Key environmental referrals for the proposed Marinus Link power interconnector have been lodged with the federal and Victorian governments.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
TasNetworks - the proponent of the Tasmania-Victoria dual electricity cable project - says the process for assessing Tasmanian environmental and planning matters will be determined "in due course".
State-owned TasNetworks said submissions had been made under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and Victoria's Environmental Effects Act.
Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley and Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne would decide if further environmental assessments were needed.
TasNetworks' Marinus Link general manager, Bess Clark, said Marinus was committed to sustainable development.
She said it was "following robust environmental, land use planning and cultural heritage assessment standards to minimise impacts that the project may create".
"We understand the importance of preserving the natural environment and protecting other values that communities have.
"We are invested in working closely with local residents, landowners, traditional owners and businesses to manage concerns and to listen to and learn from the local community."
Ms Clark said there would be opportunities for the community to provide feedback during the environmental assessment process, with details on the marinuslink.com.au website.
The $3.5 billion project will involve electricity and telecommunications cables between Heybridge in North-West Tasmania and Waratah Bay in Victoria.
The first stage is targeted for commercial operation in 2027-28 and the second for 2029-30.
The proposal involves a 20 metre wide easement for underground cables in Victoria.
TasNetworks' referral documents said that would provide space for future cable replacement and/or extra transmission capacity, which would be subject to approval in future if it was proposed.
IN OTHER NEWS:
The Tasmanian converter station would require Burnie City Council approval.
"Marinus Link will unlock Tasmania's abundant, low-cost wind resources, existing hydro and new pumped hydro storage facilities to provide low-cost, reliable and on-demand clean energy to Australian homes and businesses across the National Electricity Market," Ms Clark said.
"From Cairns to Hobart, millions of Australian households and businesses will be better off with a future energy grid with Marinus Link, compared to a future grid without it.
"Along with downward pressure on prices and a more reliable grid, Marinus Link will cut emissions, deliver 2800 direct and indirect jobs in both Tasmania and Victoria and unlock a pipeline of future renewable energy development, with thousands more jobs."
Energy Minister Guy Barnett said: "Project Marinus is strategic national infrastructure set to provide increased access to Tasmania's low-cost, reliable and clean energy."
``Underpinned by the government's ambitious 200 per cent renewable energy target, Project Marinus and the clean energy it unlocks will keep downward pressure on energy prices and deliver thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investment to Tasmania.
``The project has achieved another critical milestone with the submission of its commonwealth and Victorian environmental referrals.
"This will provide further opportunities for engagement and allow the community to have their say.
``The Australian and Tasmanian governments are working together to achieve a fair cost allocation methodology for the project, which is vital to ensure our Tasmanian customers only pay their fair share.''
Why not subscribe to The Advocate for more daily, local news? Sign up here