Major construction contractors shortlisted
We have shortlisted two engineering and construction consortiums for the final major tender of Marinus Link’s first stage.
TasVic Greenlink and Empower are now in a ‘development phase’, which is a competitive and collaborative process to select a preferred contractor for the ‘Balance of Works’ package.
This major civils package will be the biggest opportunity yet for local businesses to benefit directly from Marinus Link, and we have been working hard to maximise those benefits.
The shortlist is the final step before all three major equipment and installation contracts are secured for the project’s first stage. Last year, we completed two major tenders for submarine and land cables and the highly specialised converter station technology.
The Balance of Works scope covers onshore civil and installation works, including constructing the converter station buildings and the land cable civil works.TasVic Greenlink is a joint venture of DT Infrastructure Pty Ltd and Samsung C&T Corporation.
Empower is a joint venture of CIMIC Group companies CPB Contractors Pty Limited and UGL Pty Limited.
Suppliers and contractors rally in Burnie
It was a full house for our Meet the Proponents event in February, with over 170 attendees from across the Tasmanian business community!
Local businesses were invited to meet the two shortlisted bidders in Marinus Link’s major construction tender and register their interest in contracting and supply opportunities.
The energy in the room made one thing clear – business excitement is building as Marinus Link moves closer to construction, expected in 2026.
We want to thank the day’s speakers, including Burnie City Council Mayor Teeny Brumby and Business Northwest President Ian Jones, who shared their deep passion for North West Tasmania’s economic opportunity from Marinus Link and the projects it enables.
We also had many fantastic stallholders whose work supports local industry opportunities and skills development in the regions – including TasTAFE, West North West Working and MAS National.
Our amazing partners, the Industry Capability Network, helped bring these events to life and have been essential in reaching the exceptional local industry capability right here in our regions.
Expressions of Interest in supplying or subcontracting on Marinus Link’s major construction tender have now closed
WATCH: Tasmanian and Victorian businesses rally for Marinus opportunities
Stephanie McGregor appointed as next CEO of Marinus Link: to lead project delivery
Marinus Link Pty Ltd (MLPL) has appointed industry leader Stephanie McGregor as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the project beyond the current critical design, development, and approvals phase and into project delivery.
Stephanie joined the project on 31 March 2025 as CEO Designate and will assume the CEO position on 2 June 2025.
The current interim CEO, Dr Collette Burke, will remain in the role until 30 May 2025, guiding the project through a series of critical decision points and leading a comprehensive onboarding program before handing the reins to Stephanie.
Stephanie brings a wealth of knowledge to Marinus Link, with more than 25 years of international experience in developing and delivering vital energy infrastructure and subsea transmission projects across the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia. She has led large and diverse teams and is passionate about fostering positive change for communities and the environment.
Please welcome Stephanie with us!
Environment and planning documents on public exhibition
As Marinus Link crosses national, state, and local jurisdictions, the project requires assessment and approval under each jurisdiction’s relevant planning and environmental laws.
In Tasmania, separate environment and planning approvals are required for two Marinus Link components – the Heybridge Converter Station and Heybridge Shore Crossing.
For the Heybridge Converter Station, we submitted a Development Application (DA) to the Burnie City Council and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to the Tasmanian Environment Protection Authority (EPA). The DA was submitted under the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 (LUPA Act), and the EIS was submitted under the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (EMPC Act).
For the Heybridge Shore Crossing, we submitted an additional EIS to the EPA under the EMPC Act. There is no separate DA for this.
The DA gives information in accordance with the Tasmanian Planning Scheme, like the location and description of the proposed use and construction.
The EISs give information on the potential environmental and social impacts, particularly how we will maximise positive outcomes and minimise adverse impacts.
These documents incorporate years of engagement, surveys and studies undertaken by technical experts.
Both EISs and the DA were on public exhibition from 4 January to 18 February, during which time they were available online and in hard copy. Submissions were received by the Tasmanian EPA and Burnie City Council.
While the submission period has now closed, updates and outcomes from this process will be available at: marinuslink.com.au/assessment/tasmania-eis
On the ground in North West Tasmania
To assist the community during the public exhibition process, we mobilised staff across North West Tasmania between January and February.
Through drop-in sessions, webinars, and community and business events, our team spoke with various stakeholders, including residents, business owners, industry representatives and local leaders.
The Business North West breakfast was a standout event, with nearly 50 attendees and an energetic atmosphere as local businesses saw tangible progress on the project.
Another standout was the bustling Wynyard Foreshore Market, with over 100 conversations throughout the day. We spoke to a number of Heybridge residents who have past ties to the former Tioxide Factory – they shared some vivid stories of the area’s history!
Common areas of interest from both community and business were around subcontracting and employment opportunities, as well as questions about noise, road safety and traffic, and Tioxide beach access.
Thank you to everyone who took time out of their busy days to chat with us. We look forward to seeing you next time. Keep an eye on our social media pages, newsletters and website for future engagement opportunities.
Don’t forget, you can always drop into our Burnie office during business hours to have your questions answered. Ask for Ken!
Cradle Coast Future Energy Hub,
1-3 Spring Street, Burnie TAS, 7320
Community Grants and Sponsorship program
in action
Marinus Link has the opportunity to create positive change in the community. Through our grants, partnerships and sponsorships, we’re investing in communities along the proposed project route in North West Tasmania within the Burnie City Council and Central Coast local government areas.
Our Community Grants Program supports not-for-profit community initiatives or projects that align with Marinus Link’s Sustainability Framework. Our Sponsorship Program aids organisations, events and activities.
If you would like to know more about our Community Grants and Sponsorship Program, please visit:
marinuslink.com.au/grants-partnerships-and-sponsorships
Weekend at Burnie
First cab off the rank for the Sponsorship Program in Tasmania is Burnie Rotary Club’s Weekend at Burnie. This fantastic family event on Saturday, 12 April, is one of Burnie Rotary’s many important community projects and initiatives that aim to strengthen bonds and support local businesses.
With plenty of food and beverage stalls, face painting and children’s entertainment, it will be a wonderful family day out for the Burnie community. See you there!
“With the valued support of our sponsors, especially Marinus Link, the Burnie Rotary Club is set to deliver a fantastic Food and Beverage Festival “Weekend at Burnie” this April 12th. We truly appreciate their generosity!”
– George Austin,
Burnie Rotary Club Secretary.
Answering your questions
We have endeavoured to answer your frequently asked questions below, particularly those we received during our recent community engagement sessions in North West Tasmania.
Is Marinus Link only about sending power to the mainland?
Marinus Link is bi-directional, meaning power will flow both ways.
Victoria has abundant solar power, which Tasmania does not have. Tasmania has abundant hydropower, which Victoria does not have. By trading more electricity back and forth, Victoria and Tasmania can share the strengths of each power system, creating a strong synergy that benefits both states.
During the day, when it’s sunny, Tasmania can import and use solar power from interstate, which is the cheapest form of energy. This saves valuable hydropower for later. In the mornings and evenings, when the sun isn’t shining, Tasmania’s hydropower becomes a premium product. This is when Tasmania sells interstate.
Tasmania ends up with more cheap energy and gets much more value out of every hydropower drop – these benefits go right back to Tasmanians, who own The Hydro.
Does Marinus Link just transmit electricity?
Marinus Link is more than a power cable – It’s also a fibre optic telecommunications cable. The fibre optic cable is bundled in to carry protection and control signals, but that only requires a small amount of bandwidth.
The rest will bolster telecommunications between Victoria and Tasmania 150-fold. With better internet and network resilience in Tasmania, data centre investment is estimated to be up $2.4bn.
How much noise will the converter station in Heybridge make?
We have carefully designed the converter station to minimise noise for the Heybridge community. For example, key equipment will be housed indoors, and we will construct sound barriers.
Specific noise levels will depend on exactly where a house is located. That detailed information, including noise maps, can be found in our Environmental Impact Statement Appendix D – marinuslink.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Appendix-D-Noise-and-Vibration-Impact-Assessment rev0.pdf.
Will I still be able to access Tioxide Beach?
During both the construction and operation of Marinus Link, there are no plans to limit access to Tioxide Beach. In the event we do need to restrict access temporarily, we will let the local community know.