Government commits to NW Transmission Project compensation framework by end of October

THE State Government requires TasNetworks to “develop a fair and contemporary compensation framework for farmers through genuine consultation for the North-West Transmission Project.” 

TasFarmers, which is in negotiations with TasNetworks, is advising farmers to actively engage with TasNetworks to secure the compensation available to them.

“It’s really important that farmers engage with TasNetworks, if they don’t, they could miss out,” TasFarmers president Ian Sauer said.

The issue of compensation for farmers for transmission lines on their property has been a matter of controversy for the past few years following the announcement of the proposed Marinus Link energy connector and related on-island infrastructure.

Mr Sauer recognised the serious anxiety felt by many farmers who will be affected by transmission lines on their land.

“It is a large impost having high transmission power lines coming through their land so I understand the anxiety, it must be a horrible place to be in but hopefully we can get it resolved as quickly as possible,” he said.

Mr Sauer says TasFarmers represents the vast majority of farmers who are on the transmission line from Palmerston through to Heybridge.

He said that in recent weeks there has been a bit of confusion among farmers with what the compensation involves.

“There are two lots of what you might call compensation—there’s compensation given under the land acquisition act, that’s compensation paid to the farmers for loss of income or loss of value or use of the land.

“The other compensation is the strategic benefit payment, and that payment is for those farmers that are hosting high transmission towers on their land—they will get a payment based on the amount of power that goes through those lines.”

Mr Sauer explained that these measures are designed to ensure that farmers and the community receive a fair share of the project’s benefits.

“Farmers should also be talking to one another so they can see what their neighbours are getting, and we advise farmers to seek advice from a lawyer before they sign anything.”

TasFarmers will meet TasNetworks again next week with hopes to finalise the model.

They have held various public meetings with affected landowners and farmer reference groups to keep them informed of ongoing efforts.

“TasNetworks is out there and more than willing to come out to properties to help the farmers through this.

“I have no reason to believe TasNetworks isn’t doing the right thing with the land access payments,” Mr Sauer said.

The compensation commitment is part of the Government’s “Next 100 Days” document, released on Sunday.

Other agriculture-related commitments in the plan, to be completed by  October 4, include:

• update the Charter for Working on Private Farmland in consultation with TasFarmers, Tasmanian Irrigation, TasNetworks, TasWater and Aurora Energy;

• establish Tasmania’s first shearing and wool handling innovative centre at the Campbell Town showgrounds, following the provision of $1.5 million in funding in the 2024-25 Budget.

• work with TasFarmers to establish a mentorship program to support next generation farmers and actively engage those starting out in the industry.

• begin work with Fruit Growers Tasmania to identify opportunities for export growth, including a trade development plan for cherries, apples and berries and the transformation of the paper-based Tasmanian Seasonal Produce Guide into an interactive digital resource for locals and visitors to the state; and 

• consult on draft antique firearms laws in line with a commitment to ensure that antique gun owners are subject to contemporary storage, licensing and display requirements for their antique firearms.