A LACK of renewable energy policies by the Federal Government had caused the closure of a wind turbine factory in north-west Tasmania, the State Government said today. Prime Minister John Howard will be in northern Tasmania today, a day after Danish manufacturer Vestas announced it would close its nacelle factory in Wynyard, near Burnie, 345km north-west of Hobart. The $15-million plant employs 65 people and manufactures blade hubs and nacelles, structures that house electricity generating components, for its wind turbines.

It opened only three years ago but it was announced yesterday that Vestas would close its factories at Wynyard and in Scotland.

Tasmanian Treasurer Michael Aird said the Federal Government had abandoned renewable energy.

"The Howard Government's narrow-minded refusal to extend the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target has resulted in fewer projects for Vestas than originally envisaged when it established its nacelle factory in 2003," Mr Aird said.

"The Howard Government's refusal to support renewable energy is damaging the state, while Tasmania's federal government representatives stand quietly by and let it happen."

Mr Aird said the Tasmanian Government was working with the company's local management to try to keep the factory open.

"I'm not in a position at present to provide any details but officers from the Tasmanian Department of Economic Development have met with Vestas representatives to explore ways to keep the factory operating."

"There are options being considered that could result in the factory continuing but with a slightly different focus.

"Hopefully these talks will bear fruit and we'll be in a position to say more down the track."

 

Web link: http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,20247077-5001028,00.html#"