Eligible landholders are set to benefit from hosting critical transmission developments with the Tasmanian Government announcing a Strategic Benefit Payment Scheme.
The Scheme will see payments of $200,000 per km paid to landholders as part of Stage 1 of the North West Transmission Developments, required for Project Marinus.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said working with landowners on access to their land was essential for delivering the North West Transmission Developments.
"This is about supporting our farmers, respecting our regions, and helping power Tasmania's clean energy future," Premier Rockliff said.
"Project Marinus will be transformational - itwill deliver lower power prices, create more than 2,000 jobs in Tasmania, generate huge economic stimulus, and deliver intergenerational energy infrastructure.
"It is estimated an additional $470 million will be added to the State's bottom line each year on average, ensuring we can invest more in hospitals, schools, roads and keep power prices low.
"Today's outcome is a result of great collaboration."
Minister for Energy and Renewables, Nick Duigan, said the scheme recognises the contribution of landowners enabling Project Marinus to become a reality while delivering Tasmania's renewable energy future.
"We thank TasNetworks and TasFarmers for working together to get this right. TasFarmers input has made this scheme stronger," Minister Duigan said.
"This scheme takes forward our commitment for a fair and contemporary compensation framework that recognises the impact of these projects on landowners, including the development of a Strategic Benefit Payment.
"It shows what happens when you work together to deliver our plan to keep Tasmania moving forward."
Landowners will receive annual payments indexed to the Hobart CPI. This is in addition to the existing compensation available to eligible landowners under the Land Acquisition Act 1993.
The framework includes a minimum payment ensuring that all eligible landholders — even those hosting shorter sections of infrastructure — receive a fair and meaningful benefit for their contribution to the project.
TasFarmers CEO, Nathan Calman, said he was pleased there had been an opportunity for TasFarmers to represent landowners through the process of negotiating the Strategic Benefit Payment and to ensure that it represented a fair and contemporary outcome for landholders and farmers.
"TasFarmers has long held the view that there needed to be the sharing of 'strategic benefits' from these significant transmission projects. The impact of transmission on landowners' operations must be acknowledged through these payments and through TasNetworks working closely with landowners on the alignment and placement of towers.
"TasFarmers recommends landowners now work with their TasNetworks assigned land agent to ensure they are aware of what is on offer and make a decision on completing an options agreement and property management plan that works for them and where they have concern seek professional legal or financial advice."
TasNetworks CEO Sean McGoldrick said Tasmanians need electricity that's safe, clean, reliable and affordable.
"We're pleased to have achieved a fair and equitable outcome that duly acknowledges Tasmanian farmers for their contribution to our energy future," Dr McGoldrick said.
"We recognise the importance of earning farmers' trust and co-operation, just as we recognise the importance of upgrading our network to carry the cleaner and cheaper electricity of the future.
"I thank TasFarmers and landowners for being good partners on this journey – working hard to balance the needs of farmers with the needs of Tasmanian electricity customers and industries."
