North West Transmission Developments

Following the recent announcement by the Australian Government that Marinus Link will, in the first instance, proceed with one cable, TasNetworks has reviewed the scope of its 240km North West Transmission Developments (NWTD) project.

The project timing and staging has been revised to ensure the efficient and cost-effective delivery of the transmission network required for the first Marinus Link cable, while maintaining flexibility to deliver the network needed for a second Marinus Link cable.

TasNetworks CEO Seán Mc Goldrick said the recent decision provided certainty and confidence for the business as it progresses the NWTD.

“With this surety, both Marinus Link and the NWTD can proceed to a Final Investment Decision with the knowledge that Tasmanians will only pay their fair share for this nationally significant energy infrastructure,” he said.

“The project has been revised to deliver the NWTD across two stages, focusing on the delivery of Stage 1 until a final decision is taken on the second Marinus Link cable. This approach will see approximately 60 per cent of the proposed NWTD built in the first stage.”

The NWTD include new and upgraded overhead transmission lines that will link Cressy, Burnie, Sheffield, Staverton, Hampshire, and East Cam. The developments will increase the capacity and reliability of Tasmania’s electricity network and support Australia’s transition to a clean energy future.

Stage 1 will see construction commencing in 2025 on Palmerston-Sheffield-Heybridge and Stowport to Burnie to align with the first Marinus Link cable. Stage 2 will deliver the balance of the NWTD scope, which includes the section between Staverton to Burnie via Hampshire Hills, to align with the second Marinus Link cable.

Mr Mc Goldrick said TasNetworks is working closely with landholders and key stakeholders where there are any impacts as a result of the staged delivery approach.

“We are committed to working with landholders and the community to ensure they are well informed about the project as it progresses and the best possible outcomes are achieved for all.”

We are excited to share that TasNetworks has been named as a finalist in the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Australasia Core Values Awards 2023. IAP2's Core Values Awards recognise projects and organisations that are at the forefront of public participation and community and stakeholder engagement.

TasNetworks’ award submission centres around efforts by the North West Transmission Developments team over the past two years in recruiting, establishing and facilitating a NW region Youth Panel to develop a collaborative, co-designed and youth-centred approach to community benefits sharing.

More information about the Youth Panel process, recommendations and framework can be found at: https://www.tasnetworks.com.au/nwtd-cbsp

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the fellow finalists who share our passion for community engagement and participation. The winners will be unveiled at the IAP2 Annual Conference in Brisbane, scheduled for late October. Best of luck to all the finalists!

TasNetworks has requested the Minister for Planning to proceed with the registering of a notified corridor for the proposed North West Transmission Developments (NWTD).

As part of the comprehensive approvals process, the NWTD are being assessed under the Major Infrastructure Development Approvals Act 1999 (MIDAA). Part of this assessment process requires the registering of what is called a ‘notified corridor’.

A ‘notified corridor’ is the linear corridor of land required to support delivery of major infrastructure at some time in the future.

The MIDAA process requires that a notified corridor must be in place before TasNetworks can submit a Development Application and Environmental Impact Statement. These are the key documents used to independently assess the NWTD project and make a decision about whether the project should be approved.

The notified corridor is made by the Minister for Planning at TasNetworks’ request. The main purpose of doing this is to facilitate submission of the application for assessment and to ensure any future developments do not prevent the project from going ahead while it progresses through the approvals phase which can take many months.

A Q&A brochure is available with further information relating to the notified corridor process.

The next community drop in session will be held at Heybridge as follows:

Wednesday, 26th July 2023, 4pm – 7pm
Cuprona Bulldogs Clubhouse, River Road, Heybridge

There will be subject matter experts on hand from both the NWTD and Marinus Link to answer any questions or concerns.

Aren't able to make it along? You can ask questions anytime by emailing us at nwtd@tasnetworks.com.au

Like any major infrastructure project, the North West Transmission Developments has the potential to impact on communities during construction and operation. Developing a community benefits sharing program is part of TasNetworks’ commitment to ensuring an ongoing and sustainable positive legacy for communities in North West Tasmania.

During 2022, TasNetworks undertook a co-design process with the local community and stakeholders to develop, refine and finalise a proposed community benefits sharing program for the NWTD. This included engagement to collect feedback on program eligibility, funding, governance, and administration.

Following the close of the co-design process, the proposed benefits program framework and governance arrangements were endorsed by the TasNetworks Board in March 2023.

View the community benefits sharing framework, now available on the TasNetworks website

TasNetworks’ once in a generation North West Transmission Developments (NWTD) has reached a key procurement milestone with three contractors selected to proceed to the next stage of the tendering process and submit a Request for Proposal (RFP). The selected contractors all have significant transmission project experience as well as offices and staff employed in Tasmania.

Project Director, Damian Vermey said TasNetworks is now looking to appoint a single Head Contractor that demonstrates strong capability, resources and experience to deliver the scope of works for the NWTD project.

“The creation of employment opportunities for Tasmanians and maximising spend in north-west Tasmania are high priorities for the project. The Tasmanian Government’s Buy Local Policy as well as TasNetworks’ procurement strategy ensures the contractors must demonstrate how they will be involving local businesses.”

“The manufacturing, construction and commissioning phase of the project will create significant local job opportunities and increased economic activity throughout the region bringing benefits to Tasmanians and Tasmanian businesses.”

“There will be need for specialist electrical workers, civil construction and engineering businesses, along with a wide range of services, including accommodation, catering, security, equipment hire, transport and storage – all of which local businesses will have the opportunity to bid for.”

“Now is the time for local suppliers to take action with the RFP opening on 28 June 2023 for a period of 16 weeks. Registered suppliers will be provided to the proponents as they prepare their tenders.”

For the opportunity to be involved in this transformational project, Tasmanian suppliers of goods and services are encouraged to register their interest to work on the North West Transmission Developments by signing up to the Industry Capability Network (ICN) portal.

The proposed North West Transmission Developments project includes 240km of new and upgraded transmission lines and other energy infrastructure that will increase the capacity of Tasmania’s electricity network. The project is presently in the Design and Approvals phase and is subject to a final investment decision currently scheduled for December 2024.

Do you have a question, feedback, a complaint or a compliment you’d like to share? You can contact us anytime by emailing nwtd@tasnetworks.com.au. We are committed to working with landholders and the community to ensure they are well informed about the project and the best possible outcomes are achieved for all.

Concerned community residents who live in proximity to proposed transmission infrastructure can also lodge a complaint with:

• The Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner. To learn more visit www.aeic.gov.au/making-a-complaint
• The Energy Ombudsman Tasmania. To learn more visit www.energyombudsman.tas.gov.au/enquiries-and-complaints

The trail, located in the Dial Range near Penguin, is extremely popular for those looking for an easy 40 to 50 minute quality ride. The upgrade was required to improve drainage so that the track could be used year-round.

Local contractor, Next Level Mountain Bike, was employed to carry out the repairs. The trail is predicted to attract up to 8,000 riders per year.

Damian Vermey, Project Director of TasNetworks' North West Transmission Developments said the team had been working with the Cradle Coast Mountain Bike Club to minimise potential impacts to those who use the track near the existing Mount Montgomery Reserve transmission easement during future transmission line construction.

"Through our discussions we also learnt about some of the more immediate needs of the mountain bike community including increasing access for riders during the winter months".

"TasNetworks is proud to support initiatives such as this which contribute to the health and wellbeing of the community of North-West Tasmania" Mr Vermey said.

Chris Fletcher, President of Cradle Coast Mountain Bike Club expressed the Club's appreciation for the timely funding.

"Without the assistance from TasNetworks, the Montgomery Loop Trail would almost certainly be closed again this winter. We are pleased that this trail is now open again for those riders looking for a quality, introductory track."

The proposed North West Transmission Developments project will increase the capacity of Tasmania's electricity network. As the project progresses, TasNetworks is committed to working closely with landholders and the community in order to achieve the best outcomes possible for all.

The North West Transmission Developments (NWTD) project is preparing comprehensive Environmental Impact Statements and Development Applications as part of the rigorous environment, planning and heritage approvals process required for any major development in Tasmania.

In 2019 following approval by both houses of Parliament, an Order was declared for the NWTD to be assessed under the Major Infrastructure Development Approvals Act 1999.

As part of this assessment, a robust Development Application and Environmental Impact Statement will together form one consolidated ‘application’ that will enable the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC) to assess the environmental, social and economic aspects of the project against the project assessment criteria. The TPC will determine whether approvals will be granted and what conditions will be applied to allow the project to proceed to the construction phase.

The Australian Government (Commonwealth) will also assess the application as it relates to Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) (EPBC Act).

NWTD Project Director Damian Vermey said TasNetworks is committed to protecting the environment,

“We recognise that we have an important role in avoiding or minimising any adverse environmental impacts through every stage of our operations and contributing positively to the stewardship of the natural environment.”

A team of technical and environmental specialists have been engaged to undertake investigations to understand the existing conditions along the route. The information gathered through the investigations informs the basis of the application for approval of the project.

“The North West Transmission Developments will help ensure an affordable, reliable and clean energy future for Tasmanians. We are committed to delivering this project in a way that is sensitive to the land, water and environment,” Mr Vermey said.

The once in a century upgrades will enable new renewable energy developments and Marinus Link to connect to the grid, unlocking significant economic benefits for the state and supporting the decarbonisation of Australia’s energy system in response to the impacts of climate change.

TasNetworks is proud to have contributed to the development of The Energy Charter’s Better Practice Social Licence Guideline.

Co-developed by landholder and community representatives and electricity transmission businesses, the recently launched Guideline is the product of effective listening and strong collaboration between the agriculture and energy sectors.

As the owner and operator of Tasmania’s electricity transmission and distribution network, TasNetworks is committed to engaging in a way that is meaningful, fair and achieves the best outcomes for landholders, the community, the environment, Tasmania’s electricity grid and the National Electricity Market.

The Energy Charter’s Better Practice Social Licence Guideline is critical to developing a deeper understanding of:

- The ways electricity transmission infrastructure impacts agricultural landholders and their communities

- The principles that underpin building and maintaining social licence for landholders and communities affected by transmission developments

- Practical opportunities to minimise impacts and deliver shared value during the planning, construction, operation and decommissioning of transmission infrastructure.

As Tasmania continues to work towards its legislated Renewable Energy Target to double clean energy production by 2040, TasNetworks congratulates and thanks The Energy Charter, landholders, community representatives, and other #BetterTogether industry collaborators in delivering this important Guideline.