Sparks fly over powerlines for the North West Transmission Development

Independent MP Craig Garland says that Energy and Renewables Minister Nick Duigan has betrayed landowners affected by the North West Transmission Development (NWTD).

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.

However, some landowners have not agreed to the SBP and have indicated they will be pursuing legal action.

TasNetworks can legally take the required land through the statutory land rights it has, but Mr Duigan said he hoped that would not be necessary.

“TasNetworks will not acquire anyone’s property; TasNetworks will acquire easements if necessary, which is allowed under the legislation,” he said.

“This is the same as someone with a stormwater drain running through their property. 

“The use of any compulsory processes to secure access to any outstanding easements will be only as a last resort.

“There has been no compulsory acquisition and significant progress has been made in reaching voluntary agreements with most of the affected landowners.”

The NWTD and Marinus Link project had been divisive among the Tasmanian public.

“The Tasmanian Government acknowledges that major infrastructure projects can cause concerns, particularly for those whose properties are directly affected,” Mr Duigan said.

“To date, the refined design has seen a reduction of more than 100 towers and reduced easement widths, which has resulted in better outcomes for landholders. 

“TasNetworks has advised that 94 per cent of the land on which an easement will be required is brownfield – that is, it is already within an existing transmission line easement or a widening of an existing easement.

“The parts of the existing easement that will no longer be required will be returned to landowners.”

Mr Garland said he and some affected landowners had been unhappy with the SBP process.

“The process that the Minister has enabled has been incredibly unfair on everyday community members who simply want to enjoy their properties in peace, free from unnecessary government interference,” he said.

“Because of TasNetworks and the Minister’s approach in trying to reach these agreements, landowners are now in the terrible situation of being forced to make way for larger towers and new lines across their properties.”

Mr Garland said that Mr Duigan and TasNetworks had repeatedly told parliament they were working with landowners, having conversations and seeking better outcomes.

“If you talk to landowners, however, they feel like they have been economically coerced and pressured by repeated contact from land agents contracted by TasNetworks to accept an agreement.

“Many landowners are still refusing to give in to their bully tactics, with legal action now likely.”

On January 7, Mr Garland wrote to Mr Duigan demanding that he revoke the authority he granted TasNetworks to force landowners to accept easements before January 14.

He said he had not received a response from Mr Duigan.

Some landowners affected by the NWTD also received a letter from TasNetworks outlining the process for the forced easement acquisition.

“By issuing these notices on the deadline following the festive period without achieving meaningful contact, means that any good faith negotiations were never on the table, and neither the Minister or TasNetworks had any intent to work through issues or make any compromises,” Mr Garland said.

“Since November, there has only been a further breakdown in communications between TasNetworks and affected property owners.

“With this ‘my way or the highway’ approach, is it any wonder why TasNetworks couldn’t reach an agreement?”