North West Transmission Developments

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.

Two projects in Burnie share a common vision – to create a better future for local young people and their families. We visited Parklands High School and Youth, Family and Community Connections recently to learn more about these projects and the people behind them.

Parklands High School community garden

Building works on a new community garden has commenced at Parklands High School. The school’s principal, Magella Dudley, and vice principal, Bianca Munday, explained the master plan for the garden. Drafted in consultation with students, the plans include a yarning circle, sensory paths, a bush tucker garden, raised garden beds, orchard and a pizza oven. Located on the boundary of the school grounds, the garden will be open to everyone, and hopes are that the garden will strengthen community ties with the school.

So far, a glass hothouse, paths and raised garden beds have been installed, with connection of water to the site up next before planting begins.

Magella and Bianca explained that students have been involved throughout the design phase of the project and their input will continue as it comes to life. A shipping container will be adorned by Tasmanian Aboriginal-inspired artwork by students who will further develop their practical skills by fitting out the container to store gardening equipment. Fresh produce grown from the garden will be used in cooking classes and available at the school’s pop-up pantry.

Underpinned by the school’s values of ‘connection, courage, growth, respect, and responsibility’, the garden will be more than soil and plants, but a shared meeting place that brings people together and spreads the spirit of giving throughout the wider community.

Progress of community garden at Parklands High School.

Youth, Family and Community Connections, ARVOs program

Offered once a week after school and during school holidays, Youth, Family and Community Connections (YFCC) runs the ARVOs program for young people aged 11 - 17.

A laneway in the heart of Burnie leads to the Junction Hub, a welcoming indoor space where young people are encouraged to drop in, stay a while, participate in an organised activity or just ‘chill’ and grab a snack.

The space is fitted with comfortable couches, musical instruments, kitchenette, as well as eight-ball, air hockey and table tennis tables. Jonathan Cowen, Education and Health Promotions Project Officer, runs a varied program of activities that changes weekly, and in the school holidays offers hobbies such as painting, skateboarding, bowling and surfing excursions.

YFCC Operations Manager Graham Marshall explained the program provides young people an opportunity to engage with their local services and have a place where they feel safe and supported.

The Junction opens their doors on Tuesday afternoons from 3:00pm – 4:45pm (Devonport) and Wednesday from 3:00pm – 4:45pm (Burnie). Further information about the program, as well as school holiday activities can be found at: www.facebook.com/youthfamilyandcommunityconnections/

Artwork on site featuring the school’s values of ‘connection, courage, growth, respect, and responsibility’.

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TasNetworks Community Grants Program

The North West Transmission Developments project provided funding to Parklands High School for the community garden and YFCC for the ARVO’s program for 12 months following applications via the TasNetworks Community Grants Program 2024.

The TasNetworks Community Grants program provides funding for community groups and not-for-profit organisations to deliver projects in the community which seek to positively impact on our chosen focus areas. Through the TasNetworks Community Grants Program, we empower the community to tackle the challenges posed by:

• Rising cost-of-living pressures
• Enhancing community resilience

Grants of up to $10,000 are available for incorporated entities or charities registered with the ACNC who are operating within Tasmania and delivering activities that are aligned to the Program’s focus areas.

Applications for TasNetworks Community Grants Program for 2025 open soon. Sign up to keep updated about our Community Grants funding rounds: Community Grants Program - TasNetworks

The North West Transmission Developments (NWTD) project is proud to partner with Rural Alive and Well (RAW) to foster connected and resilient communities. In partnership with TasNetworks, RAW has been able to deliver a variety of self-care events and activities, bringing joy and support to many. Recently, RAW organised a lively hoedown at Hazelbrae, a creative macrame workshop at Lower Barrington, and an engaging sip and paint workshop at Cressy.

Sallyann Harper, RAW Communications and Events Officer, said that the events make a meaningful impact in the lives of community members in rural and remote regions, who are often at risk of isolation and disconnection.

“A heartfelt thank you to TasNetworks for your support in bringing these events to life. Your backing is deeply valued and empowers us to keep making a difference in the community.”

Rural Alive and Well (RAW) is a Tasmanian not-for-profit organisation, providing free counselling and support services to individuals and communities in rural and remote regions across the state. Visit www.rawtas.com.au for further information and to request support.

NWTD recently provided funding to Royal Life Saving Tasmania following its application via the TasNetworks Community Grants Program. The funding provided training for 14 lifeguards who will volunteer their time at the Mole Creek Swimming Pool.

Following a lot of hard work by community members to get the pool ready in time for summer, an event was held to officially reopen the pool in December. The day was captured in a video, which you can watch here: https://youtu.be/g-U53CIdfaw

A shortage of trained lifeguards meant that the pool has not been able to open for the past two years, leaving the Mole Creek community without its much-loved asset that has served the Meander Valley for over 40 years.

The Mole Creek Pool is once again a cherished place for the local community to gather, exercise and have fun, as well as being a safe place for local school children to learn to swim.

TasNetworks is committed to supporting local community organisations that help Tasmanians located in the vicinity of the proposed North West Transmission Developments to build resilience, nurture social connection and prioritise health and wellbeing.

The North West Transmission Developments project is off to a flying start this year with the recent appointment of head contractor, GenusPlus Group Ltd (Genus).

We’re excited to welcome Genus on-board, with the two-part contract for Stage 1 of the NWTD project commencing with an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase.

During the ECI phase, Genus will be instrumental in advancing the engineering, design and surveying in preparation for construction, which is expected to begin in 2026, subject to conditions including a final investment decision, planning and environmental approvals, and the Australian Energy Regulator’s contingent project approval.

Stage 1 of NWTD includes upgrading 130km of transmission towers and lines between Palmerston (near Cressy) and Burnie.

This once in a generation project will increase the capacity of Tasmania’s electricity network and will generate significant benefits and opportunities for Tasmanians, local communities and businesses of North West Tasmania.

TasNetworks has worked hard to ensure that the contract will deliver the right balance of value for money for our customers while adhering to the highest safety and quality requirements.

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

Read the media release on the TasNetworks website