The Bruny Island Cable Replacement Project
Consultation has concluded
The Background
On Saturday 2nd November 2019, a fault occurred on the submarine cable supplying electricity from Tinderbox to Dennes Point at Bruny Island. Divers were sent down to investigate the fault and found an anchor had damaged the existing cable.
A second cable running from Simmonds Point to Woodcutters Point is currently supplying the island. Extra diesel generators have been transported on site to ensure supply to the island is restored in a timely manner should a fault occur on this second cable.
Our Next Steps
We will communicate the construction timeframes and associated works as soon as they are scheduled. To view the latest news on this project, visit our newsfeed.
Find Out More
If you want to know more about the Bruny Island cable replacement, check out our frequently asked questions, ask us a question below, visit our newsfeed or come along to one of our information sessions.
The Background
On Saturday 2nd November 2019, a fault occurred on the submarine cable supplying electricity from Tinderbox to Dennes Point at Bruny Island. Divers were sent down to investigate the fault and found an anchor had damaged the existing cable.
A second cable running from Simmonds Point to Woodcutters Point is currently supplying the island. Extra diesel generators have been transported on site to ensure supply to the island is restored in a timely manner should a fault occur on this second cable.
Our Next Steps
We will communicate the construction timeframes and associated works as soon as they are scheduled. To view the latest news on this project, visit our newsfeed.
Find Out More
If you want to know more about the Bruny Island cable replacement, check out our frequently asked questions, ask us a question below, visit our newsfeed or come along to one of our information sessions.
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Project update October 22
The new Bruny Island Submarine Cable was installed during September 2022 and placed In Service on 29 September 2022 (providing the second Bruny Island 11kV Electrical Power Network supply connection).
Marine activities associated with the submarine cable lay across the D’Entrecasteanux Channel were completed in September.
Submarine Cable Anchoring Prohibited Signage will be installed along the Dennes Point and Tinderbox shoreline during the week commencing 10 October (total 6 locations).
Land remediation activities are progressing well at both Dennes Point and Tinderbox construction sites. These remediation activities will be completed by 28 October.‘
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Project Update March 2022
Our latest update!
Works to facilitate the replacement of the TasNetworks’ submarine cable that runs from Tinderbox to Dennes Point, Bruny Island have recommenced.
Additional surveys are currently being completed in the Tinderbox cliff area, and next month construction activities will commence to remove redundant on-land electricity assets at both Tinderbox and Dennes Point, Bruny Island.
As part of this project, a temporary access track needs to be constructed at Tinderbox to allow access to the overhead power supply route. These construction activities will take place on private property in the vicinity of 441 Tinderbox Road. To ensure everyone’s safety, traffic control measures will be in place at both Tinderbox and Bruny Island when required and we will endeavour to keep disruptions to a minimum.
The work to replace the submarine cable is scheduled to be completed by 30 September 2022.
We will provide another update in the coming months to keep you up to date on our progress. In the meantime, if you have any questions about this project, please feel free to ask us a question on our questions page or call us on 1300 137008.
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Project Update October 2021
We have previously advised the community that the Bruny Island cable replacement would likely be completed at the end of 2021.
The work to replace the cable has proven more complicated than expected. This is partly due to the proximity of the Marine Reserve and technical challenges with getting the cable ashore at Tinderbox. Unfortunately, these complications mean that the project will be delayed.
It’s difficult to estimate exactly how long the project will be delayed however, we’ll push ahead as quickly as we can. It’s unlikely to be finished this summer, as originally planned. You may still see TasNetworks crews in the Tinderbox and Bruny Island area over the coming months as we continue to undertake surveys and pre construction activities.
We will provide further updates regarding the revised construction timeframes and associated works as soon as the situation becomes clearer. It’s important to note that Bruny Island’s energy supply remains safeguarded, despite delays in its cable replacement project - the island’s power supply remains secure, with both the remaining cable and back-up generator able to cope well with demand.
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Project Update June 2021
We are continuing to progress our assessments and investigations for the Tinderbox – Bruny Island submarine cable replacement project. Residents of the Tinderbox foreshore area may have noticed an increase in activity by TasNetworks and our contractors in the area recently. Over the coming weeks we will be undertaking geotech survey work and removing a section of overhead cable. This work is all being undertaken on private land – however customers may hear some drill activity and see extra traffic in the area. Power supplies will not be affected whilst we undertake this work and we will endeavour to keep any disruption to a minimum.
These surveys need to be completed before the route and construction timelines for the replacement submarine cable are finalised. Once we have finished our investigations, we will share the final route and construction timelines with the community well in advance of any public works taking place.
In the meantime, if you have any questions about the project, please feel free to continue checking this site for updates. Otherwise you can contact Jacqui Jones by phoning 62 716479 or by emailing Jacqui.jones@tasnetworks.com.au.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does TasNetworks know that a boat was responsible for the damage to the cable from Tinderbox to Dennes Point?
- What are TasNetworks plans for the other cable supplying Bruny Island?
- Why will the cable take so long to replace?
- How is Bruny Island currently being supplied with electricity?
- What are some of the environmental assessments undertaken for this project.
- How can I keep upto date about what's happening?
- What work has been undertaken by TasNetworks since the cable was damaged?