The Federal Government has given TasNetworks’ North West Transmission Developments (NWTD) project the go-ahead under the EPBC Act.
The NWTD project was approved subject to 62 environmental conditions, which builds on Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC) approval that came in March.
A TPC permit recognises NWTD’s capacity to adequately manage vegetation, waterways, threatened species and biosecurity risks, and follow sound engineering principles.
Stage one of NWTD spans three sections, connecting Palmerston in Tassie’s Northern Midlands with Sheffield through a new 80km-long 220kV double-circuit transmission line located next to an existing single-circuit 220kV transmission line.
A 44km-long transmission line would then be built to connect Sheffield and Stowport, with a 5km-long line then being replaced between Stowport and Burnie. From Stowport, a separate 3.2km-long line would connect with the Heybridge Converter Station, which connects with Marinus Link.
“This transmission infrastructure will help connect Tasmania to the National Energy Market, unlocking more sources of cheap, clean power for Tasmanians and those on the mainland,” Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said.
“Together with the Marinus Link project, it will create thousands of new local jobs that support Australia’s energy security by diversifying sources of power.”
Head contractor for stage one of NWTD, GenusPlus Group, has commenced the procurement of long-lead items as part of early works agreements (EWAs) with TasNetworks, with early mobilisation activities to follow.
NWTD’s construction phase is set to commence following a final investment decision made by the TasNetworks board.
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