More than $70 million in federal funding has been set aside for several emissions reduction projects in Tasmania’s north.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen made the announcement on Wednesday morning as part of a wider $330 million ‘Powering the Regions Fund’.
Under the funding, a grant of $53 million will go towards the Cement Australia facility in Railton, $20 million for mining company Grange Resources and $700,000 for an alternative fuel trial at the Liberty Bell Bay.
“This $330 million investment in Australia’s hard-to-abate manufacturing and mining facilities is about securing the future of high-quality, low-emissions products made right here,” Bowen said.
“Northern Tasmania, Central Queensland and Western Australia have been industrial powerhouses for generations and the Albanese Government is ensuring that continues.”
Grange Resources plan use $15 million of their grant to electrify their mine operations at Savage River, reducing the need for diesel and $5 million to transition four of their furnaces at Port Latta from coal to gas.
“The projects supported by these grants are expected to have a significant positive impact on reducing carbon dioxide emissions and promoting sustainable practices within the mining industry,” a Grange spokesperson said.
Tasmanian Labor Senator Anne Urquhart called the funding a vote of confidence in the state.
“The investment into northern, north west and west coast of Tasmania will not only provide jobs in regional Tasmania for years to come but also meet the demand for low emissions products from around the world to be made right here in Tasmania,” she said.
