North West Transmission Developments

Surveys to assess undergrounding opportunities for 22kV distribution lines are now underway across the NWTD project corridor. These investigations are focused on locations where existing distribution lines cross proposed transmission lines - around 80 sites in total, stretching from Palmerston (near Cressy) to Burnie.

The surveys are helping TasNetworks identify where undergrounding distribution lines may be the safest and most practical solution. At transmission crossing points, maintaining minimum clearance distances between overhead lines can be difficult, costly, or even unviable. Undergrounding removes these clearance conflicts, reduces the risk of electricity jumping between power lines or to nearby objects (which can cause outages or safety issues), and improves compliance with safety standards.

Survey teams have been working closely with landholders to access sites and gather data. TasNetworks land agents, engineers, Genus field staff, and designers from Partum Engineering have all been involved, ensuring the surveys are thorough and respectful of each property.

Many landholders have welcomed the chance to discuss how the current distribution network affects their land and explore solutions that reduce impacts. Feedback has been positive, and the collaborative approach is helping shape designs that are safer, more cost-effective, and better suited to each site.

By replacing overhead distribution lines with underground infrastructure at key locations, TasNetworks aims to reduce outage risks, improve safety, and minimise visual and environmental impacts. Upon completion of the surveys, Partum Engineering will use the data to put forward new designs where required. These designs will be shared with landholders for further input.

TasNetworks thanks all landholders who have participated so far. Your feedback and cooperation are helping progress this important step in the NWTD project and ensure the best possible outcomes for both the community and the network.

Kentish House, located just off the Main Street in Sheffield, supports the locals in many ways. They work closely with community members and service providers to deliver tailored programs that support the needs of the community including playgroup sessions, parenting programs and workshops, emergency relief and youth activities.

Kentish House employs one full-time coordinator, two part-time staff members and four volunteers to provide these valuable support services alongside a food relief program.

NWTD provided funding to Kentish House to help create a more welcoming, supportive space for the community. Our support has enabled them to:

• purchase toys and furniture items for sensory/messy-based play
• develop an edible garden to support healthy food cooking classes
• install a garden shed to store garden equipment and outdoor toys. In true community style, the local Men’s Shed assisted by putting up the shed.

Leesa Butler from the NWTD team visited the House recently and was thrilled to see a group of toddlers playing with the new toys while their carers enjoyed a cuppa and a chat.

Kentish House Coordinator Cassandra and Access 2 Health Services Project Officer Ruby explained the positive impact that the new toys have had for the group in a space that is a safe and enjoyable for the group to meet every week. Small things have made a big difference here, like Lyle the Crocodile, a weighted soft toy that assists in calming and providing emotional support to children and adults alike.

NWTD also co-funds an Access 2 Health Services initiative - a monthly schedule of health and community services published in the Kentish Voice newspaper – a centralised location where locals look for information.

TasNetworks proudly supports the vital role that Kentish House plays in this community, and we thank them for the valuable services they provide.

TasNetworks is proud to have been a sponsor of the Regional Energy Leaders Summit hosted by RE-Alliance, held in Newcastle during August 2025.

The event brought together local government representatives, associated local government bodies and community-based organisations from across Australia, all working to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the transition to renewable energy.

Our sponsorship supported the attendance of Tasmanian councils located in areas of TasNetworks’ major projects. This funding enabled representatives from Waratah-Wynyard Council and Central Highlands Council to participate in the Summit.

Alex Poate, TasNetworks Major Projects Engagement Partner, represented TasNetworks to learn key insights to share with the business.

"As a transmission service provider leading major projects, it's essential that we understand the challenges faced by local governments, associations, and communities during the energy transition,” Alex said.

“We have a responsibility to deliver our projects in a way that is respectful, inclusive, and responsive to local needs — ensuring that the benefits are realised by those most impacted."

Over the two days, participants exchanged stories, shared valuable lessons, and discussed strategies to ensure their communities can benefit from the shift to cleaner energy sources.

Key topics discussed included workforce accommodation, employment, community benefit sharing and coordinating regional benefits as well as engaging with first nations communities.

TasNetworks is committed to supporting collaborative approaches that put local communities at the centre of Australia’s renewable energy future.

Soil resistivity testing is now underway along the proposed stage one alignment for the North West Transmission Developments project, marking another important step in the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase. These surveys are progressing tower by tower from Burnie through to Palmerston, measuring how electricity flows through the ground at each site.

The results will directly inform the design of earthing systems for transmission towers. This critical infrastructure works to protect people, livestock and equipment by safely dispersing any electrical faults and lightning strikes.

By tailoring the earthing design to each site’s unique geology, engineers can improve safety, reduce long-term maintenance, and ensure the reliable operation of the transmission line for years to come.

The surveys are being conducted at a challenging time of year, with wet paddocks making access tricky. Surveyors are working to minimise impacts by only driving on existing tracks and walking the rest of the way to where towers are proposed to go. They travel light, with testing equipment carried in a backpack, which has also helped them traverse challenging terrain such as steep bushland.

TasNetworks land agents and field staff from Genus have been accompanying the survey team, helping to navigate the terrain, identify proposed tower locations, and coordinate with landholders. The surveys have provided a valuable opportunity to catch up with landholders and answer any questions.

TasNetworks thanks landholders for their ongoing engagement, including allowing such surveys to progress and for feedback provided on the best location of infrastructure as we work to minimise impacts wherever possible.

This hands-on collaboration is a great example of how technical work and community engagement go hand in hand to keep the project moving forward.

There was an incredible buzz of energy and enthusiasm at the NWTD Meet the Head Contractor event, held in Burnie in early June 2025.

The event brought together over 150 local contractors and suppliers eager to learn more about the NWTD project and how they can get involved.

Attendees had the opportunity to meet GenusPlus Group, the Head Contractor for NWTD Stage 1.

With already established operations in Bridgewater and Spreyton, Genus is committed to employing Tasmanians and engaging the services of Tasmanian businesses.

Stage 1 is planned to commence construction in 2026 to align with construction of the first Marinus Link cable.

TasNetworks Chair Roger Gill addressed the crowd, reinforcing the importance of local engagement,

“By the turn up here, I am very pleased to see that people are recognising that there are job opportunities and a huge range of skills that will be able to be deployed on this project – so it’s a very important ingredient to the economic development of our community,” he said.

A panel discussion featured insights from Teeny Brumby (Mayor of Burnie), Claire Connelly (President, Devonport Chamber of Commerce & Industry), and Annie Gatenby (North West Regional Development Coordinator, Regional Development Australia).

“If we’re going to grow as an economy, we must increase our energy capability – not just to meet our local future needs, but also to export to the mainland and play our part in a clean energy for the future of our nation,” Mayor Brumby said.

“These projects are going to bring enormous opportunities to our region.”

The event also featured networking opportunities, trade table stalls from Skills Tasmania, TasTAFE and West North West Working, and information on how to register for work packages via the Industry Capability Network Gateway portal.

Contractors and suppliers interested in working with Genus on the NWTD project can register an EOI via the ICN Gateway here: https://gateway.icn.org.au/projects/4934

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in making the event a success. Special thanks to our speakers and panellists for sharing their insights into the opportunities, challenges, and the role the region can play in ensuring lasting value from NWTD.

The strong turnout and positive atmosphere at the event reaffirmed local support for NWTD and its potential to deliver long-term benefits to the region.

As we mark World Environment Day in June, TasNetworks is proud to highlight the environmental stewardship embedded in the NWTD project, supported by detailed assessment, planning, design and community engagement.

This transformative infrastructure project is designed not only to support Tasmania’s renewable energy future but also to minimise its environmental footprint.

TasNetworks is stiving to achieve a ‘Bronze’ Design and As Built Rating for the project under the Infrastructure Sustainability Council’s Rating Scheme.

As one of the very first Tasmanian projects to register and pursue an IS Rating, NWTD presents an opportunity for TasNetworks to lead the way in sustainability practices in Tasmania.

TasNetworks is focused on delivering environmentally sustainable outcomes for all phases of the project, whilst yielding additional environmental, social and economic benefits. NWTD will implement the following measures:

• Reuse existing transmission corridors where possible
• Minimise the need for vegetation clearance, with a focus on preserving native habitats
• Establish environmental protection zones around threatened vegetation
• Develop species-specific plans to protect fauna such as eagles, raptors and Tasmanian Devils
• Implement erosion and sediment control measures to protect soil and water quality
• Impose riparian buffers and exclusion zones around watercourses to protect aquatic ecosystems
• Reduce noise and air impacts through smart construction practices
• Lower its emissions with efficient logistics and low-emission machinery

These efforts reflect TasNetworks’ commitment to sustainable development and a cleaner, more resilient energy future for Tasmania.

To find out more about the Infrastructure Sustainability Council rating scheme visit https://www.iscouncil.org/is-ratings/

To learn more about the assessments, approvals and studies undertaken for the NWTD project, please read our fact sheet.

TasNetworks has released a new fact sheet outlining what activities landholders and developers can and cannot do within our electricity transmission line easements. The guide explains permitted, controlled, and prohibited activities, provides safety and legal guidance, and highlights TasNetworks’ responsibilities and access rights. Whether you're planning agricultural work, installing new equipment, or simply want to understand your rights and obligations, this resource is essential reading.

Figure not to scale. Typical easement widths may vary on a case-by-case basis. Typical heights provided above. Actual size of the tower can vary based on typography, location and conditions. It is best practice to engage a solicitor to check your land title for the exact location of an easement on your property.

View fact sheet

GenusPlus Group (Genus) is one of Australia’s fastest-growing power and communications infrastructure companies, delivering critical projects across energy, telecommunications, mining and utilities.

Harnessing practical experience across the country, Genus designs, constructs and maintains the infrastructure shaping Australia’s future; from electrical transmission and distribution networks to substations, battery systems and communications. Their mission is to be Australia’s contractor of choice, trusted to proudly power the projects that matter.

With already established operations in Bridgewater and Spreyton, Genus is committed to employing Tasmanians and engaging the services of Tasmanian businesses throughout the delivery of Stage 1 of the NWTD project.

Local contractors and suppliers are encouraged to register their interest in working with Genus on NWTD via the ICN Gateway portal: www.gateway.icn.org.au/projects/4934

Thank you to community members and landholders who visited our drop-in sessions at Bracknell, Burnie, Sheffield and Deloraine in April 2025 to find out more about the lodgement of a permit application for the North West Transmission Developments (NWTD) to the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC).

Lodged on 17 April, the permit application is an important step as it will allow NWTD to be formally assessed before TasNetworks can proceed to the construction phase.

As part of this process, the TPC will place the permit application on public exhibition at which time there will be further opportunity for community members to have their say.

Documentation for the NWTD permit application can now be accessed online via the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC) website.

We will continue to keep landholders, community members and stakeholders up to date through the approvals process.

For further information and resources please visit the NWTD Planning and Approvals webpage on the TasNetworks website.

As part of the environment, planning and heritage approvals process, TasNetworks is preparing to lodge a Permit Application with the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC), the responsible planning authority under the Major Infrastructure Development Approvals Act 1999 (MIDAA).

Community drop-in information sessions are being held in April to share key study findings and details about the planning and approvals process.

Community members are invited to attend the sessions listed below:

The Application is for the alignment between Palmerston and Burnie, Burnie and Hampshire Hills, and a line between Stowport and Heybridge to connect Marinus Link (refer to map below).

For further information, please visit the TasNetworks website.