Locals in northern Tasmania have raised concerns over a proposal to build a subsea cable manufacturing facility for a renewable energy project on the bank of the Tamar River.
The Sherlocks' backyard opens up to an expansive view of the Tamar River, but in the future it could be directly opposite a 200-metre tower.The proposed tower on the other side of the river, which would be Tasmania's tallest structure, is a small piece of a larger project. The company says the height of the tower is critical to the manufacture and performance of the cable.
But SunCable says the facility must be located right next to the river port to ensure the cable's integrity when it is eventually exported. It was one of several sessions that took place around the area ahead of the company lodging an application for major project status with the Tasmanian government, which if granted, would lead to further public hearings.
A representative from the Department of State Growth told the meeting that conversations were happening with TasTAFE and University of Tasmania about providing courses to equip Tasmanians with the necessary skills to work on the project.SunCable's stakeholder engagement lead, Sophie Rowlands, said the company has started consultation early to incorporate the views of locals from the get go.