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Marinus Link’s Community Benefits Sharing Framework (the Framework) guides how community benefits from the Stage 1 Marinus Link interconnector are designed, delivered and evaluated across Tasmania and Victoria.

We recognise that while Marinus Link delivers a range of benefits for the grid and the economy, some communities will experience more direct local impacts. The Framework aims to ensure communities closest to the project share a significant and direct portion of benefits long into the future.

The Framework sets out a transparent and accountable approach to benefit sharing over the project lifecycle, from development and construction through to operation.

Draft Framework now on public exhibition

Marinus Link is seeking community and stakeholder feedback to help shape the final Community Benefits Sharing Framework.

The Draft Framework is now on public exhibition for three weeks, providing an opportunity for communities and stakeholders across Tasmania and Victoria to review the document and have their say before it is finalised.

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How benefits funding is proposed to work

  • Immediate: short‑term grants and sponsorships
  • Enduring: capacity building, partnerships and local initiatives
  • Legacy: long‑term, transformational investments

A $20 million Legacy Fund has been allocated to support long-term outcomes for host regions, alongside $1 million in funding already being delivered or under development, through grants, sponsorships, and partnership programs.

Funding and governance

Community benefit funding is proposed to be shared between North West Tasmania and Gippsland based on the relative impacts of the project (approximately $6 million in Tasmania and $13 million in Victoria). The Draft Framework has been developed within a regulated environment to ensure benefits are delivered in a prudent and transparent way, and in the long-term interests of consumers.

What we heard through engagement

The Draft Framework has been informed by engagement undertaken in 2025 with communities, business and industry representatives, local and state government, and First Peoples across Tasmania and Victoria. Feedback highlighted the importance of local involvement, clear decision-making and creating benefits that last.

The Draft Framework also outlines potential delivery options, including partnerships with independent community or not-for-profit organisations, to support strong governance and locally informed outcomes.

What is the Community Benefits Sharing Framework?

It’s a plan for how Marinus Link will give back to communities where the project is being built, including funding and support for local projects, services and initiatives over time.

What does the Framework actually do?

It sets the principles, governance and approach for how community benefits will be delivered. It doesn’t decide specific projects yet for the Legacy Fund – those decisions come later.

Why is Marinus Link doing this?

To ensure communities closest to the project footprint share a direct, significant portion of the benefits for the long term.

How much funding is involved?

A $20 million legacy fund has been set aside for long-term community investment as part of Marinus Link Stage 1.

Why is Victoria receiving more funding than Tasmania?

The legacy fund is proposed to be distributed across each state in a way that’s fair and proportionate to the relative infrastructure footprint. Victoria has a larger footprint, so it receives a larger share.

Is Tasmania missing out?

No. In Tasmania, Marinus Link’s Legacy Fund sits alongside TasNetworks’ Bright Futures Fund, which will invest $10 million into north and northwest communities. Together, this represents more than $16 million of community investment in Tasmania as part of Project Marinus.

Who decides where the money goes?

The Framework sets up clear principles and governance. Specific funding decisions will be made later, with community input and appropriate oversight. Once finalised, Marinus Link will develop a Community Benefits Advisory Board or Boards to guide the distribution of funds in both Tasmania and Victoria.

What happens after the consultation?

Feedback will be reviewed and used to refine the Framework before it is finalised and approved.

When will communities start to see benefits?

Some benefits are already being delivered through existing sponsorship, grants, and partnerships programs. These have supported organisations and projects such as the Buckley Park Community Farm green house project, Burnie Rotary Club’s ‘Weekend at Burnie’ event, and the Marinus Link and Burnie City Council Partnership Program. Larger, long-term benefits will be rolled out over time.