Marinus Link converter station gets council green light despite community backlash

Burnie City Council has unanimously approved the controversial Heybridge Converter Station despite fierce community opposition citing environmental concerns and questioning the broader project’s economic benefits.

Cable crossing shore from Heybridge. Overview of the Marinus Link project. Picture: Marinus Link

The future of Marinus Link is one step closer after the Burnie City Council voted to approve the development application for the Heybridge Converter Station, a massive infrastructure project proposed for the former Tioxide factory site.

Mayor Teeny Brumby excused herself from the vote due to a conflict of interest stemming from her public support for the project. Councillor Justin Graves also declared a conflict as he is an adjoining neighbour.

The development application was passed unanimously.

The application sought approval for two converter stations and a switching station at Minna Road, serving as the Tasmanian gateway for the proposed 1500-megawatt undersea interconnector to Victoria.

Heybridge converter station illustration. Overview of the Marinus Link project. Picture: Marinus Link

While the proponents argue the project is vital for unlocking Tasmania’s renewable energy potential and lowering prices, councillors face a wave of community opposition challenging the project’s economic viability and environmental safety while insisting the project has no “social licence”.

Public representations submitted ahead of Tuesday’s vote describe the project as a “dead loss” for the state and question why other alternative proposals for energy security have not been explored.

Multiple submissions cite analysis by Professor Bruce Mountain of the Victoria Energy Policy Centre, who argued mainland battery storage is a cheaper alternative and that Tasmanian consumers will bear the financial burden for minimal benefit.

The “toxic legacy” of the proposed site, which was famous for its red tinted beach from the tioxide factory’s effluent, is also a concern for objectors.

Heybridge converter site panorama. Overview of the Marinus Link project. Picture: Marinus Link

While the proponent says the site has been remediated, the Bob Brown Foundation’s submission says the brownfield site still contains hazardous materials, including Acid Sulfate Soils and asbestos which could harm nearby wildlife including penguins and Tasmanian devils.

Residents of the Heybridge community have expressed “extreme concerns” regarding visual dominance and noise. Others are concerned a body corporate that does not represent the views of those living in the area has been consulted on the project, rather than residents.

The application acknowledges that the converter station will be a “dominant view” from the Tioxide Beach foreshore reserve.

Noise assessments predict that 24/7 construction works, particularly for the shore crossing drilling, could exceed sleep disturbance levels for nearby homes.

Marinus Link Pty Ltd has proposed a suite of environmental performance requirements to mitigate these risks, including noise management plans and soil treatment strategies.

Councillor Trent Aitken said it didn’t matter whether he supported the project or not, councillors were “legally obliged” to follow advice they are given.

“This is about the building,” Mr Aitken said. “No one is here saying we are happy with transmission lines, or that we are happy with 24 hour drilling.

“This is one small snippet of an enormous project and tonight we sit here and make a decision on one small snippet.”

Originally published as Marinus Link converter station gets council green light despite community backlash