NWTD News - May 2025

As Tasmania’s energy demands increase, TasNetworks needs to strengthen the state’s electricity transmission network. The North West Transmission Developments (NWTD) include new and upgraded transmission lines, substations and switching stations.

The developments will support new renewable energy developments and generate significant benefits and opportunities for Tasmanian communities and businesses. Watch explainer video

NWTD - Where are we up to?

Meet the Head Contractor: GenusPlus Group

TasNetworks invites local contractors and suppliers to a key engagement event on Tuesday, 3 June at the Burnie Arts Centre.

This session offers a unique opportunity to:

• Hear from TasNetworks CEO Seán Mc Goldrick
• Connect with GenusPlus Group, the Head Contractor for NWTD Stage 1
• Engage with key stakeholders including the Industry Capability Network (ICN)
• Learn about upcoming procurement opportunities and project timelines

📅 Date: Tuesday, 3 June 2025
🕠 Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Burnie Arts Centre, 77-79 Wilmot Street, Burnie

💡 Free to attend | Light refreshments provided

For more info on NWTD: www.tasnetworks.com.au/nwtd
To register interest: https://gateway.icn.org.au/projects/4934
📨 Questions? Contact: majorprojects@tasnetworks.com.au

Spotlighting Genus: Our Head Contractor

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

Permit application available on TPC website

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

This follows lodgement of the permit application to the TPC in April - an important step which allows NWTD to be formally assessed before TasNetworks can proceed to the construction phase.

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.

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

Connecting with community at Agfest

Every year in May, northern Tasmania hosts Agfest, a massive multi-day event that attracts over 60,000 patrons. Organised by the dedicated volunteers of Rural Youth Tasmania, Agfest showcases the latest in agricultural machinery, technology, and products, alongside demonstrations, exhibits, and family-friendly activities. TasNetworks is proud to be a long-standing sponsor of this iconic Tasmanian event.

This year, the TasNetworks site offered fun and educational activities for the whole family, with a strong focus on being prepared for power outages. Visitors explored interactive displays, picked up safety tips, and got to know our team and what we do. A highlight was our field crew and their impressive truck, which drew plenty of attention and sparked great conversations about the work we do across the state.

Our NWTD team was on site, joined by our head contractor Genus. Together, we had a fantastic few days connecting with community members about the project. The Genus team was also on hand to answer questions about upcoming construction and to provide information for local businesses interested in getting involved. 

Congratulations to Rural Youth Tasmania and everyone involved in organising another successful Agfest. We’re already looking forward to doing it all again next year—see you at Agfest 2026!

New fact sheet: Activities within TasNetworks transmission line easements

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.