Richie's first 3 months as NWTD Project Director

It’s hard to believe it’s already been three months since I joined TasNetworks to lead the NWTD. In that time, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know the dedicated project team and I’ve come to understand and appreciate the significant amount of effort that has been invested over the past 6 years to get us to this point.

Together, we are now navigating the final stages of planning, ahead of construction starting early next year.

I’ve also had the opportunity to get out and meet a number of key stakeholders, from landholders and local councils to industry partners. These conversations have reinforced the importance of balancing technical requirements with community needs and expectations.

At the same time, collaboration with Marinus Link and NWTD head contractor GenusPlus Group ensures our plans are aligned and construction ready.

For me, these first months have been about listening, learning, and laying the groundwork for success as we move into this next critical phase.

One of our priorities right now is finalising land access and ensuring landholders receive the maximum financial benefit available from this generational project.

I’m pleased to share that we have achieved voluntary access to over 83 per cent of the transmission line route. This is a testament to the strong relationships built over years of meaningful engagement.

Compensation for additional easement rights, in line with independent valuations, plus direct benefit-sharing in the form of the Strategic Benefit Payment (SBP) provides a fair, reasonable, and prudent approach to all landholders and enables this nationally significant project to progress.

Under the SBP, which is in addition to compensation afforded under the Land Acquisition Act 1993 (Tas) (LAA), eligible landholders can receive $200,000 per kilometre plus the Consumer Price Index (CPI) paid in annual instalments over 20 years, provided they complete a property management plan and/or sign an easement option agreement by 1 December 2025.

The deadline, which was set in June of this year, is to ensure the project is delivered on time and within budget. TasNetworks is focussed on continuing good faith negotiations with remaining landholders.

Looking ahead, NWTD will help deliver enormous benefits for Tasmania: clean energy careers, the lowest possible power prices, strong climate action, and enough electricity to support our state and the nation’s growing energy needs.

It’s a privilege to help lead this work, and I look forward to sharing more updates as we move closer to construction in the first quarter of 2026.