The next phase of landowner consultations is set to begin on the proposed North West Transmission Developments, upgrades to the electricity transmission network along with the proposed 1500 megawatt Marinus Link connector.
According to TasNetworks, the projects will inject $1.4 billion into the Tasmanian economy, including at least 1400 jobs during construction.
The consultations, which began in 2019, are set to commence next week, with the company expecting to contact approximately 115 directly affected landowners in the North West.
TasNetworks general manager Project Marinus Bess Clark said advisors would be contacting each landowner individually, with an information pack provided outlining the project's planned activities and what it meant.
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"We'll be contacting landowners and their neighbours in stages, to facilitate targeted field surveys which are a vital source of data collection to assess the proposed developments in the region," she said.
"With permission of landowners, experienced ecologists will then help to identify and record the locations of protected vegetation communities and plant species, and potential habitat of threatened animal species.
"Aboriginal Heritage Officers will also be conducting field surveys and investigations to identify Aboriginal and historic heritage sites that exist on and near the proposed routes"
Aerial inspections will be carried out by helicopter to identify any Wedge-tailed Eagle and White Bellied Sea Eagle nests near the proposed development.
"In line with our commitment to protect the environment, the surveys will assist in reducing the impact of the proposed developments on iconic Australian species such as Wedge-tailed and White Bellied Sea eagles, which is an important part of our mission," Ms Clark said.
Wider community information sessions on the development will also begin next month and will be advertised closer to the date.
Energy Minister Guy Barnett said the government strongly encouraged ongoing community consultation and landowner engagement as these developments progressed.
"Tasmania's future energy developments have the potential to inject billions into the economy and create thousands of jobs - many in regional areas," he said.
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Ebony Abblitt
Ebony Abblitt is a features writer at the Examiner in Launceston, with an interest in pets, politics and people. | ebony.abblitt@examiner.com.au
Ebony Abblitt is a features writer at the Examiner in Launceston, with an interest in pets, politics and people. | ebony.abblitt@examiner.com.au
