North West Transmission Development

The North West Transmission Development (NWTD) will see TasNetworks undertake a major upgrade of Tasmania’s electricity transmission as a part of Project Marinus. Together, Marinus Link and the NWTD comprise Project Marinus which has been promoted as a key enabler of Australia’s transition to renewable energy. The NWTD, spanning 240km of new and upgraded transmission line, is considered critical to reaching Tasmania’s 200 percent renewable energy target by 2040. While this target forms an important part of our state’s climate change response, the transition to renewable energy should not implicate the productivity of our farmers.

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As the progression of the NWTD continues to conflict with the interests of Tasmanian farmers, ensuring the protection of prime agricultural land has never been more important. The land under threat from this development is some of the most productive and valuable agricultural land in the country, which should be considered across all stages of the upgrade.

More recently, at the end of 2023, the Australian Government announced that Project Marinus will initially proceed with only one cable. This announcement saw TasNetworks reevaluate the timing and staging of the NWTD. The imminent focus became the construction of stage one until a final decision on a second cable was reached. This change will see approximately 60% of the proposed NWTD constructed during stage one, which is expected to begin sometime next year.

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TasNetworks are committed to ongoing consultation with landowners as the project develops, however a lack of transparency has made comprehending the full scale of impacts difficult. The direct impact of construction on farms has by far been the greatest concern for both landowners directly within the proposed route and those in proximity. The impact on farming properties will be immense and given the ongoing dedication of everyone within the agricultural industry to not only their livelihoods but also the greater prosperity of our state these impacts should be avoided where possible. The voice of Tasmanian farmers needs to be respected and heard as the NWTD progresses to ensure the best possible outcome for all.