Strong communities are built through partnership, shared opportunity and local investment.

As the Marinus Link project progresses, we recognise that our activities can have a direct impact on the people, businesses and organisations that call Gippsland and North West Tasmania home.

That’s why we’ve established our Burnie City Council Partnership Program and Community Grants and Sponsorship Program, to ensure the benefits of the project are shared with the communities most affected by our work.

These programs form part of Marinus Link’s broader community benefits planning (for more information go to – Community Benefits Sharing Framework Marinus Link) and are designed to support local initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing, create lasting value and help local people thrive. Whether it’s backing community events, supporting local organisations, investing in education, sport, environmental projects or cultural activities, we’re committed to working alongside our neighbours to make a positive and meaningful contribution.

By partnering with the community, we hope to support organisations and initiatives that reflect local priorities and leave a legacy beyond the life of Marinus Link.

Applications for Round 2 of the Community Grants Program and Sponsorship Program for 2026/27 are now open, and will close Friday, 9 October 2026.

We have established two (2) programs:

Marinus Link and Burnie City Council Partnership Program

Marinus Link has committed $40,000 a year over 10 years to the Burnie City Council (BCC) to deliver initiatives in the Burnie municipality.

Working together, Burnie City Council and Marinus Link developed the Community Partnership Program, which provides two successful applicants with $20,000 each year over three years, totalling $60,000, to deliver projects that create lasting benefits for the Burnie community.

The first two recipients are Burnie High School and GreenSTEM. Burnie High School’s Burnie Aware program connects students finishing high school with local industries through workshops, site tours and events with employers, encouraging young people to pursue meaningful careers in the region. GreenSTEM’s Greenpower Tasmania program challenges students to design, build and race electric vehicles, equipping them with practical STEM skills while inspiring the next generation of tradespeople, engineers and scientists.

The Program commenced in 2023 and is managed by Burnie City Council. Applications for the first three year round have now closed. For more information, visit the Burnie City Council website.

The next round of applications will be released on the above website in late 2026.

Community Grants and Sponsorships Program

Marinus Link’s Community Grants and Sponsorship Program supports community initiatives in areas along the project alignment in Gippsland, Victoria, and North West Tasmania. These include communities within Latrobe City, South Gippsland, Burnie City, Central Coast and Waratah-Wynyard local government areas.

The Community Grants and Sponsorship Program is open to registered not-for-profit organisations that demonstrate that their project or initiative aligns with our Sustainability Framework.

Round 1 2026/2027 will open on Monday, 20 July.

Important Information

Marinus Link will not support more than one application from the same organisation across all Community Grants and Sponsorship Programs in the same financial year.

Organisations that have previously received a Community Grant are not eligible to apply for another Community Grant in consecutive years. Example: an eligible organisation receives a Community Grant in either funding round in 2025/26. It is therefore ineligible to apply for a Community Grant in 2026/27. The organisation can reapply for a Community Grant from Round 1 in 2027/28 onwards.

Exemptions include organisations that auspice another recognised not-for-profit organisation. Example: an eligible organisation may receive funds for an initiative directly related to its activities and may be considered if applying to auspice a separate and locally recognised community organisation for a second application related to its activities. In this case, the lead applicant will need to complete the auspice section within its application.

Community Grants Program

The Marinus Link Community Grants Program supports communities located in the project areas in NW Tasmania and Gippsland, Victoria, by investing in initiatives that create lasting local benefits. The program recognises the important role communities play in the project’s success and aims to support organisations and projects that strengthen community wellbeing, resilience and connection.

Eligible organisations may apply for a community grant of up to $5,000.

For further information on applying for a community grant, click here.

Sponsorship Program

The Marinus Link Sponsorship Program supports events, activities and initiatives that bring communities together and deliver meaningful social, cultural, environmental or economic benefits across the project regions.

By partnering with local organisations, Marinus Link aims to strengthen community connections, celebrate local achievements and contribute to vibrant and resilient communities.

The Sponsorship Program is split into two funding streams and reflects our commitment to building positive relationships and creating shared value throughout the development and delivery of the Marinus Link project.

General Sponsorships

General Sponsorship provides financial assistance to eligible community not-for-profit organisations that deliver social, cultural, environmental or community benefits within the project area.

Eligible organisations may apply for a General Sponsorship of up to $1,000 per year.

For further information and how to apply for a general sponsorship click here

Event Sponsorships

Event Sponsorships support an organised activity or gathering that is being conducted within the determined eligible locations, which provide an opportunity for people to connect, participate in shared activities, celebrate culture, support local organisations or promote community wellbeing.

Eligible organisations may apply for an Event Sponsorship of up to $2,000 per year.

For further information and how to apply for an Event Sponsorship, click here.

Marinus Link’s Sustainability Framework

Will there be other opportunities for community funding?

Marinus Link is currently developing its benefits sharing framework, which is expected to be implemented in 2027 and support initiatives in both Tasmania and Victoria. For more information, go to Community Benefits Sharing Framework Marinus Link