AFTER YEARS OF STUDIES, THE Joint Advisory Panel investigating the US$500M Basslink project in Tasmania, Australia has recommended the project proceeds.

In its final report released in July 2002, the panel has recommended that each of the Commonwealth, Victorian and Tasmanian governments approve the Bass Strait electricity interconnector project, which has been developed by Hydro Tasmania and Basslink Pty.

‘The final panel report is great news,’ said Hydro Tasmania’s chief executive officer Geoff Willis. ‘The Joint Advisory Panel has conducted an independent examination of the environmental, economic and social implications of Basslink. It’s work represented the most comprehensive and rigorous assessment of any major energy project in Australia’s history.

‘Its recommendation that the project be approved means that it recognises the very real benefits Basslink will bring to Tasmania, Victoria and the nation as a whole,’ he added.

Once final approvals are received, work can begin on construction of the 280km Basslink undersea cable, which could operate for up to 10 hours at 600MW to meet export peaks.

• For further information on the Basslink project, see links below.
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