-quality, community-focused universities to provide education and support local industry and the wider community.

The challenge here in Tasmania and across Australia is that the communities and students that Universities serve have changed dramatically over the 25 years I’ve been an academic. Only a minority of our students are school leavers, the vast majority of students also have significant work and caring commitments and many want flexible course and learning opportunities which align with their work and other passions in life. And all the data suggests that access remains a significant issue as its still to difficult for students from regional communities, poorer backgrounds and those who need high levels of learning support to study at University.

Universities need the ability to be able to offer more flexible course structures and models of teaching, and quite different campuses and programs to ensure a greater range of students can access them while also catering for traditional school leavers who want a more traditional ‘20th century’ university experience.

Many Universities, including UTAS, are committed to working with the communities they serve and delivering more flexible and accessible programs. However, federal regulation and funding is a barrier to much needed change which is why the current “University Accord” review process currently underway is so important.

Q. Ray what’s TMEC’s view? What is the biggest hurdle for your industry over the coming years and what needs to be done to rectify it?

A: Ray Mostogl, TMEC:

Global demand for minerals is firmly entrenched, and while supply – demand spikes may make the prices volatile at time, the long-term trend says more – more minerals are needed. The brutal reality is the faster the world wants to or needs to decarbonise, then the volume of minerals must match this ambition. Any aspiration to reduce global warming stops dead in its track without mining.

If Tasmania has the minerals, someone will need it and be prepared to buy it. – unless an entirely new way is discovered to produce metals, recovering the ore from our earth needs to continue.

The challenge in Tasmania is how can we balance the need to conserve high quality biodiversity and still access the minerals – in other words how can we coexist? Despite the facts being 49% of Tasmania’s landmass is protected in some form of reserve and mining accounts for 0.88% or less than a 50th of this, the general community is inundated with messages at times which portray a distorted view.

The key question in my mind is – how can we have a trusted message which brings balance to the advancements society need while also protecting the natural values of our landscape? How can we have a sensible discourse on achieving balance with compromise? I believe the Mercury’s Future Tasmania campaign has made an excellent start by posing the challenge for the community to be more aware of the truly amazing goods and services which come from Tasmania. We are a state of quiet achievers – and take pride in the low-key approach but bragging is different to sharing knowledge.

QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR

Q. Do you think the much-maligned nimby attitude is simply a reflection of failing to sell policy to the community well enough?

A. Ray Mostogl, TMEC – That is part of it, and can I share a personal example. I am sure readers will have for more magnanimous examples than mine – I walk around my rural neighbourhood very early in the mornings. Often I pick up roadkill from the driveways of my elderly neighbours. I don’t particularly enjoy doing this task but knowing my neighbour doesn’t have to deal with it helps me justify it. When we have a personal understanding of something of a higher value or purpose, most humans can accommodate some personal discomfort to assist with the big picture. Selling the higher benefit of having Tasmania’s renewable electricity eliminate fossil fuelled energy seems to have been lost and many in our communities are looking at each project in isolation. It will be a monumental achievement to turn the current opinions around, but it might just work for many people, but not necessarily for all.

Q. In order to help better shape Tasmania’s future, should planning matters be moved from local govt to state govt responsibility?

A. Ray Mostogl, TMEC – I feel some sympathy for Councillors and Council Planning staff when they spend 95 per cent of their time assessing and approving normal residential and commercial development applications and then magically are expected to have a Google-like capability to assess complex projects, which may be highly specialised, may be contentious and could be highly speculative from the developer. I believe the current situation is very unfair for many – and that extends to all stakeholders, including the developer. We would agree the current situation should not continue. Obviously, the voice of the community needs to be an equal contributor to the assessment process, but a forum which has equal capabilities is very much needed in Tasmania.

Q. Yay for the new runway but aerobridges are imperative in the airport’s upgrade. Is that part of the plan? If not, why not?

A. Norris Carter, CEO Hobart Airport — The cost of introducing aerobridges at Hobart Airport is prohibitive. It would lead to higher airfares, and as an island state it’s important that we do our bit to keep airfares as affordable as possible. We do have our Aviramps instead, which provide a fully accessible covered ramp up to the aircraft, and passengers can enjoy a bit of fresh Tasmanian air while they’re boarding or deplaning.

Q. So much of our economic wealth as a country is now at risk with decarbonising. How will we possibly have an economy and currency that survives?

A. Ray Mostogl, TMEC — Australia’s economy was a star performer during Covid when compared with many other countries. One reason (and certainly not the only) – the ships full of Australian bulk minerals kept sailing, generating terms of trade which could assist towards the Covid measures implemented by governments. If suddenly these minerals are stranded because of their carbon emissions when turned into a finished product, then Australia’s economy would be decimated. Tasmania – while a minnow compared with QLD and WA exports, the minerals leaving this state account for 60 – 65 per cent of the state’s exports. It would hurt Tasmania if it stopped. Fortunately, the issue of decarbonising is not only Australia’s problem – it is a problem for every economy which needs steel, aluminium, cement and so on. The research being applied to decarbonise is a global race and one in which Australia is a front runner. Here in Tasmania, Grange Resources are part of the nation’s Cooperative Research Centre – researching decarbonisation of heavy industry. While we should not underestimate how much work is required to go from a lab-based experiment to a pilot plant and then to a fully operational plant, there are already pilot trials being started in Australia. There are other Tasmanian businesses whose parent companies overseas have trials underway to commercialise the new approach.

Q. Given environmental concerns, should we be encouraging and supporting more air travel?

A. Norris Carter, CEO Hobart Airport — Air travel is a necessity in Tasmania for labour market mobility, essential medical services, high-value agriculture exports, tourism, Antarctic science and the economic wellbeing of the state. Increasing population growth and economic activity in Tasmania is a demand driver for air travel through Hobart Airport. Our forecast passenger numbers increase in line with Tasmania’s population growth over the next 20 years. Tasmania’s population growth will be largely driven by interstate and international migration which is enabled by air travel.

Q. To what extent are panellists worried about having enough/right workforce? Bernard’s numbers were very encouraging – generally messages are grim on workforce.

A. Ray Mostogl, TMEC — All sectors can point to vacancies, and they are real. What cannot be left out of the discussion is the people in our communities who could contribute more but for reasons are either unemployed or underemployed. One of the first movers in closing the gap rests with employers. Employers need to open up the entry point to an organisation so people of all backgrounds believe they could apply. We need workplaces to be welcoming of people bringing their true self to the work environment – which means an inclusive culture. People are embraced for their differences, and it is genuine. TMEC is implementing its Inclusion and Diversity program and while we do have role model employers in our sector, we have employers who are still looking for the employee they themselves were thirty years ago.

Q. Not many years ago, we ran out of water in our dams and were forced to rely on diesel generators. How can Marinus link not cause this to happen again?

A. Caroline Wykamp, CEO of Marinus Link — Marinus Link is highly responsive: in less than a second, we can change the direction of power flow, providing power when and where it is needed, smoothing out the highs and lows of renewable generation.

Having both Marinus Link and Basslink in operation will provide energy security to Tasmania and Tasmanians for decades to come. Marinus Link will have three times the power capacity of the existing Basslink cable, providing vital back up if issues occur.

Marinus Link will cross Bass Strait in a different location to Basslink and will have two separate cable bundles, ensuring supply in the unlikely event of an outage or damage to one of the bundles.

Q. What effect will Marinus Link have on Tasmania?

A. Caroline Wykamp, CEO of Marinus Link

Marinus Link will:

1. Provide access to the cheapest, most reliable power for customers and business. Tasmanians will gain access to the cheaper renewable power generated from solar and wind and be able to sell Tasmania’s excess power to the rest of Australia.

2. Create new jobs and a pipeline of industry for the future. Together with the North West Transmission Developments, Marinus Link will create around 1400 direct and indirect jobs at peak construction in Tasmania.

Both projects will unlock about $7 billion worth of additional economic activity in Tasmania and create thousands of jobs in total from the wind and hydro projects.

3. Support growth, and stronger, more resilient communities. Marinus Link will provide 150 times the existing telecommunications capacity between Tasmania and Victoria.

Tasmania will become a more attractive for investment in clean and high-tech industries, onshore and offshore wind development and other renewable energy innovations.

Q. The economic assessment of Marinus Link is now dated. Will the assessment be updated and made public?

A. Caroline Wykamp, CEO of Marinus Link

Owing to Marinus Link’s status as a project of national significance, the economics of the project are routinely assessed. The economic assessment is undertaken by independent experts and the project team. For instance, the project has passed a Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T), a three-year, transparent and rigorous cost-benefit analysis process governed by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) also assesses the economics and benefits of the project on an independent basis in the development of its biennial Integrated System Plan (ISP)

Q. With Marinus Link can we still say our power is 100% green if we are importing brown power?

A. Caroline Wykamp, CEO of Marinus Link

The National Electricity Market (NEM) is changing. Our future market will include more solar and wind power, replacing carbon intensive generation such as coal and gas. This shift is well underway.

Marinus Link is an important part of the future energy mix. Marinus Link will deliver much-needed clean energy to the national grid to help meet renewable targets and adapt to the impacts of climate change. For the future, our economy will need access to reliable, inexpensive green electricity for future jobs and business.

With Marinus Link, carbon intensive energy will not be part of our future.

Q. Will the development of battery technology undermine the Marinus hydro model?

A. Caroline Wykamp, CEO of Marinus Link

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) found that long-duration energy storage of at least 12 hours will be required for Australia’s energy security. This is what pumped hydro can do. Unlike batteries, pumped hydro will provide seasonal storage of energy. We will be able to store water during rainy seasons and use it in the summer months when it’s drier, to provide ‘on-demand’ energy.

Pumped hydro is at least twice as cost-effective as big batteries to store the same amount of energy. In order to get same 24 hours of storage, we would need a more expensive ‘daisy chain’ of batteries.

Pumped hydro has technical life of at least 50 years. Big batteries would need to be replaced every 15-20 years, which would cost a lot more.