The community will have the opportunity to meet Marinus Link staff and learn more about the project at four engagement sessions in South Gippsland from 27-29 April.
Marinus Link is a proposed two-way 1500 megawatt (MW) electricity and telecommunications connection between Victoria and Tasmania. The Link will include 90km of underground cable from Waratah Bay to Latrobe Valley.
Marinus Link team members will answer questions from the community, including economic development expert Christina Young, who will attend the sessions in Mirboo North and Meeniyan.
“I have a passion for providing opportunities for local businesses and employees, and long-lasting economic wellbeing that a major project such as Marinus Link can have on communities,” Marinus Link Economic Development Principal Christina Young said.
“Of course, economic growth needs to be in balance with environmental sustainability and meaningful collaboration with Traditional Owner groups throughout the development and life of any major project.”
Marinus Link appointed a local Economic Development Principal to help ensure communities in Gippsland benefit from work opportunities during the big transition to renewable energy.
A proud First Nations woman, Ms Young grew up in Gippsland and saw the influence that major projects can have on communities.
“Growing up, I couldn’t help but notice the big infrastructure projects. As I got older, I realised they could do much better in terms of economic growth for communities and opportunities for locals,” Ms Young said.
“It’s fantastic to be back working for the development of communities I know well, and where I can make a positive difference to the wellbeing of local people.”
Marinus Link drop-in sessions will be held at the following locations:
Mirboo North
When: Thursday, 27 April: 4:30-6:30pm
Where: Mirboo North and District Community Foundation, 96 Ridgway, Mirboo North
Dumbalk
When: Friday, 28 April: 10am-12pm
Where: Dumbalk Hall, 29-31 Farmers Rd, Dumbalk East
Meeniyan
When: Friday, 28 April: 5-7pm
Where: Meeniyan Town Hall, 97 Whitelaw St, Meeniyan
Fish Creek
When: Saturday, 29 April: 10am-12pm
Where: Fish Creek Hall, 13 Falls Road, Fish Creek
Information about the drop-in sessions and a link to a survey are available on the Marinus Link engagement webpage.
Background
Marinus Link is a proposed two-way 1500 megawatt (MW) electricity and telecommunications connection between Victoria and Tasmania.
Marinus Link involves approximately 255 kilometres of undersea high voltage direct current (HVDC) cabling, approximately 90 kilometres of underground HVDC cabling and converter stations at each end in Hazelwood, Victoria and North West Tasmania.
Marinus Link Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of TasNetworks, is progressing the ‘design and approvals’ stages. The first 750 MW stage is forecast to be built and operating from mid-2028 with the second 750 MW stage from mid-2030.
Construction of Marinus Link, including the converter station in Hazelwood, is expected to begin in 2025 and will span 6-7 years.