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Tasmania - Infrastructure
Significant Infrastructure Projects
In just over five years more than A$2 billion in major infrastructure projects, including natural gas, wind energy, Basslink, a fibre optic network, super fast ferries and water developments to boost agricultural production, have commenced.
A natural gas transmission pipeline worth A$440 million has been completed and the A$100 million distribution of natural gas to homes and businesses continues in earnest.
The A$850 million Basslink project, which has allowed the state to join the National Electricity Market, was completed in May 2006.
A fibre optic cable has been laid across Bass Strait with Basslink, with the intention of providing further communications competition in the marketplace.
Tasmanian company Gunns Limited announced its intention to build a A$1.4 billion pulp mill in the state’s north. This would see Tasmanian timber value-added into pulp for paper production in Tasmania resulting in considerable job creation and a massive injection of capital into the local economy.
A detailed map has been produced as part of the Regional Economic Development and Tourism and Investment (REDI) Plans project that highlights all infrastructure projects valued at over A$2 million either under construction, committed to, or under consideration around the state. To order a copy of the REDI map, visit the department’s website at www.development.tas.gov.au.
Some of the notable projects are:
 Musselroe Bay tourism development -
The A$150 million tourism development at Musselroe Bay in Tasmania’s north-east has received planning approval. The development involves a 100-room resort, 320 accommodation units, eco-tourism activities, conference facilities, air strip and an 18- hole links-style golf course.
Direct Factory Outlet retail complex at Hobart Airport -
Planned to open in 2008, this A$100 million investment is expected to include a homemaker centre and a range of DIY centre and direct factory outlets for more than 100 brands. Construction on the 158,582 square meters site is scheduled to begin in late 2006 and be completed early in 2008.
Lauderdale Quays waterfront housing and marina development -
Walker Corporation has submitted an application to the Tasmanian Government for a A$300 million waterfront housing and marina development at Lauderdale Quay just south of Hobart.
Solis tourism development -
Construction has commenced on a Greg Norman designed 18-hole golf course which will be part of a A$150 million development at Louisville Point near Orford on Tasmania’s east coast. The golf course and tourist development is also expected to include a visitor centre, museum, health spa, 60 cabins, a residential development and a jetty.
Prudentia office complex -
Prudentia Investments will build an office complex with an associated light industry workshop and storage centre at Cambridge. At the same time, it will develop its previously approved homemaker centre. The complexes will adjoin each other. The A$60 million project is expected to be completed by the end of 2007.
Ta Ann veneer mills -
Malaysian Company Ta Ann Holdings Pty Ltd announced in January 2006 plans to develop two rotary veneer mills in Tasmania - one in the Huon Valley at the Southwood site and the other at Smithton in the state’s north-west with a total investment of A$60 million.
Meander Dam -
Construction of the A$33 million Meander Dam has started. The 43,000 mega-litre dam will provide summer irrigation for around 120 farmers, drinking water for the towns of Deloraine and Westbury, as well as supplying water for a A$4.5 million hydro power station which will generate enough electricity to supply between 4,000 and 5,000 homes.
Hellyer Metals Project -
The Hellyer Metals Project (HMP) will mine and process metals from the million tonne tailings resource from the Hellyer base metal mine. Intec Ltd will recover zinc, lead, silver, copper and gold which the company claims have an in site value of US$2.1 billion. Construction of the plant for the project should begin in late 2007, with commissioning in 2009. The value of the project is US$100 million with a project life of 22 years.
Avebury Nickel Mine -
Allegiance Mining has commenced construction of its Avebury nickel mine near Zeehan on Tasmania’s west coast. The project expects to mill 900,000 tonnes per annum of nickel ore and the company expects to export 8,500 tonnes per annum of nickel in premium grade ore concentrate. Allegiance Mining will invest around A$77 million and plan to have the mine fully operational by the third quarter of 2007 and expect it will have a minimum life of 10 years.
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