Civil construction work for the $500 million North-West electricity transmission developments to underpin the Marinus Link interconnector to Victoria is about to start.
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TasNetworks has engaged the Sheffield-based Treloar Group to undertake site access works for a proposed switching station at Staverton.
The switching station is part of TasNetworks' proposed Staverton to Hampshire Hills transmission route.
State-owned TasNetworks said the station had potential to be a connection point for future pumped hydro energy storage at Lake Cethana and help carry wind energy from the West Coast and North-West through the network "to Marinus Link, near Burnie, Basslink at George Town, a future green hydrogen hub at Bell Bay and homes and businesses throughout Tasmania".
The project had potential to create hundreds of civil engineering jobs in the North-West, TasNetworks project manager - substations Darren Holmes said.
"There is a lot of work to be done, pouring concrete for tower foundations, building access roads, clearing works, excavation, gravel material supplies and hauling materials," Mr Holmes said.
"It's as much a civil engineering project as it is electrical."
The transmission project is in its design and approvals stage and construction is expected to start in 2024-25.
Treloar Group general manager Chris Treloar was excited about opportunities for the business and the local economy over the next decade from the transmission developments and renewable energy generation and storage projects.
He expected machinery operators, truck drivers and skilled labour would be in high demand in the civil construction industry and said training and upskilling workers would be the key to success.
"There is plenty of work available for anyone who wants a career in civil construction in roles including excavator operators, truck drivers and skilled civil construction labourers," Mr Treloar said.
"If you are hard working, have a positive attitude and can gain a Cert III qualification in civil construction and a white card, there are opportunities to work on some really big civil engineering projects, like the North-West transmission developments."
Energy Minister Guy Barnett said the Treloar Group's initial construction work contract showed TasNetworks was getting on with the job.
"Project Marinus is already generating opportunities for local Tasmanian businesses and there are lots more opportunities to come once the construction stage begins," Mr Barnett said.
"The North-West transmission developments and Marinus Link combined are the biggest infrastructure project to happen in Tasmania in a century and the project represents a tremendous opportunity for Tasmanian businesses big and small, and is boosting business confidence in the region."
TasNetworks said the $3.5 billion Project Marinus and "the pipeline of renewable energy projects that will follow" would generate thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investment in the North-West.
The federal and state governments at the weekend announced a combined $150 million towards Marinus' design and approvals stage.
A final investment decision is expected in 2024.
Who would fund the project remains uncertain, with the funding mix mix expected to come from some combination of the Tasmanian and federal governments, mainland beneficiary states (all but Western Australia) and private enterprise.
Mr Holmes said TasNetworks was keen to hear from companies interested in tendering for construction works packages or other services for the transmission projects.
He said they could register interest via the Industry Capability Network Tasmania website or contact the project team.
Sean Ford
The Advocate Newspaper, Tasmania. Business, economics, politics, crime.
The Advocate Newspaper, Tasmania. Business, economics, politics, crime.
