West Coast Renewable Energy has appointed experienced Tasmanian executive Stephen Casey as its new chief executive officer as the company progresses one of the state’s most significant proposed renewable energy developments.
Casey brings more than 30 years of experience leading major infrastructure and industrial projects across Australia and internationally.
He previously served as chief executive of Incat and has held senior roles with TasPorts and BHP, where he led major investment and operational transformation projects.
Based on the north-west coast, Casey said he was excited to help shape Tasmania’s renewable energy future while delivering benefits for regional communities.
“Tasmania has an extraordinary opportunity to build on generations of renewable energy leadership while supporting regional communities, creating jobs and strengthening our economy for the future,” he said.
“Whaleback Ridge represents an opportunity to contribute to Tasmania’s long-term prosperity while working alongside communities to ensure the project is developed thoughtfully, responsibly and with respect for the places and people who know the West Coast best.”
Casey said listening would be one of his key priorities.
“Good projects are built through genuine engagement, transparency and a willingness to understand different perspectives,” he said.
WRE company director Alan Morrell said the appointment marked an important milestone for the Tasmanian-based company.
“Stephen is an exceptional leader with an outstanding track record delivering complex infrastructure and industrial projects,” he said.
The company has also appointed West Coast community engagement specialist Liz Youd to lead local engagement across the project.
The Whaleback Ridge proposal includes building around 500 wind turbines with a projected capacity of 3,000 megawatts near the Meredith Range Regional Reserve.
It was granted major project status by the state government in March 2024, with proponents estimating it could create up to 550 permanent jobs and 4,500 jobs during construction.
The project has drawn criticism from environmental groups including the Bob Brown Foundation, which has raised concerns about threatened species in the proposed area and described the proposal as “ill-conceived and undercooked”.
