Marinus Link starts preparatory works across Gippsland

MARINUS Link is now undertaking preparatory works across Gippsland, including Sandy Point, ahead of major construction works which are expected to begin later this year.

Preparatory works include mobilising contractors, establishing construction sites and access tracks, along with further geotechnical, environmental and site investigations.

Marinus Link CEO Stephanie McGregor has outlined the primary activities planned at each site once construction commences.

“At Sandy Point, the electricity and fibre-optic cables will connect from offshore into Victoria, before continuing underground towards Hazelwood in the Latrobe Valley. Key activities at Sandy Point will include horizontal directional drilling to install a conduit beneath the Waratah Bay Beach dunes, as well as construction of a fibre-optic terminal station,” Ms McGregor said.

“At Hazelwood, a converter station will be constructed to connect Marinus Link into the Victorian grid. This facility will house Hitachi Energy’s advanced HVDC technology, which will be an Australia-first to help stabilise the system and support more renewables coming online,” she said.

“Along the 90 km route between Waratah Bay and the Latrobe Valley, cable conduits will be installed through a mix of open trenching and horizontal directional drilling in areas of sensitive vegetation, critical roads and important waterways. We will continue working directly with landholders as works occur on and near private properties."

Throughout preparatory works, communities may notice increased contractor presence, including additional light and heavy vehicles, as well as temporary traffic changes such as reduced speed limits, intermittent lane closures and traffic management.

“Our leading construction and civils contractor TasVic Greenlink (TVGL) is coordinating the preparatory works program and is already engaging with regional suppliers to support the project’s delivery,” said Ms McGregor.

Morwell-based social enterprise Latrobe Valley Enterprises has delivered initial site signage for Sandy Point, supporting early works on the ground. TVGL has also partnered with a local South Gippsland quarry supplier to provide materials for early works and has engaged a civil construction subcontractor from Melbourne’s outer south-eastern region to deliver access tracks at Sandy Point. This subcontractor is engaging with local people across southern Gippsland to undertake these works.

Local contractors are encouraged to visit marinuslink.com.au/workforce for information on upcoming work packages.