NWTD News - September 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

Potato Mop-Top Virus detection in Tasmania

TasNetworks is aware of the recent detection of Potato Mop-Top Virus (PMTV) in potato crops originating from properties in north west Tasmania.

This is the first time PMTV has been identified in Australia, and Biosecurity Tasmania has activated an emergency response to manage the situation in collaboration with growers and industry bodies.

We want to assure our community and landholders that TasNetworks is taking this matter very seriously. The health of Tasmania’s agricultural sector is vital, and we are committed to managing private property access and biosecurity requirements with the utmost care and responsibility.

In response to the current situation, TasNetworks team members are required to implement additional biosecurity hygiene measures when travelling between farming properties in the north west. These measures include:

• Cleaning and disinfecting boots, clothing, equipment, and vehicles before and after entering production areas.
• Using high-pressure washdown stations where available.
• Limiting vehicle movement within paddocks and production zones.
• We also ask that landholders let us know if they have any additional site-specific measures. 

TasNetworks is fully complying with all directions and biosecurity hygiene requirements issued by Biosecurity Tasmania, including restrictions on the movement of soil, machinery, and potato material from infected premises.

We appreciate the cooperation of landholders and community members as we work together to protect Tasmania’s agricultural industry. For more information on PMTV and how to report signs of disease, visit Biosecurity Tasmania’s website.

NWTD permit application on public exhibition

The permit application for Stage 1 of the North West Transmission Developments (NWTD) is now on public exhibition.

Stage 1 of the NWTD includes the proposed transmission alignment between Palmerston to Sheffield and Sheffield to Burnie via a spur line to Heybridge.

The permit application also incorporates some NWTD Stage 2 works, including the proposed Burnie to Hampshire Hills transmission line, a new substation at Hampshire as well as associated ancillary facilities.

The permit application and accompanying documentation can now be viewed on the Tasmanian Planning Commission website.

Representations can be made to the Tasmanian Planning Commission until 18 October 2025 via:

• email to tpc@planning.tas.gov.au or
• post to Tasmanian Planning Commission, GPO Box 1691, Hobart 7001.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the project team - majorprojects@tasnetworks.com.au

Welcoming Richie Sheather -
Project Director for NWTD

TasNetworks is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard (Richie) Sheather as Project Director for the North West Transmission Developments, a key role as the project transitions to the construction phase.

Richie brings over two decades of experience in leading large-scale infrastructure and energy projects across Australia, New Zealand, and India. His career spans the development of natural gas networks, telecommunications infrastructure, and innovative energy solutions, making him uniquely positioned to guide NWTD through its next critical stage.

Leading NWTD into construction
As Project Director, Richie is responsible for the overall delivery of the NWTD portfolio. He joins TasNetworks at a pivotal time, with NWTD entering the final stages of planning.

“The team has done an excellent job getting the project to this point,” Richie said. “I’m looking forward to working closely with the key workstreams to understand the priorities and help deliver a project that supports Tasmania’s energy future.”

TasNetworks welcomes Richie to the team and looks forward to his leadership as NWTD progresses toward construction.

Burnie Surf Life Saving Club boosts safety and inclusion with TasNetworks grant

The Burnie Surf Life Saving Club (Burnie SLSC) has secured funding from TasNetworks’ Community Grants Program, enabling the purchase of essential new equipment for its volunteer rescue teams.

Thanks to this support, volunteers are now equipped with dry suits and advanced safety gear—enhancing both year-round operational safety and team inclusivity.

Burnie SLSC President Jacqueline de Jonge described the grant as a “game changer” for volunteers who regularly face the cold, unpredictable waters of Bass Strait.

“Our inflatable rescue boat teams play a crucial role in keeping the coastline safe, often in harsh conditions,” Ms de Jonge said. “Dry suits are essential—they keep our volunteers warm and dry during long patrols, emergency call-outs, and training.”

The grant also funded eight purpose-designed portable flotation devices, supporting a newly trained group of female members. “Having the right gear encourages more women to take on these important volunteer roles,” Ms de Jonge added.

Upcoming engagement

Visit us at the Burnie Show

3rd and 4th October 2024, 9am - 5pm
Agriplex, 329 Ridgley Highway, Romaine
Come along to enjoy the atmosphere of the Burnie show with a wide variety of attractions, farm animals and exhibits to keep the entire family entertained for hours. Drop by the TasNetworks stall for a chat with our friendly NWTD team members while the kids have fun with our mini golf activity. We hope to see you there!
 

Visit us at the Wynyard Tulip Festival

11 October 2025, 11am - 9pm
Gutteridge Gardens
The Wynyard Tulip Festival, which welcomes over 20,000 visitors every spring, coincides with Table Cape Tulip Farm bursting into an array of colourful blooms. The festival features live entertainment, Tasmanian produce, a fireworks display, thrilling rides, and family-friendly activities. Drop by the TasNetworks stall between 11am and 5pm to meet the team and find out about what’s happening with the project.

Power pups photobooth competition - Donating to Bandanna Day

Your fur baby is welcome at the Wynyard Tulip Festival! Bring them by the TasNetworks tent to receive a pet bandana and participate in our 'power pups' photobooth! We will upload the photos taken on the day to the TasNetworks Facebook page and invite Facebook users to vote for their favourite power pup! The winning pooch will receive a $250 Petbarn voucher. 

In support of Bandanna Day during the month of October, TasNetworks will donate $10 for every power pup who enters the Facebook competition. Bandanna day is run by Canteen, an Australian charity that provides free and tailored support to help young people get through a world turned upside down by cancer.

For festival guidelines about bringing your dog to the event, please visit Getting There | Wynyard Tulip Festival 2025