Renewed anger of powerlines for North West Transmission Development

Landowners affected by the North West Transmission Development (NWTD) have accused TasNetworks of unfair negotiation tactics.

The project is considered a vital component of 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 more than 95 per cent of landowners had agreed to the SBP.

However, Braddon independent MP Craig Garland said he had been contacted by a pair of landowners who were concerned about the process TasNetworks had taken to get land off them.

Mr Garland said despite offering alternatives to the organisation, TasNetworks refused to negotiate with landowner ‘Riley’ (not his real name) .

“In the letter from TasNetworks on January 14, landowners were requested to reach an agreement for the purchase of the easement within 30 days, forcing landowners to sell the easement, or risk it being taken through compulsory acquisition,” he said.

“Prior to January 14, Riley had opened the door for conversations, with a discussion on the preference for a route change, as they didn’t want additional towers that were 52m high nor the additional lines that would ‘visually decimate and devalue the property’.

“Riley consistently outlined that the towers would be dangerously close to their house, and they simply did not want it.

“The easement is proposed to go straight across the middle of the property title, so bigger towers have been a major concern.”

NWTD project director Richie Sheather said the development was crucial for Tasmania’s future and would lower power prices, be more environmentally beneficial and create jobs.

“We have huge respect for landholders,” Mr Sheather said.

“We’ve worked closely for five years – providing every opportunity for them to be heard and supported, and preferences accommodated as far as possible.

“We’ve wanted to see landholders generously rewarded through the Strategic Benefit Payment. The vast majority have embraced that.”

Mr Sheather said landowners had known for some time that the NWTD would go ahead.

“They’ve known we hold routine infrastructure easement rights, as a last resort.

“They’ve known their best option was to receive the maximum financial benefit available through the SBP, or valuations.

“So, there are no shocks or surprises here.

“We continue in good faith with all remaining landholders to reach voluntary agreements on their valuations.”