Group of landowners affected by NWTD to take legal action against TasNetworks

A group of landowners affected by the North West Transmission Development will pursue legal action against TasNetworks.

The project is seen as a vital piece of infrastructure for the undersea Marinus Link electricity interconnector between Tasmania and Victoria.

The NWTD, which is set to run from Burnie to Palmerston via Sheffield, will require powerlines to be built on private land.

TasNetworks has been negotiating with the affected landowners for five years over compensation payments.

The current Strategic Benefit Payment (SBP) offer sees landowners given $200,000 per kilometre over 20 years.

TasNetworks says that more than 80 per cent of landowners have agreed to the SBP, and that most remaining landowners have indicated they’re in the process of signing and returning their SBP documentation to the organisation by the cutoff date of December 1.

Any remaining land parcels required for the NWTD can be acquired by TasNetworks due to the statutory easement rights it has, but the organisation has indicated it would only do that as a last resort.

TasNetworks NWTD Executive Project Director Richie Sheather said construction on the project will begin next year, regardless of whether all affected landowners agree to the SBP.

“It’s our duty to build this project on time and on budget,” Mr Sheather said.

“It’s our duty to build NWTD for Tasmanians who want the lowest possible future prices, want strong climate action, want numerous clean energy careers, and want enough clean electricity for Tasmania and Australia’s future.

“Remaining landowners need to meet the 1 December deadline and sign an easement agreement, or they’ll miss out on an SBP.

“After 1 December 1, landowners will still be eligible for independently assessed compensation - but the SBP will have lapsed.”

Affected landowners against the NWTD who have not agreed to the SBP recently met at East Ridgley.

Barrister Raymond J. Broomhall did a presentation on legal matters relating to the proposed NWTD and associated energy infrastructure.

Meeting chair Malcolm Ryan said around 30 people attended, including Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Lyons MP Carlo Di Falco.

“After listening to Raymond Broomhall's presentation and hearing the legal options available, the landholders decided to pursue legal action with the aim of stopping the NWTD and Marinus Link altogether,” Mr Ryan said.

“They dismissed the option of merely seeking better compensation, expressing their views that the proposed energy projects are of no benefit to Tasmania and also pose a risk of harm to their families and property.

“Following the meeting, landholders plan to continue more detailed discussions with Mr. Broomhall on the next steps needed for taking legal action.”