Tablelands Energy Hotspot

19th May 2008

Tablelands Energy Hotspot

The Atherton Tablelands could become a geo-thermal energy generation hot spot, with a dozen tenders being submitted for two local exploration areas.

Member for Tablelands Rosa Lee Long said the strong show of interest was a promising sign for the development of a whole new industry for the region.

"This "hot-rock" process pumps water deep into the earth where it is heated by geo-thermal energy with the resulting steam being piped back to the surface and used to generate electricity," she said.

"It is clean, green and appears to be practically limitless. An area near Chillagoe and another near Innot Hot Springs have been opened for exploration and I have been advised five tenders were submitted for the Chillagoe area, and seven for Innot Hot Springs.

"Preferred tenderers have been selected and I understand they have been advised of requirements so they can get their exploration permits and begin work."

Ms Lee Long said she remained a staunch supporter of the Tully-Millstream hydro-electricity generation scheme but welcomed this strong interest in a cutting edge answer to energy generation in the Far North.

"It is early days yet, but this level of interest is very exciting and it is the kind of project that would benefit not only this electorate, but the entire Far North."