Planning and approvals
TasNetworks is committed to understanding the area and environment where our electricity infrastructure is hosted.
Before constructing a major project like the North West Transmission Developments (NWTD), various studies are conducted to understand the existing environment. This information helps to identify ways to avoid, reduce, and manage impacts.
Upcoming lodgement of a Permit Application for the North West Transmission Developments
As part of the environment, planning and heritage approvals process, TasNetworks is preparing to lodge a Permit Application with the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC), the responsible planning authority under the Major Infrastructure Development Approvals Act 1999 (MIDAA).
Community drop-in information sessions are being held to share key study findings and details about the planning and approvals process.
Community members are invited to attend the sessions listed below:
| Location | Date and time |
|---|---|
| Bracknell War Memorial Hall (29 Louisa Street) | Wednesday, 9 April, 2pm - 6pm |
| Future Energy Hub (1-3 Spring St, Burnie) | Thursday, 10 April, 2pm - 6pm |
| Sheffield Football and Cricket Club (Spring St) | Friday, 11 April, 2pm - 6pm |
| TasNetworks Deloraine Depot (38 West Goderich St) | Saturday, 12 April, 11am - 2pm |
| Webinar (online) Register your interest for the webinar here | Tuesday 15 April, 12pm - 2pm |
If you are unable to make one of the scheduled sessions, you can contact us anytime by emailing nwtd@tasnetworks.com.au. We are committed to working with landholders and the community to ensure they are well informed about the project and the best possible outcomes are achieved for all.
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The Permit Application is for the alignment between Palmerston and Burnie, Burnie and Hampshire Hills, and a line between Stowport and Heybridge to connect Marinus Link (refer to map below). The Application also includes modifications to Palmerston and Sheffield substations and a new substation at Hampshire Hills.
What is included in a Permit Application to the Tasmanian Planning Commission?
A Development Application (DA) and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) together will form one consolidated Permit Application that will enable the TPC to assess the project against the project assessment criteria and determine whether a permit will be granted.
If approved, the project may be required to adhere to certain permit conditions in order to proceed to the construction phase. As part of the assessment process, the Permit Application will be publicly exhibited, and anyone may make a submission. The TPC is required to consider all submissions when undertaking its assessment and determining whether to grant a permit.
A Development Application (DA) is a document that demonstrates how the project will satisfy the planning related provisions of the project assessment criteria. The criteria include several land use and development standards similar to what would be contained in a planning scheme and includes provisions in relation to matters such as noise, impacts on agricultural land, visual amenity and traffic impacts.
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is prepared as part of an environmental assessment process that, for this project, will be undertaken in conjunction with the planning assessment.
The EIS includes:
For further information please refer to the NWTD Assessments, approvals, and studies fact sheet
If approved, the project may be required to adhere to certain permit conditions in order to proceed to the construction phase. As part of the assessment process, the Permit Application will be publicly exhibited, and anyone may make a submission. The TPC is required to consider all submissions when undertaking its assessment and determining whether to grant a permit.
A Development Application (DA) is a document that demonstrates how the project will satisfy the planning related provisions of the project assessment criteria. The criteria include several land use and development standards similar to what would be contained in a planning scheme and includes provisions in relation to matters such as noise, impacts on agricultural land, visual amenity and traffic impacts.
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is prepared as part of an environmental assessment process that, for this project, will be undertaken in conjunction with the planning assessment.
The EIS includes:
- A description of the existing environment in the project area informed by independent technical studies.
- An assessment of the potential negative and positive impacts the project may have on the environment, including in relation to threatened flora and fauna.
- Proposed measures for avoiding, minimising or mitigating the potential impacts of the project on the environment.
For further information please refer to the NWTD Assessments, approvals, and studies fact sheet
Eagle Nest Surveys
Eagle nest surveys form a vital part of the environmental and social impact assessment for the proposed North West Transmission Developments (NWTD). We carry out aerial inspections to identify wedge-tailed eagle nests and white-bellied sea eagle nests in the vicinity of the proposed NWTD. It is a requirement of the planning criteria and EIS guidance for the NWTD that eagle nest surveys be conducted on an annual basis.
For more information read the Eagle nest survey FAQs.