To align with the revised timing of Marinus Link’s Stage 1 Final Investment Decision (FID), North West Transmission Developments (NWTD) has also adjusted the timing of its Stage 1 FID from December 2024 to May 2025.
Importantly, the revised approach does not impact NWTD’s Stage 1 construction schedule to commence in 2026, and the expected completion date of 2029 remains unchanged.
Marinus Link adjusted the timing of its Stage 1 FID for greater certainty of key project aspects, such as procurement, environmental permits and land access.
The North West Transmission Developments project is close to reaching an important procurement milestone, with the team currently in negotiations with a preferred head contractor.
Engaging local Tasmanian businesses to assist in the delivery of the project is a key objective to sustain and support Tasmania’s economy. The head contractor will be required to plan for the engagement of Tasmanian businesses under their Tasmanian Industry Participation Plan, and report to TasNetworks on its implementation during the life of the project.
The tender documentation outlined specific requirements through a Tasmanian Industry Participation Plan to ensure that the head contractor will engage Tasmanian businesses.
The head contractor has been provided with the list of suppliers who have registered an expression of interest to be involved in the project, and will be required to take on management of the ICN portal for the project.
Now is a great time for businesses to update their listing to ensure all details are current. An invitation to a meet the head contractor event will be sent out in the next few months.
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The successful recipients of the 2024 TasNetworks Community Grants Program have been awarded. The aim of the funding is to support not-for-profit organisations to deliver projects that strengthen community resilience or reduce cost of living pressures for Tasmanians.
The NWTD project has directly funded five applicants’ submissions located in North West Tasmania, identified as initiatives that will positively contribute to their communities.
Congratulations to the following:
- Gunns Plains Community Centre
- Marine Rescue Ulverstone
- Parklands High School (Burnie)
- Royal Life Saving Tasmania
- Youth, Family and Community Connections (Burnie and Devonport).
For further information about these worthy projects and for a full list of the TasNetworks Community Grants Program recipients, go to Community Grants Program - TasNetworks.
With the final report released by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) this week, the 2024 Integrated System Plan (ISP) has confirmed that the North West Transmission Developments project is a critical component for the national transition to renewable energy. AEMO is responsible for operating Australia’s National Energy Market (NEM) in the best interests of Australian energy consumers.
In mid-2023 TasNetworks undertook the required steps to register a notified corridor for the proposed alignment of the North West Transmission Developments (NWTD) in accordance with the Major Infrastructure Development Approvals Act 1999 (MIDAA).
The MIDAA process requires that a notified corridor must be in place before TasNetworks can submit a Development Application and Environmental Impact Statement for assessment of the NWTD. The notified corridor was made by the Minister for Planning at TasNetworks’ request.
Following the announcement by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments that Marinus Link will, in the first instance, proceed with one cable, the overall scope of the North West Transmission Developments was revised to be delivered in two stages. Stage one will focus on the Palmerston (Cressy) to Burnie via Sheffield, and Stowport to Heybridge sections to align with the delivery of the first Marinus Link cable. The balance of the project, which includes the sections between Hampshire Hills to Burnie, and Staverton to Hampshire Hills will be constructed as part of stage two.
As a result of these decisions, it is now necessary to retain the existing 220kV line between Sheffield and Burnie during construction to avoid the risk of outages. It is still the case that the existing 220kV line between Sheffield and Burnie will be removed post-construction. To allow the new 220kV line to be installed while the existing one is in place, the proposed alignment of the new transmission line and location of towers has been adjusted in several locations. Other adjustments have also been made following discussions with landholders and ongoing work. This has meant that the notified corridor needed to be adjusted and, in some areas, widened.
The existing notified corridor between Hampshire Hills and Burnie is being amended in some locations to provide greater flexibility as we progress field investigations and further discussions with landholders.
TasNetworks recently requested that the Minister for Planning amend the notified corridor to allow for these adjustments.
Recognising the importance of maintaining a well-equipped workspace, the NWTD project has been able to assist the Kentish Men’s Shed in updating their tools and equipment.
Located amidst the serene surroundings of Sheffield, the Men’s Shed serves as a gathering place for approximately 50 dedicated individuals. From metal fabrication, blacksmithing to ceramic artistry, the Shed embodies a diverse range of skills and expertise.
With our grant exceeding $5000, the shed was able to acquire essential tools, ensuring safety and efficiency in their operations. Thank you, Kentish Community Men’s Shed, for allowing us to play a role in the vital work you do with communities in the North West!
To ensure community members can access information they might need about the North West Transmission Developments project, we have released a new information pack on the TasNetworks website. View information Pack
TasNetworks recently held a series of landholder drop-in sessions for the proposed North West Transmission Developments project, with fifty landholders taking the opportunity to attend. They were welcomed by a range of TasNetworks subject matter experts, including engineers and land agents, who were on hand to listen, support and address questions and concerns. TasNetworks was also joined by representatives from Rural Alive and Well and TasFarmers. Feedback from these sessions will contribute to our overall understanding of landholder concerns, highlighting the topics that continue to be important to landholders and what they want to know more about.
Specific feedback was also sought from landholders regarding TasNetworks’ proposed options for a Strategic Benefit Payment. The Strategic Benefit Payment is intended to recognise the ongoing impact to landholders who host new major infrastructure needed to support the delivery of a modern electricity grid for Tasmania. The Strategic Benefit Payment is separate and in addition to compensation payable to landholders under the Land Acquisition Act (1993).
Visit NWTD Landholder webpage
