Tasmania’s giant Marinus Link power project clears another environmental hurdle
The massive Marinus Link energy project has overcome a major hurdle with environmental approval, but faces a looming December deadline over landowner disputes.
The Environmental Protection Board has formally ticked off approval for the Heybridge Shore Crossing component of the Marinus Link Project.
Additionally, the Heybridge Converter Station EAR has been provided to the Burnie City Council after also gaining approval from the environment body.
The Marinus Link is a 1500MW high-voltage direct current interconnector linking Tasmania’s renewable energy resources across the Bass Strait to the national grid in Victoria.
In a statement, the EPA said both components were assessed separately and could move ahead in an environmentally sustainable manner with conditions despite a number of issues raised during a 42 day public consultation in January.
The proposal will be constructed on the former tioxide plant in Heybridge, in the state’s North-West.
Conditions include engaging a contamination specialist over low levels of contamination at the former tioxide plant and implementing a noise and vibration plan.
EBA chair Andrew Paul said conditions had also been imposed by the EPA Board to manage any potential impacts on marine water quality as a result of the construction.
Marinus Link Pty Ltd chief executive Stephanie McGregor said the approval was another positive step in the process following primary Commonwealth and Victorian approvals earlier in the year.
“We’re mobilising our team to commence construction next year – these approvals are some of the final steps in that process,” she said.
Horizontal directional drilling and cable laying from the converter station at Heybridge, under the shoreline and extending offshore through state waters has already been approved.
Environment Minister Madeleine Ogilvie praised the EPA’s assessment process, saying it ensured environmental safeguards met the highest standards.
Energy and Renewables Minister Nick Duigan said the benefits of Marinus Link were one step closer following the approval.
He said the project would deliver more than 2000 jobs, lower power prices and deliver intergenerational energy infrastructure.
“It is estimated an additional $470m will be added to the state’s bottom line each year on average, ensuring we can invest more in hospitals, schools, roads and keep power prices low,” Mr Duigan said.
Meanwhile, the clock is ticking on TasNetworks’ December 1 deadline for agreements with landowners to run transmission lines across North-West properties.
Braddon MP Craig Garland was with landowners on Friday who are fighting against the new transmission lines and say they won’t sign the deal.
Earlier this week, TasNetworks said while most had signed an agreement allowing the North West Transmission Developments’ towers on their property, nearly 50 had yet to do so.
At that time Mr Duigan warned compulsory easements could be used as a last resort.
Originally published as Tasmania’s giant Marinus Link power project clears another environmental hurdle
Motorcyclist killed in highway crash
