North East Wind involves the proposed development of a large-scale wind project located predominately on agricultural land in the Dorset municipality in North East Tasmania and a transmission line connection to State and National electricity network. The project will be developed across two clusters, Waterhouse in the west and Rushy Lagoon in the east.
The project will be developed across two clusters, Waterhouse in the west and Rushy Lagoon in the east and will consist of up to 210 wind turbines and a generation capacity of up to 1,260 megawatts, onsite electrical infrastructure, temporary construction facilities, workers accommodation and may include a wharf facility.
In response to community feedback, ACEN Australia is proposing a wind turbine exclusion zone to preserve the view toward Mount Cameron from the Tomahawk Beach and Boat Ramp.
The proposed change, shown in the Indicative Wind Turbine Development Area map (April 2025), reflects feedback received during community drop-in sessions between October 2024 and March 2025, highlighting the importance of this view and the presence of other environmental values in this area including an eagle nest.
ACEN Australia is undertaking a detailed assessment of any flow-on impacts from the proposed exclusion zone on the overall project design. Further information including an updated Indicative Wind Turbine Layout Map will be shared in the coming months following further technical assessment and consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Click here for PDF download of Indicative Wind Turbine Development Area Map (April 2025).
Photomontages show how North East Wind’s turbines might look from local viewpoints of interest to the community. They are based on the indicative draft layout shared on 18 November 2024, which is not final and could be refined further through the project development process. The images use a 270 metre wind turbine, the tallest turbine tip height being considered.
Want to see how the project might look from other locations, including private properties?
Get in touch with the North East Wind team by emailing us at info@newind.com.au
Tomahawk photomontage
High resolution photomontage available to download here.
Bridport photomontage
High resolution photomontage available to download here.
Musselroe Bay photomontage
High resolution photomontage available to download here.
Increasing clean energy production will enable Tasmania to electrify its transport sector, residential homes, and transition industrial sectors reliant on natural gas and diesel to future green fuels like green hydrogen and green ammonia.Tasmania is the nation’s leading renewable energy state and the Government has set an ambitious yet exciting target to double the state’s installed renewable generation capacity by 2040. In December 2020, the Government released the Tasmanian Renewable Energy Action Plan (TREAP) to support this target. North East Wind will contribute up to 45% of the renewable energy required to achieve Tasmania’s 200% renewable energy target and is aligned with the Government’s renewable energy action plan vision and priorities.
The north east of Tasmania was identified by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) in the Integrated System Plan (ISP) as one of three onshore Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) in Tasmania. Renewable Energy Zones are ‘high renewable resource areas’ and The North East is characterised by strong westerly winds known as the ‘roaring 40’s’ from Bass Strait flowing over gently sloping land.
ACEN Australia has undertaken long-term wind resource monitoring since May 2019 to confirm the wind characteristics at the Rushy Lagoon and Waterhouse sites as Wind Speed Class 1 and 2 respectively under the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61400-1 standard. The combination of a world-class wind resource, relatively low population in the vicinity of the site, and predominantly cleared agricultural land means that North East Wind will be located on ideal land for a wind project.
For more information on North East Wind including project fact sheets see the documents section of this page.
In order to connect new renewable energy generation to the network to support our growing need, transmission infrastructure is required to transport the electricity.
In order to connect new renewable energy generation to the network to support our growing need, transmission infrastructure is required to transport the electricity. North East Wind will capture a world class wind resource and generate low-cost green electricity. It will connect to the existing high voltage 220 kV transmission network near George Town and the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone, a centre of high electricity demand, including potential future green hydrogen and methanol at Bell Bay.
Existing transmission infrastructure in North East Tasmania cannot support new energy generation. A new transmission line will need to be constructed. A study corridor has been identified for a transmission line that will connect the two clusters of North East Wind at Waterhouse and Rushy Lagoon to a switching station at Boobyalla. From here, the corridor will follow alongside the existing 110 kV transmission easement that connects Musselroe Wind Farm part way towards Derby, taking a separate path west at a point between Banca and Winnaleah. The corridor will then extend west to reach the existing high voltage 220 kV transmission network at Long Reach, just outside of George Town.
The transmission line will be developed considering a range of social and environmental factors and consultation with landholders.
Click here for PDF download of transmission line study corridor map
Built on a foundation of trust and shared value, we seek to develop relationships with communities that create enduring and positive impact. Here are some of the things we are doing and have proposed to implement for North East Wind following project approval.
ACEN Australia’s Social Investment Program (SIP) is our voluntary contribution to communities. It provides funding now and during construction for initiatives that contribute to building thriving and resilient communities and economies, Funding is available to not-for profit organisations and activities that directly benefit and enhance the liveability and vibrancy of the North East region.
The SIP is in addition to a community benefit program for North East Wind that will see significant investment into the region over the life of the project. In 2024, we will be seeking input from community and stakeholders on what this program looks like to ensure it reflects community needs and aspirations.
We have a commitment to employ and buy locally where we can so we can keep the benefits local. With such a significant construction investment, it is anticipated that there will be many opportunities for Tasmanian businesses to be involved. Goods and services likely to be procured locally include:
Due to the size of the project and the specialised skill set required, it is likely however that skilled workers from outside the region will also be required during the construction period.
We know the importance of early engagement with communities and stakeholders and are guided by industry and global standards.
Email
info@newind.com.au
Phone
1800 870 807
Social media
facebook.com/northeastwindtas
ACEN Australia Complaints Procedure
ACEN Australia Complaints Procedure
