Delivering responsibly

The NWTD has been granted a permit with conditions, after detailed and robust assessment by the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC). It was assessed as a major infrastructure project under the Major Infrastructure Development Approvals Act 1999 and in accordance with the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993.

The project was also declared a controlled action under the EPBC Act 1999 (Cwth) in relation to Matters of National Environmental Significance and has been granted a permit with conditions under that legislation.

Permit conditions during construction

The conditions ensure the project is delivered safely, responsibly and in accordance with legislation, while minimising impacts on communities, landholders and the environment. The permit conditions cover:

• Environmental protection and site rehabilitation
• Vegetation clearing limits and controls
• Protection of waterways and erosion management
• Aboriginal and historic cultural heritage management
• Traffic, access and transport arrangements
• Noise, dust and working hours
• Workplace health and safety

All construction activities will also adhere to what has been agreed with landholders under individual property management plans.

Under Tasmanian biosecurity legislation, private landholders are primarily responsible for removing or controlling declared weeds on their property. However, TasNetworks also has a duty to manage declared weed species within or near powerline easements.

Strict biosecurity hygiene measures must be followed throughout construction, particularly where significant biosecurity risks are identified (e.g. working in areas with weeds and disease or areas that could be harmed if weeds, pests or disease are introduced).

After construction, disturbed areas will be restored and replanted to reduce the spread of invasive weeds.

Monitoring and management of weeds within existing powerline easements is managed via TasNetworks’ Strategic Weed Management Program. All ongoing maintenance and operations staff and contractors working on transmission easements must comply with Tasmanian biosecurity legislation and regulations, the Charter for Working on Private Farmland and TasNetworks Biosecurity Standard.

For further information please refer to the ‘Managing weeds in power line easements’ fact sheet at www.tasnetworks.com.au/resources.

This project is designed not only to support Tasmania’s renewable energy future but also to minimise its environmental footprint. TasNetworks’ vision is to deliver a transmission network that supports Tasmania’s energy future while creating lasting environmental, social, and economic value.

TasNetworks is stiving to achieve a ‘Bronze’ Design and As Built Rating for Stage 1 of the project under the Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) Rating Scheme. The scheme evaluates the sustainability performance of infrastructure developments across Australia and New Zealand.

Learn more about the Infrastructure Sustainability Council at www.iscouncil.org/is-rating

As one of the very first Tasmanian projects to register and pursue an IS Rating, NWTD presents an opportunity for TasNetworks to lead the way in sustainability practices in Tasmania.

All workers must complete safety training, follow TasNetworks’ safety standards and use appropriate protective equipment. Safety performance is monitored throughout construction. When working on private property, teams will follow agreed access arrangements and manage risks to people, property and livestock.

Construction will increase activity in the north-west region of Tasmania. To manage safety risks, TasNetworks and our contractors will:

• Use approved traffic management plans
• Install signage and speed controls near work sites
• Maintain safe access to properties and public roads
• Secure work areas to prevent unauthorised entry

We work with councils, road authorities and emergency services to reduce risks and disruption.

Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are present wherever there is electricity, including in the home, office, work sites and around transmission lines, and people are exposed to them every day.

TasNetworks recognises that there is community interest regarding the potential health effects from exposure to EMFs and has adopted the Prudent Avoidance Approach outlined in the Energy Network Association’s EMF Management Handbook.

Through this approach, the Tasmanian transmission network is operated within the EMF levels recommended by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) and the EMF general public exposure guideline limits recommended by the International Commission on Non Ionizing Radiation Protection. The NWTD will operate within these guideline limits.

For further information please refer to the EMFs fact sheet at www.tasnetworks.com.au/resources/