Independent Member for Mersey Mike Gaffney has today formally questioned the state government regarding land acquisition for the North West Transmission Line upgrade.

Following comments by TasNetworks CEO Seán McGoldrick during Estimates hearings, Gaffney is seeking a precise breakdown of the 271 affected private landowners.

His questions specifically investigate the prevalence of foreign and mainland corporate ownership, as well as the identity of public entities involved in the project. McGoldrick previously indicated that seven out of 10 public landholders had signed agreements, but noted resistance among private owners, with some refusing even preliminary access for negotiations.

Gaffney Presses for Details on Marinus Landholders 8

 

Gaffney Presses for Details on Marinus Landholders 9

TASMANIA LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Session 2025 NOTICE OF QUESTION

9 December 2025

Mr Gaffney to ask the Honourable Minister for Energy and Renewables —

With regard to the proposed North West Transmission Line upgrade for Project Marinus and a reply during Estimates from TasNetworks CEO Mr Seán McGoldrick, through you Minister, highlighting that there are 10 public landholders, and 271 affected private landowners in the proposed North West Transmission Line upgrade.

Of these, McGoldrick said seven out of the 10 public landholders have signed option agreements. He also stated that 17% of the 271 private landowners had not yet signed, meaning that at least 46 private landowners had not signed option agreements at that time.

The TasNetworks CEO also highlighted that 4%, or over 10 private landowners had not let the Hydro on their land to even start negotiations:

  1. What defines the 10 public landholders:
    1. Does it mean the Crown, Federal, State, local councils, and/or publicly listed companies/corporations; and
    2. Can you please disclose the identity of the 10 public landholders?
  2. Of the 271 private landowners, how many individual properties/titles are owned by:
    1. Forico;
    2. UniSuper;
    3. Publicly listed companies;
    4. Mainland corporations and mainland institutional investors;
    5. Tasmanian corporations and Tasmanian institutional investors; and
    6. Overseas investors, including (but not limited to) foreign-owned superannuation and/or pension funds?
  3. Of the 281 total of both private and public landholders:
    1. include all properties affected by all stages of the North West Transmission Lines development or just stage 1; and
    2. If only stage 1, then how many affected properties in total will there be in all stages?

 

Gaffney Presses for Details on Marinus Landholders 10

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