NWTD News - November 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 project will support new renewable energy developments and generate significant benefits and opportunities for Tasmanian communities and businesses. Watch explainer video

Richie's first 3 months as NWTD Project Director

It’s hard to believe it’s already been three months since I joined TasNetworks to lead the NWTD. In that time, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know the dedicated project team and I’ve come to understand and appreciate the significant amount of effort that has been invested over the past 6 years to get us to this point.

Together, we are now navigating the final stages of planning, ahead of construction starting early next year.

I’ve also had the opportunity to get out and meet a number of key stakeholders, from landholders and local councils to industry partners. These conversations have reinforced the importance of balancing technical requirements with community needs and expectations.

At the same time, collaboration with Marinus Link and NWTD head contractor GenusPlus Group ensures our plans are aligned and construction ready.

For me, these first months have been about listening, learning, and laying the groundwork for success as we move into this next critical phase.

One of our priorities right now is finalising land access and ensuring landholders receive the maximum financial benefit available from this generational project.

I’m pleased to share that we have achieved voluntary access to over 83 per cent of the transmission line route. This is a testament to the strong relationships built over years of meaningful engagement.

Compensation for additional easement rights, in line with independent valuations, plus direct benefit-sharing in the form of the Strategic Benefit Payment (SBP) provides a fair, reasonable, and prudent approach to all landholders and enables this nationally significant project to progress.

Under the SBP, which is in addition to compensation afforded under the Land Acquisition Act 1993 (Tas) (LAA), eligible landholders can receive $200,000 per kilometre plus the Consumer Price Index (CPI) paid in annual instalments over 20 years, provided they complete a property management plan and/or sign an easement option agreement by 1 December 2025.

The deadline, which was set in June of this year, is to ensure the project is delivered on time and within budget. TasNetworks is focussed on continuing good faith negotiations with remaining landholders.

Looking ahead, NWTD will help deliver enormous benefits for Tasmania: clean energy careers, the lowest possible power prices, strong climate action, and enough electricity to support our state and the nation’s growing energy needs.

It’s a privilege to help lead this work, and I look forward to sharing more updates as we move closer to construction in the first quarter of 2026.

Development of Property Management Plans

Property Management Plans (PMPs) are being developed in close consultation with landholders to ensure they reflect the unique needs of each property during the project construction period. 

Over the past year, NWTD Land Agents have worked with over 270 landholders to make sure PMPs clearly describe what matters most - whether it’s rehabilitating cropping land, managing seasonal work windows, or protecting livestock. They cover important details such as:

• Advance notice before any site works
• Preferred locations for access tracks
• Environmental management controls for biosecurity, topsoil handling, and rehabilitation
• Insurance requirements and safety considerations

By capturing landholder preferences and requirements, PMPs help minimise and manage environmental and business impacts.

Offering spaces for conversation, creativity and care: Our partnership with Rural Alive and Well

Our partnership with Rural Alive and Well (RAW) continues to build resilience and strengthen rural communities, while promoting the importance of mental health in everyday life. TasNetworks' support allows RAW to meet people where they live and work, offering spaces for conversation, creativity and care. 

"Through TasNetworks partnership with RAW, we're investing in the communities we're part of to make a difference in the health and wellbeing of Tasmanians. By funding a wide range of events across rural and remote regions, we're proud to be helping to expand the impact and reach of RAW's community-based suicide prevention programs." – Sean McGoldrick, TasNetworks CEO

RAW has recently released its Impact Report for 2024-25. More than just a report – it offers an insight into the voices of the local community and displays the passion of the RAW team as they continue to support Tasmanian communities. The report can be viewed at: ruralaliveandwell.com.au/blog/fyimpact25

Crafting Connections at the Tasmanian Craft Fair

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Tasmanian Craft Fair in Deloraine earlier this month! We were proud sponsors of this iconic Tassie event that celebrates creativity, arts and small business. Our stall was bustling with crafts, giveaways and great conversation! We enjoyed chatting about the project, hearing your questions and sharing what's ahead.

Kids unleashed their creativity with our Power Patches activity, designing quilt squares that capture their hopes and dreams for our clean energy future. We have transformed them into a digital patchwork quilt (pictured below) that celebrates community and a bright future for Tasmania. It was a joy to see creativity and conversations flowing over the three days, from electrical safety to our major projects and so much more. Thanks again to everyone who stopped by and shared in the fun!

2025 NWTD community engagement wrap-up

We want to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who participated in our engagement activities for NWTD in 2025. Your feedback and involvement have been invaluable in shaping the project and ensuring it reflects the needs and priorities of the community.

Throughout the year, we’ve gotten out into the community to raise awareness, share information and gather important feedback. These conversations have helped us refine plans, address concerns, and build stronger connections across the region.

While formal engagement activities for 2025 have now concluded, our commitment to transparency and collaboration continues. As TasNetworks moves closer to construction, open dialogue with the community will remain at the heart of how we operate.