Marinus Link clears critical environmental hurdle

Marinus Link — the planned subsea and underground electricity and data connector between Tasmania and Victoria — has received a positive assessment from the Victorian Minister for Planning under the Environment Effects Act 1978.

The assessment has been welcomed by Marinus Link Pty Ltd (MLPL), which described it as marking a significant milestone in the project’s environmental approvals pathway.

The Minister’s assessment concluded that the project can proceed with acceptable environmental effects, provided recommended refinements to environmental management are adopted.

MLPL Project Director Mike Carter said the outcome reflected a rigorous and transparent regulatory process and a dedicated team committed to delivering infrastructure in a way that respects the environment.

“The process included public exhibition, formal hearings, and a detailed review by an independent Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC),” Carter said.

“This is a major step forward for the project and a testament to the dedication of our Environment & Sustainability team and our expert advisors at TetraTech Coffey.

“Their technical rigour, collaboration with stakeholders and commitment to strong environmental outcomes have enabled us to clear a critical hurdle.”

In the next step of the environmental approvals process, the Minister’s assessment will inform Victorian statutory decision-makers responsible for approvals under legislation including the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the Marine and Coastal Act 2018. It will also unlock the next phase of Commonwealth environmental approvals under the EPBC Act.

“We want to thank the Minister for acknowledging the years of planning and design refinement that have gone into the proposed route, which largely avoids native vegetation on land and rocky outcrops and reefs in the marine environment,” Carter said.

MLPL said it would continue to engage with key stakeholders, including landholders, to implement the Environmental Performance Requirements as the project progresses.

For the Minister’s full assessment, visit: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/environmental-assessments/browse-projects/marinus-link.

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