NWTD News - August 2026

Notice to Proceed issued to head contractor Genus

Following the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal's decision to uphold the Tasmanian Planning Commission's (TPC) approval of the North West Transmission Developments planning permit, TasNetworks has issued a Notice to Proceed to head contractor Genus. The notice marks a major milestone for the project, enabling construction activities to commence after years of planning, design, approvals and preparation work.

TasNetworks and Genus remain committed to working collaboratively with landholders, communities and stakeholders as construction progresses. 

Keeping weeds and plant diseases out of the NWTD supply chain

Protecting the natural environment is a key focus of the North West Transmission Developments (NWTD), with the project team continuing to monitor and manage biosecurity risks across the project area. This month, the NWTD environment team, alongside specialist environmental consultants Enviro Dynamics, carried out inspections at three quarries that will supply aggregate for access tracks and potentially crane pads during construction.

The inspections focused on identifying weeds and Phytophthora, a soil-borne plant pathogen often referred to as "root rot". Phytophthora infects the root systems of plants, causing damage or plant death. It can spread through water, soil and on machinery, making quarry materials an important pathway to monitor and manage.

Daniel Dransfield, TasNetworks Senior Environmental Specialist, said preventing the spread of weeds and Phytophthora through the supply chain is essential to protecting native vegetation, agricultural properties and meeting the project's biosecurity obligations.

"The inspection forms part of our ongoing biosecurity vigilance, helping us confirm that sourced material brought onto the project remains free of pathogens and invasive species before it's used in construction," Daniel said.

One of the highlights of the inspections was the participation of Pippa, a specially trained Phytophthora detection dog. Using her highly developed sense of smell, Pippa can quickly and accurately identify the presence of the pathogen across large areas.

Strict biosecurity hygiene measures will continue to be implemented throughout construction, particularly in areas where weeds, pests or plant diseases are present, or where sensitive environments could be impacted by their introduction. Following construction, disturbed areas will be restored and replanted to help minimise the spread of invasive weeds and support the long-term health of local ecosystems.

View the 'Managing weeds in power line easements' fact sheet for further information about TasNetworks' biosecurity measures.

Community enthusiasm shines through in Bright Futures Fund applications

The Bright Futures Fund has received an encouraging response from local communities, with 92 applications submitted in Round 1 across the five local government areas.

Applications are now being reviewed by the Independent Community Assessment Panel, which is seeking projects that deliver meaningful benefits to local communities and align with the Fund's core values of inclusion, accessibility, lasting impact and environmental sustainability. Applications for the higher funding tiers are also expected to demonstrate broad community reach and significant positive impact.

Applicants will be notified of the assessment outcomes from late September.

Planning is already underway for Round 2, which will open soon. Community groups and organisations are encouraged to stay tuned for further details

Community Engagement Report now available

Our latest NWTD Engagement Report covers the period from January to June 2026 in preparation for the construction period.

From discussing what to expect during construction to engaging on the Bright Futures Fund, we’ve continued to listen and better understand the priorities of communities located within the NWTD project area.

Read the full report via the button below to learn how engagement continues to help shape the project.