The Australian Government has given environmental approval for the next step in bringing the nation-building Project Marinus online, which will unlock more cheap and secure power for Tasmania and the mainland.
The North West Transmission Developments project will connect Marinus Link with Tasmania's world-class renewable energy resources and support significant jobs and investment opportunities in Tasmania.
The project has been approved subject to 62 strict environmental conditions, which builds on conditions already imposed by the Tasmanian Government through its approval process.
Together, these conditions will ensure that this project will be constructed and operated in a way that does not cause unacceptable impacts to species protected under both state and national environmental laws.
By upgrading existing transmission lines and building new ones along a 162km corridor, the project will deliver real energy security benefits for Tasmanians and all Australians.
Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said that as a key part of the Marinus Link Project, the North West Transmission Developments will strengthen Tasmania and Australia's energy security and supply.
"This transmission infrastructure will help connect Tasmania to the National Energy Market, unlocking more sources of cheap, clean power for Tasmanians and those on the mainland," Minister Watt said.
"Together with the Marinus Link project, it will create thousands of new local jobs that support Australia's energy security by diversifying sources of power.
"As we've seen in recent months, having more than one source of energy is important for all of us."
The Australian Government worked closely with the Tasmanian Government throughout the assessment and approvals process.
