Projects In Progress

Burnie Health Hub

The $24 million Burnie Health Hub, led by Jack and Dr Jerome Muir Wilson with architect Heath Clayton, is transforming the former UTAS site on Mooreville Rd into a modern health precinct. A Medicare Urgent Care Clinic opened 9 Feb 2026 (12–10pm, 7 days, bulk billed). A 24-hour pathology lab is operating, demolition finished in Oct 2025, and construction is underway by Fairbrother due by July 2026

Marinus Link Project Updates

Feb 2026 AER approved cost recovery for Marinus and NW Transmission, enabling full construction in 2026 with recovery via transmission charges from 2030. The $5b, 750 MW interconnector received final approvals in Aug–Nov 2025, includes $994m for converter stations at Heybridge and Hazelwood and 90 km of land cables, creating ~2,400 jobs and powering ~750,000 homes.

Just Cats Tasmania Expansion

Just Cats Tasmania opened its first Burnie Adoption Centre on 29 March 2025 at 170 Stowport Road, Stowport, within the Green Cottage at the Burnie Dogs’ Home site, operating as an adoption centre. In May 2025, $425,000 was secured for a new accredited cat management facility, including a non-public portable building and a separate intake and quarantine facility near Burnie to support biosecurity.

Menai Family Friendly Entertainment Centre

The Menai Hotel in South Burnie has expanded its family-friendly, all-weather entertainment. Following the successful installation of a 9‑hole mini-golf course, the venue added two indoor golf simulators in Jan 2026, complementing arcade games, pool tables, and dining spaces. These upgrades strengthen the hotel’s appeal as a social and entertainment hub for locals and visitors.

North West Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Upgrade

State Growth Transport Services is expanding road safety infrastructure across North West Tasmania through the installation of CCTV cameras and fibre optics. Stage 1 in partnership with BCC is underway in the Burnie CBD, Jan 2026, with 19 sites also planned along the Bass Highway between Burnie and Cooee. The project supports real-time traffic monitoring to improve safety and network performance.

Brickport Road Sewage Pump Station Upgrade

The upgrade will reduce odours, improve safety, and install a new dosing unit with SCADA monitoring, ensuring more reliable local services. Condition assessments began 8 Oct 2025. Construction is planned for mid‑late 2026, finishing late 2026. Public exhibition for secondary vehicle access was held Jan 2026.

TasNetworks' North West Transmission Developments

On 21 October 2025, TasNetworks lodged a permit application for the Palmerston–Hampshire section of the North West Transmission Developments (Stage 1), delivered with GenusPlus Group. The project supports Tasmania’s goal of doubling clean energy by 2040. Some voluntary agreements were not reached by 1 December 2025,
moved i to compulsory acquisition receiving Notices to Treat in mid-January 2026

Burnie Golf Club Renovations

January 2026, Burnie Golf Club completed key renovations, including a new golf simulator with online bookings and an upgraded, accessible buggy shed. The improvements enhance year-round training and play, support accessibility for all users, and encourage golfers and visitors of all ages to enjoy the club facilities. Enquire about Function room, Golf Sim and cart bookings by calling 03 6435 1443.

Oakleigh Rail Underpass Barrier Upgrades

The safety barriers on the Burnie-bound and Wivenhoe-bound rail underpasses on the Bass Highway between Edwardes Street and Wilson Street will be inspected on 2–3 December 2025. Works run nightly from 6:00 pm to 6:30 am, with a reduced speed limit and one lane open each way. Minor delays are expected.

Seaview Avenue Water Main Renewal

TasWater is upgrading Burnie’s water network, replacing the main between Seaview Ave and Princes St with a new, more reliable main along West Park Grove. Geotechnical investigations were undertaken in Dec 2025. Works will start mid-2026, with the old main decommissioned, and installation is expected to be complete by late 2026, improving water reliability for the area.

Hydro Tasmania EOI - new wind and solar projects

Hydro Tasmania is seeking new wind and solar projects producing up to 1,500 GWh annually through commercial offtake agreements, operational in the near term. Driven by the Marinus Link project connecting Tasmania to the mainland grid, the call aims to diversify energy sources, support grid stability, and boost Tasmania’s role in Australia’s renewable energy transition. EOI closes 5 December.

North-West Regional Hospital Masterplan Stage 1

Released in September 2024, the North West Regional Hospital and Mersey Community Hospital Masterplan sets out a 20-year vision to guide future health infrastructure investment. Design work began in November 2025 on an expanded Emergency Department, improved ambulance access and acute care upgrades, alongside new inpatient facilities, diagnostics, dialysis and hundreds of car parks.

Burnie Courts Complex Relocation Project

The $86.5M Burnie Court Complex at 100–106 Wilson St will include a Supreme Court, two Magistrates Courts, a Family Court, and a shared courtroom. Enabling works by Batchelor Construction are underway, with demolition complete. Plans by Xsquared Architects were released to the public, EOIs for artwork called Nov 2025. Tenders close Feb 2026; construction runs early 2026–late 2027.

Cradle Coast Future Energy Hub

Tasmania’s Cradle Coast is emerging as a major renewable energy zone, with projects including the TasTAFE Clean Energy Centre of Excellence, Hellyer Wind Farm, HIF e-Fuels Facility, Marinus Link, and the NW Transmission Developments. In Nov 2025, an Energy Series campaign launched to explain the facts and highlight Tasmania’s opportunities in leading the clean-energy transition shaping our future.

OTR Petrol Station Cooee

Construction of the OTR Cooee petrol station and convenience store began in late 2025 following site feasibility and planning approvals. Located next to Burnie’s Harcourts branch, the development, owned by Viva Energy. It will feature six petrol bowsers, two heavy-diesel bays, and a 24-hour store, creating Burnie’s second round-the-clock fuel service, with opening expected within 12 months.

North West Mental Health Precinct

The $40m Precinct beside the Burnie Ambulance Station is progressing through detailed design and approvals. It will include a 22-bed inpatient unit and a five-bed short-stay unit, offering a modern, therapeutic, recovery-focused environment. Updated concept designs were released in November, with a DA submitted. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026 and finish in 2028.

Ridgley Highway - South of Ridgley

Roads Tas is repairing and strengthening a section of the Ridgley Highway, between Ridgley and Highclere, from November 2025 to February 2026. The works are part of the Tasmanian Government’s Freight Capacity Upgrade Program (FCUP), improving road safety and supporting freight efficiency

Pet Dam Spillway Upgrade

Preparatory works have begun on the Ridgley Water Treatment Plant upgrade. Tree clearing started in Nov ahead of dam embankment and pipe upgrades within the WTP. A new spillway and bridge on Circular Road, East Ridgley will follow, with completion due Dec 2027. The project will boost regional water security and strengthen long-term infrastructure.

A new Woolworths is coming to South Burnie!

A $20M Woolworths development in South Burnie has been approved, transforming the former Motors car yard along the Bass Highway. The 4,000 m² store will include retail and café spaces plus 177 car parks, with improved access via Reeves St, Marine Tce, and Hopkinson St. Construction begins in early 2026, with the store expected to open in 2027. A new roundabout will manage peak traffic flow.

Wild on West mini golf upgrades

Wild on West invested in new attractions for Halloween 2025, featuring a Spookville mini-golf course with a witches’ room, a cuddly orangutan live show alongside the animatronic T. rex. Guests can now explore Ice Age, African wildlife scenes, walk among dinosaurs, meet pygmy goats, alpacas, and parrots. With a food van and tearoom, the upgrades boost its interactive, family-friendly appeal.

VIRIDIS Green Data Centre Burnie

In Oct 2025, NEO confirmed Burnie as the site for its VIRIDIS DC-2 data centre. The project will convert a building into a secure, high-tech facility powered by renewable energy. Leveraging Burnie’s cool climate, it will process data locally to support regional services and feature a first-of-its-kind hydrogen system for backup power, near-zero emissions, and grid stability, with $16m investment.

Montello Primary School upgrade

Stage one of the $12.45 million was completed in October 2025, delivering refurbished learning spaces and amenities, plus a new teaching kitchen, canteen, and student dining room. A new playground has also been installed under the $10 million Playground and Sports Court Upgrades Program. All remaining works at Montello Primary are scheduled for completion in late 2026.

Complete Care Pharmacy

Jack Muir Wilson, Kath Witherden, and Heather Wilde have transformed the former Contel Communications site into a 524 m² Complete Care Pharmacy, four times larger than their previous store. The $1.2 million project opened on 20 October 2025, featuring modern health services, a Packzilla dispensing robot, and two disability parking spaces right outside, strengthening community care in the CBD.

Burnie TAFE Student Accommodation Conversion

Construction of the new learner accommodation at TasTAFE’s Burnie Campus, converting an existing building into 25 modern studio rooms with shared kitchens, laundry and welcoming common spaces. By providing on-campus accommodation, TasTAFE is helping remove barriers to education and supporting learners to study locally. Works are tracking for completion ahead of Semester 1 2026.

North West Regional Resource Recovery (NWRRR) Project

Led by the Cradle Coast Waste Management Group with nine councils and managed by Dulverton Waste Services, this program uses the state waste levy to deliver FOGO, recycling, and recovery education. In 2025, activities included FOGO rollout to Burnie and Circular Head in September, bin checks Oct-Dec, and household hazardous waste and tyre amnesty events in November. Supporting a circular economy

Homes Tasmania - social and affordable housing

Homes Tasmania is delivering social and affordable housing across Burnie. At 3 Atkins Drive, 18 two-storey homes (10 social, 8 affordable rentals) were approved in Oct 2025. Kentish Drive, Shorewell Park, released 12 serviced lots via MyHome shared equity (prices from $85K), now largely built. Park Grove plans ~55 lots to meet future housing demand.

Taswater UV Disinfection Treatment Installation

Stage 2A of the UV disinfection treatment at East Ridgley was completed in October 2025 following essential safety upgrades. Access to the eastern side of Pet Dam off Circular Road was temporarily closed during works. The project enhances water safety, reliability, and service, ensuring the local community benefits from improved drinking water quality and infrastructure resilience.

Melba Line Bulk Minerals Rail Hub

Geotechnical investigations were completed in September 2025 for the proposed Melba Line Bulk Minerals Rail Hub at Hampshire, part of a $18 million regional rail investment. TasRail undertook borehole drilling and soil testing to inform design. The hub will support the bulk minerals industry, enable seamless rail-to-ship logistics for Tas Mines, and could remove around 6,500 truck movements,

Burnie Central Townhouse Renovation

The Burnie Central Townhouse underwent a full renovation, modernising 1970s–80s interiors with updated furniture, lighting, and room amenities. A garage sale in September 2025 supported the Townhouse Social Club and local charities.

HIF Tasmania e-Fuel Facility

A $500 million renewable energy project is proposed for Burnie’s former pulp mill site. HIF Tasmania will build Australia’s first large-scale e-Fuels facility, producing carbon-neutral e-Methanol using local renewable resources. Pre-FEED completed 2025, and a Notice of Intent lodged 8 Oct 2025. The project could create 600+ jobs and supply the Maria Island ferry and Metro Buses.

Robbins Island and Jim’s Plain Wind

The $3B, 900 MW Robbins Island & Jim’s Plain Wind project in NW Tasmania received federal environmental approval on 29 Aug 2025, with state approvals in place. Up to 100 turbines will generate $600 M during construction and $30 M+ annually. Next steps include finalising contractors, detailed design, community updates, and enabling works ahead of construction starting late early 2026.

Blue Economy Zone

The Bass Strait Blue Economy Zone Aquaculture The offshore aquaculture trial, 12 km off Burnie, is testing Atlantic salmon and kingfish farming. Backed by $13 million from state and federal partners, infrastructure was installed from May 2025. 15,000 salmon were stocked 1–3 August 2025, with 15,000 kingfish planned for summer 2025–26. The three-year trial runs to 2027.

Homes Tasmania - Park Grove land release

Homes Tasmania will deliver 55 lots for social and affordable housing in Park Grove. Site preparation works commenced in August 2025, and lots are expected for sale from 2026. The subdivision is part of efforts to boost housing supply, and the project is expected to generate over $14 million in economic benefit for the region.

Camdale Development Proposal

The proposed $35 million Strait Hotel at Camdale Beach will feature 72 beachfront rooms, luxury apartments, dining venues, and conference facilities. Led by Tasmanian developer Errol Stewart of JMC Property Group, the project aims to elevate the visitor experience along the Bass Strait while honouring the coastal landscape. In July 2025, the developer sought community feedback on the proposal.

Upgrade planned for Burnie McDonald’s

McDonald’s Burnie is set for a major $5 million rebuild, featuring a modern dining area, McCafé, terrace, and family PlayPlace. The upgrade will also include solar panels and energy-efficient systems, with around 100 construction jobs created. The proposal was placed on public exhibition in April, with development approval granted later in 2025.

North West Support School Redevelopment

The Burnie campus of the North West Support School is being redeveloped under a $62.15 million program, delivering a modern facility with a hydrotherapy pool and specialised support spaces. Tasmanian firm 6TY was appointed as architect in April 2025, and the project is now in the master planning phase. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with completion scheduled for 2028.

Minna Road Truck Wash

Construction of a modern washdown and effluent dumping facilities at Burnie to replace the Cooee truck wash at its end of life. It is part of a broader $4.7 million initiative to establish four truck wash and effluent dump stations across NW Tasmania, with locations in Stanley, Smithton and King Island for livestock transport and other vehicles, project managed by the Cradle Coast Authority.

Childcare centre proposals

Three childcare projects are progressing across Burnie. In Park Grove, Council approved a 35-place centre in Van Diemens Crescent in May 2025, noting resident concerns about traffic and parking. In Upper Burnie, a 70-place purpose-built centre on Mount Street was under assessment in March 2025. In Cooee, plans for a larger 104-place centre remain in development, with traffic safety measures.

Elementos Cleveland Tin Project

The Cleveland Tin Project, 80 km SW of Burnie, is exploring copper, gold, silver, and critical minerals including tungsten, fluorite, molybdenum, rubidium, and bismuth. Drilling began 14 Mar 2025, building on 2024 results. Backed by $5 M from Metals X, the project will create jobs and boost the economy. An updated MRE is expected Feb 2026; metallurgical tests on Foleys Zone minerals are underway.

Bass Hwy Pedestrian Crossings

The $1.25 M project upgrades seven crossings along the Bass Highway, including pedestrian islands east of Raglan St, connecting Elizabeth St to Bells Parade, modifications at East Cam Rd and Youngs Veggie Shed, and a crossing between Fidler St and Burnie Ocean View Motel. Funded federally ($1 M) and by the state ($250 K), construction is expected to start April 2026.

TasTAFE Clean Energy Centre of Excellence

The $27.2 million TasTAFE’s Burnie campus is set to enhance training in wind generation and hydro pump technology. Jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments, the centre will feature state-of-the-art equipment and a 25-bed on-campus accommodation facility. Construction is scheduled for completion for 2026, aiming to support Tasmania’s transition to a net-zero economy.

Renewable Energy Zones (REZ)

The Tasmanian Government is exploring ways to meet extra energy demand, protect environmental values, support industry, and benefit Tasmanian communities. Renewable Energy Zones are a way to achieve this. Public consultation for the draft "Energy Co-ordination and Planning Amendment (Renewable Energy Zones) Bill 2024" closed late 2024, with feedback used to finalise the bill for Parliament