SEARCH
 

Victorian Community Update

April 1st, 2025

Category: Community updates, News

Major construction contractors shortlisted

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 Leongatha and Morwell

What a turnout from local businesses for our Meet the Proponents events in February – nearly 400 people across the Victorian 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 South Gippsland Shire Council Deputy Mayor Sarah Gilligan and Latrobe City Council Mayor Dale Harriman, who addressed businesses on their vision and passion for industry development in Gippsland.

We also had many fantastic stallholders whose work supports local industry opportunities and skills development in the regions – including Sustainability Victoria, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, TAFE Gippsland, Regional Development Victoria and Apprenticeships Victoria.

Expressions of Interest in supplying or subcontracting on Marinus Link’s major construction tender have now closed.

Our amazing partners, Industry Capability Network Victoria, helped bring these events to life and have been essential in reaching the exceptional local industry capability right here in our regions.
Mark Lindsay, Marinus Link (left) with Deputy Mayor Sarah Gilligan, South Gippsland Shire Council (right).

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 McGregor

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!


Land team skills up ahead of construction

As we approach Marinus Link’s delivery phase, our Land team is developing the skills needed to meet the expectations of our landholders and strengthen relationships. Recent training equipped our team with the knowledge and practical expertise to manage vehicles on complex terrain, uphold biosecurity standards, and build trust with landholders and communities.

4WD

Run by Mountain-Top Experience, our landholder team navigated the challenging terrains of the Walhalla-Rawson area, tackling mountain climbs, sandy terrain, river crossings, and bog holes. The course also focused on recovery skills, including winch operations and snatch strap safety.

Biosecurity

Millettia Solutions delivered biosecurity training with practical techniques for identifying and managing biosecurity risks, including effective vehicle hygiene practices.

Landholder Engagement

The Energy Charter delivered Landholder Engagement Training, which is about building trust and collaboration. This training provided direct insights from landholders, practical strategies for engagement, and lessons from experienced professionals.


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 Victoria. This includes communities in the South Gippsland Shire and Latrobe City 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.

Sponsoring Waratah Beach Surf Life Saving Club

We proudly sponsored the 7th annual 2025 WIN Current Cruiser on New Year’s Day. This yearly fundraiser in Sandy Point features three events: the 500m swim, 1500m swim and 500m family float – it’s the perfect blend of competition and a family day out!

The event goes a long way in keeping volunteers trained and maintaining Waratah Beach Surf Life Saving Club’s facilities and safety and rescue equipment. This year’s event raised $20,000, which went directly towards volunteer lifesaver training and new and upgraded lifesaving equipment. marinuslink.com.au/sponsorship-program

“Thank you for being an integral part of what was a very successful event and an important fundraiser for the volunteer members of the Waratah Beach Surf Life Saving Club, we are grateful for your support – your contribution has made a difference to our club.” 
– Paul Minahan Race Director

Grants and Sponsorship recipients

Since its launch in November 2024, we have proudly provided grants to a number of outstanding Gippsland organisations and sponsored many fantastic community events, including:

  • Waratah Beach Surf Life Saving Club – Current Cruiser Event
  • Sandy Point Community Men’s Shed
  • Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund – Safer Communities and Happy Houses event
  • Sandy Point Community Group
  • Morwell Football Netball Club – Viewing Pavilion
  • Sandy Point Bus Management Committee
  • Mirboo North Cricket Club – Pitch in for a Picket
  • Meeniyan Golf Club – Cart Storage Facility
  • Gippsland Sculpture Exhibition

If you would like to know more about our Community Grants and Sponsorship Program, please visit: marinuslink.com.au/grants-partnerships-and-sponsorships


Answering your questions

Is Marinus Link related to offshore wind transmission?

No, VicGrid is responsible for coordinating the transmission connecting offshore wind generation with Victoria’s electricity grid.

The Marinus Link project is distinct from this process as a transmission ‘interconnector’ between Tasmania and Victoria, with the purpose of increasing efficiency by sharing electricity between the two states.

Transmission interconnectors like Marinus Link are planned and coordinated through the Australian Energy Market Operator’s Integrated System Plan.

How does Victoria benefit from Marinus Link?

An improved connection to Tasmania’s hydropower system will be key to energy security, reliability, and affordability in Victoria as ageing coal stations close.

While the sun and wind are renewable and make zero-emissions electricity, they can’t generate power non-stop. Something must fill the gaps when the wind isn’t blowing, and the sun isn’t shining in Victoria. 

Marinus Link connects Victoria’s solar and wind resources with Tasmania’s vast hydropower system. Hydropower can make electricity on demand. 

With Marinus Link in place, Tasmania and Victoria can trade more electricity. Sharing the strengths of each power system and creating a strong synergy that benefits both states.

Does Marinus Link include overhead transmission lines?

The Marinus Link project scope includes undersea and underground high voltage direct current and fibre optic cables.

The project’s cables span 345 kilometres (km). This includes 255 km of undersea cables across Bass Strait and 90 km of underground cables in Gippsland, Victoria.

Upon completion, the only visible above-ground infrastructure will be the converter station sites at each end of the cables – at Heybridge and Hazelwood – and the communications station in Sandy Point.

no comments

Comments are closed.