8th May 2014
The Tasmanian Minerals and Energy Council, through the Big Picture campaign industries, has welcomed the establishment of the Tasmanian Government’s Energy Working Group.
Representatives of the Tasmanian Minerals and Energy Council and Big Picture Tasmania industries have been invited by Minister for Energy Matthew Groom to fill two positions on the newly established Energy Working Group. Bell Bay Aluminum’s General Manager Ray Mostogl and Nyrstar Business Development Manager (Australia) Greg Zooeff will assist the Energy Working Group identify a stable and sustainable price path for power that can provide relief to consumers and help grow the Tasmanian economy and attract new investment.
Mr Mostogl, who is also Chair of the Tasmanian Minerals and Energy Council Energy Sub-Committee, said there is an imperative in Tasmania to address the issue of high energy costs and looked forward to working closely with other Working Group members: CEO Tascoss Tony Reidy; CEO Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Jan Davis; and Principal Consultant Goanna Energy Marc White.
“It is clear to us that an immediate short term solution is required, allowing for a longer-term solution to be developed to address the burden of energy and transmission pricing for Tasmanian households, business and industry,” said Mr. Mostogl.
“Together we will be able to bring our business acumen and experiences to assist develop an energy strategy for the benefit of all Tasmanians.
Mr Mostogl said the mining and manufacturing sector in Tasmania is the single largest industry sector contributor to the Tasmanian economy. Five of Tasmania’s major industries in this sector also account for 60% of the State’s energy consumption.
“This sector is at the core of the Tasmanian economy, contributing a billion dollars more than the next industry sector. These industries are also Tasmania’s window on the economic world as products are sold into highly competitive international markets. In the past five years they have experienced more than a 200% increase in transmission charges, which is unsustainable.”
Mr Mostogl said the establishment of the Energy Working Group by the Tasmanian Government recognises the valuable contribution by major industry to the State’s economy and the jobs and flow on benefits throughout local communities that major industry provides.
“It also recognises the importance of electricity costs to all Tasmanians including families, and Tasmanian businesses across many sectors who have suffered under skyrocketing transmission charges over the past five years.”
