Projects In Progress

TasNetworks Drone Inspections

TasNetworks has commenced a drone inspection program across Burnie, Camdale, Emu Heights, Havenview, Wivenhoe, Stowport and Somerset during June, operating Monday to Friday between 7:30am and 4:30pm.

These inspections help identify maintenance needs on powerlines, reducing the risk of unplanned outages and bushfires. Conducted by locally based CASA accredited Fulcrum Robotics

Oakleigh Rail Underpass Barrier Upgrades

Safety barrier upgrade work from 18-26 Jun at the Oakleigh rail underpass on the Bass Highway in Burnie to meet current safety standards.

Works to replace barriers on both the Cooee-bound and Wivenhoe-bound approaches between Edwardes Street and Wilson Street. $1.5 million project is funded by the Federal government.

State Road Projects

Construction on the Bass Highway between Wilson Street and Edwardes Street, Burnie (both directions), from 18 to 26 June 2026. A reduced speed limit with frequent lane closures during working hours, 9-3:30pm.

Traffic Signal pole replacement
Bass Highway, Massey Greene Drive intersection, South Burnie. 25-26 June. Reduced speed limit with occasional lane closures, 9- 3:00pm.

Port of Burnie Upgrade – TasPorts

TasPorts is upgrading Berths 4 and 5 at Port of Burnie to support freight reliability under the 30-year Strait Link agreement. Berth 5 ramp works commenced Dec 2024, providing contingency capacity.

Berth 4 remediation of foundation scouring is underway with BridgePro & Wagstaff Piling, targeting mid-2027 completion. Seabed levelling will occur 11–24 June 2026 to maintain safe navigation

A new Woolworths is coming to South Burnie!

The $20m Woolworths South Burnie redevelopment on the former Motors site includes a 4,274m² supermarket with direct-to-boot facilities and 187 car parking spaces, with improved access from Reeves St, Marine Tce and Hopkinson St, including a new roundabout.

Leasing has opened for two entry tenancies (95m² café/food and 80m² retail). Site clearing commenced June 2026, with opening expected in 2027

Savus Saunas expands to Burnie Waterfront

Savu Saunas is expanding with a sauna at West Beach open in June 2026. Launched in Cooee in 2025, the business has grown with rising demand for cold-water therapy.

Operated by Brad McDonald, the converted shipping container saunas offer 50-minute public sessions that combine traditional sauna use with ocean plunges, an ideal location at Burnie’s waterfront for capturing growing wellness tourism.

Burnie Health Hub

The $24 million Burnie Health Hub is transforming the former UTAS Mooreville Road site into a modern health precinct. The bulk-billed Urgent Care Clinic and 24-hour pathology service opened in February 2026.

Access-Able Physiotherapy joined in April, followed by Alara Psychology in May. In June, the new Park Grove Medical Centre opened with GPs Dr Sam Atkins and Dr Esther Papas.

Burnie Courts Complex Relocation Project

The $86.5 million Complex at 100–106 Wilson Street will include a Supreme Court, two Magistrates Courts, a Family Court and a shared courtroom. Designs by Xsquared Architects were released in Oct 2025.

Batchelor Construction completed demolition Jan 2026. Fairbrother was awarded the construction contract in May 2026, with construction commencing in Jun and completion expected in 2028

Marinus Link Project Updates

Community consultation is underway through the public exhibition of the Community Benefit and Sustainability Fund (CBSF), a $20 million legacy and community benefit program linked to the Marinus Link project.

The consultation process includes an online survey and targeted stakeholder engagement to gather feedback on the draft framework. The exhibition period runs until Sunday 7 June 2026,

Hellyers Road - Distillers Choice Room

The new Distillers’ Choice Room launched May 2026 with its “Direct from the Cask” unique tourism experience, featuring guided tastings, whisky masterclasses and personalised bottlings from hand-selected barrels, including some of Tasmania’s oldest whisky.

After 12 months of development, the premium tourism offering is expected to boost Burnie’s visitor economy and whisky tourism appeal.

North West Support School Redevelopment

The Burnie campus of North West Support School is being redeveloped under a $62.15m program, delivering modern learning facilities, specialised support spaces and a hydrotherapy pool. April 2025 6TY was appointed architect.

In May 2026, draft concept plans and artist impressions were released for community feedback through to 5 June. with construction expected from 2027 and completion by 2028.

TasNetworks' North West Transmission Developments (NWTD)

Federal approval for the North West Transmission Developments (NWTD) was granted in Apr 2026, enabling construction to proceed. Stage 1 Palmerston–Hampshire includes replacing 25 lattice towers with monopoles in Burnie and Stowport.

In May 2026, up to $1.2b was secured from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation reducing impacts on customers. GenusPlus Group mobilisation and early works continue.

Tasrail Bulk Minerals Export Facility (BMEF) expansion

Having fully-commissioned the new shiploader on the Port of Burnie, TasRail is now advancing the $18 million expansion. Funded by the Australian Government, this project aims to boost the BMEF’s storage capacity by approximately 15%.

Preliminary works have started, on the wharf reclaim, gallery conveyors with completion expected in late 2027-28 improving supply-chain efficiency for Hampshire.

De Bruyn’s Transport new A-double Freight Set

A new Volvo FH600 and Barker trailers, A-double freight set has been introduced, enhancing freight efficiency between Burnie and Bell Bay. This strengthens heavy freight capabilities, supporting vital sectors like mining, aquaculture, and agriculture.

Since acquiring Bass Strait Transport in 2019, they have expanded into Victoria, operating a fleet of 180 trucks and employing 350 staff.

Pentarch Logistics Wood Optimisation Hub

Pentarch Logistics is progressing a major upgrade of its South Burnie woodchip mill into a Wood Optimisation Hub. The facility will scan logs for sawmilling potential before chipping, targeting annual processing of 60,000m³ of pallet-grade lumber while maintaining current chip production.

Expected to create 60 jobs, EPA approval occurred May 2026 following public consultation in May 2025.

Cement Australia’s Railton Kiln Upgrade

$106M upgrade is underway, supported by $52.9M in federal funding. The project will cut emissions by replacing more than 110k tonnes of coal with alternative fuels, including wood waste and tyre-derived fuel.

Main works are occurring during a 6-week shutdown, operational by third quarter 2026.

Main works are occurring during a six-week shutdown, will be operational by third quarter of 2026.

Poatina Power Station Upgrades

A $3.5m upgrade at the 1965 era Poatina Power Station has delivered a new main building, warehouse, EV charging and an above-ground control room, opened in Sept 2025.

The works support a broader $200m program to refurbish all six turbines, ensuring long-term reliability for Tasmania’s energy system. Work began in May 2024, the first turbine is complete and work on the second started May 2026

Burnie-Port Latta-Smithton 110kV Power Tower Replacements

TasNetworks is executing a $6.2M upgrade to replace aging power towers along the 71km Burnie-to-Smithton transmission line without interrupting service.

Originally built in 1949, the corridor via Port Latta saw 17 towers swapped between Mar and May 2026. Funded via regulated network revenue, the remaining structures will be replaced over the coming years. The new towers boast a 70 year lifespan.

HIF Tasmania e-Fuel Facility

HIF Global plans Australia’s first large-scale e-Fuels facility at Burnie’s former pulp mill site producing carbon-neutral e-methanol using renewable energy. A biomass agreement with Forico signed in 2023, with a Notice of Intent Oct and EIS guidelines for Community in 2025.

Shortlisted for ARENA Hydrogen Headstart May 2026, it could create 600+ jobs, providing eMethanol for shipping & transport

NWR Hospital's ED Redevelopment

A $14.5 million redevelopment of the North West Regional Hospital Emergency Department and ambulance drop-off was approved in March 2026, with tenders released in April.

Delivered as Stage 1 of the North West Hospitals Masterplan, the upgrade will improve safety, security and patient flow through better sightlines, widened corridors, improved wayfinding and enhanced security positions.

Marinus Link Heybridge Converter Station

DT Infrastructure has mobilised teams to begin early establishment and preparatory works for the Marinus Link converter station at Heybridge, with increased activity expected as works ramp up.

As part of these preparatory works, a single lane closure will be in place on the Bass Highway (towards Burnie) between Minna Road and the Heybridge site from 4–7 May 2026 (9:30am–6:00pm).

Minna Road Truck Wash

Truck Wash and Effluent Disposal Facility is now complete April 2026, replacing the end-of-life Cooee site. Delivered as part of the $4.7M Braddon Truck Wash program, it is the first of four facilities across North-West Tasmania.

The project supports livestock and commercial transport operators with modern washdown infrastructure, improving biosecurity, efficiency and regional freight operations.

North West Mental Health Precinct

The $40 million North West Regional Hospital Mental Health Precinct, adjacent to the Burnie Ambulance Station, Designed by ARTAS in collaboration with Billard Leece Partnership, the purpose-built facility received planning approval in May 2026.

It will deliver a 22-bed inpatient unit (18 low-care & 4 high-care beds), a 5-bed short-stay unit, clinical & support areas, secure courtyards, parking

MMG Rosebery Mine Accelerated Exploration

MMG has committed more than $54 million to accelerated exploration at Rosebery Mine, including a record 2.6km-deep drill hole that helped lift ore reserves by 47%.

In May 2026, MMG commenced the Tom McDonald Exploration Portal, the first new underground portal in 30 years. Tailings capacity is being expanded through Bobadil TSF raises and a proposed Exe Valley facility. MMG employs around

Just Cats Tasmania Expansion

Just Cats is progressing a major facility upgrade after securing $425k in May 2025 for a new accredited cat management centre accommodating up to 70 cats.

A separate intake and quarantine facility for around 300 cats is also planned to improve biosecurity. Fundraising commenced in Feb 2026 to address a $70,000 shortfall. A new portable building arrived in Mar 2026, with internal fit-out May.

Upper Burnie (Mount St) Fuel Station

Demolition is underway at 189–193 Mount St, Upper Burnie, of a dental clinic and former childcare centre, to make way for a new unmanned 24-hour fuel station. Featuring six bowsers (12 vehicles), a 2.1m fence and low-spill LED lighting to address community concerns. Designed by Prime Design, the project will support local convenience and transport near Woolworths and BWS.

Renison Tin Mine Hoist Upgrade

Bluestone Mines Tasmania JV is upgrading the Mine hoist system with ABB, underway since Q1 2025 and is due for commissioning in 2026. The works include a new Safety Plus control platform, DC converter and hydraulic system to improve reliability, efficiency and deeper mining capability. In Sept 2025, Stage 4 of the D Dam tailings upgrade was completed. The mine relies on BurniePort for tin export.

DT Infrastructure re-railing Tasmania’s freight network

Stage 4 of the Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation Program part of an $81.6m Australian Government investment. Works across the South, Western and Derwent Valley lines include replacing 6,500 sleepers and renewing 11.2km of track, with delivery focused through 2026 ahead of winter in higher altitude areas of the West Coast, improving reliability and on-time freight performance.

Pet Dam Spillway Upgrade

Work has begun on the Pet Dam Spillway Upgrade in north-west Tasmania, delivered by the TasWater Alliance including CPB Contractors, UGL and WSP. Early works are complete, with Circular Rd bridge construction now starting, delivered by BridgePro Engineering. The $97.1m Ridgley Water Treatment Plant upgrade improves water security and addresses 2016 flood damage, with completion due Dec 2027.

Jackson Motor Company Camdale Expansion

Construction of the Jackson Motor Company expansion at Camdale is strengthening Burnie’s role as a regional automotive hub. Approved in 2024, new Hyundai and Nissan showrooms opened in Apr 2026, alongside 50 car parks at the 3000m2 site opened in 2008 for Kia, Mitsubishi, Subaru, and Suzuki. In 2024 following acquisition of the Motors brand, JMC relocated South Burnie operations to Camdale

Tarraleah Redevelopment Project

Hydro Tasmania reached a key milestone on the multi-billion-dollar Tarraleah Redevelopment, entering the tender phase for major works and generation equipment. Stage 1 procurement (RFPs) opened in Feb 2026, with responses to May. The EIS and Development Application are on public exhibition from April 2026. Part of Battery of the Nation, the project includes a 190 MW station, $65M Federal funding

Wivenhoe Underpass Bass Highway

Transport Services Tasmania completed repairs and strengthening of the South Burnie–Wivenhoe eastbound rail underpass on the Bass Highway between Stowport Rd and Clarke St in October 2025, improving safety, durability and reliability. Follow-up works in March 2026 relocated safety barriers and widened the Heybridge-bound road edge to improve cyclist safety .

Lemonthyme Power Station upgrade

Lemonthyme Power Station $62m upgrade has passed the halfway mark in April 2026, with works expected to finish by the end of 2026. The first major overhaul since 1969 will extend the station’s life by 30 years and improve efficiency, generating more power from the same water. Around 13 local contractors are involved. The upgrade is part of ongoing works across the NW Tas Mersey-Forth scheme.

NBN Co Targeted Upgrade program

NBNCo announced a new Targeted Upgrade program in Apr 2026 to move customers off aging copper connections where fibre is already available. From 1 July 2026, another 600,000 homes become eligible for free upgrades without needing a high-speed plan. Customers in eligible areas should contact their internet provider. Getting in early for the targeted upgrade will reduce your waiting time.

Forico High-Value Timber Expansion

Held s community session at Ridgley in April 2026 on its proposed hardwood sawmill at Surrey Hills, Hampshire.

Backed by a $2 mil State Government grant, for processing plantation eucalyptus into higher-value products including structural timber, panels and pallets. The proposed $40–60 million investment could process up to 240,000m³ of logs annually, supporting local jobs, housing supply chains

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’s proposed e-Fuels Facility, Marinus Link and North West Transmission Developments.

In April 2026, the Cradle Coast Authority released the Local Power, Local Prosperity report, calling for collaboration to maximise jobs, procurement…

Next Iconic Walk Tyndall Range

The $40m ‘Next Iconic Walk’ through Tasmania’s Tyndall Range cleared another milestone in Apr 2026 after a Federal parliamentary public works committee recommended the project proceed. The proposed three-day, 31km West Coast tourism experience presents opportunities for Burnie as a gateway city, with visitors likely to fly in, stay overnight and use local hospitality and transport services.

VIRIDIS Green Data Centre Burnie

New Energy Opportunities (NEO) confirmed Burnie as the site for its VIRIDIS DC-2 edge data centre, a $16 million, 800 kW renewable-powered facility with hydrogen backup. In March 2026, a planning application lodged was approved. The project will support local data processing and low-latency services, forming part of Viridis’ national rollout of sustainable energy-efficient data centres.

Edgar Dam wall strengthening

Works at Edgar Dam began in Jan 2025, with staged upgrades now well advanced. As of Mar 2026, major excavation is largely complete, with the new buttress and wave wall installation underway. The $35m project on track for mid-2026 completion. Built in 1972, one of three dams forming Lake Pedder and supplies around 40% of water to the Gordon Power station supporting about 13% of Tasmania’s energy.

Child Care Centre, Van Diemens Crescent

Pandani Montessori Early Learning Centre is progressing its new 35-place centre at 12 Van Diemens Crescent, Park Grove. With builders on site in Mar 2026, the service is now in final delivery stages, with opening expected Aug 2026. The centre will operate 7am–6pm and provide purpose-built indoor and outdoor learning spaces, helping meet growing demand for early childhood education.

North West Irrigation Water Supply Project

Construction on the $124m Irrigation Scheme Augmentation began in March 2026, aiming to enhance water delivery to north-west Tasmania. The project involves over 100km of refurbished pipeline and two pump stations, increasing supply to 14.9GL for farmers, with completion expected in 2027. At almost triple the water supply it will significantly improve agricultural productivity for farmers.

OTR Petrol Station Cooee

Construction of the Viva Energy-owned OTR service station at Cooee began in late 2025, following approvals. Located near Harcourts, the site includes six fuel bowsers, two heavy-diesel bays and a 24-hour convenience store, becoming Burnie’s second round-the-clock fuel service. Works include forecourt installation, retail fit-out and parking. Opening Planned for June 2026.

HDA and Elphinstone partner on Redback hull production

Hanwha Defence Australia awarded Elphinstone Pty Ltd a $90m contract to manufacture hull structures for 129 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles at Wynyard under LAND 400 Phase 3, supporting 95 jobs in North-West Tasmania. In Feb 2026, first Australian-made AS9 vehicles were unveiled in Geelong using Tasmanian components. Deliveries are due early 2027, with completion by late 2028

North West Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Upgrade

State Growth Transport Services is expanding road safety infrastructure across North West Tasmania through Stage 1 CCTV and fibre works. In February 2026, Burnie City Council upgraded the MSCP CCTV network, installing 63 high-resolution cameras and increasing coverage by 20%, with Tasmania Police granted 24/7 access.

Additional upgrades at Burnie Park, Alexander Street and the Burnie Yacht Club

World's largest battery-electric ship

The China Zorrilla is a 130m fully battery-electric ferry built by Incat, currently awaiting transport into service. It carries 2,000+ passengers and 225 vehicles, powered by 5,000+ lithium-ion batteries across four battery rooms.

Operating between Argentina and Uruguay, it has ~90-minute range with ~40-min fast charging. Incat plans to scale production to 2-4 ships per year

Elementos Cleveland Tin Project

The Cleveland Tin Project, 80 km south-west of Burnie, is exploring copper, gold, silver and critical minerals including tungsten and fluorite. Drilling commenced 14 March 2025, backed by $5 million from Metals X. In February 2026, Elementos announced a major tungsten Mineral Resource Estimate increase to 8.49 Mt @ 0.24% WO₃ around double the 2014 figure following new data and ore testing

Burnie Medicare Mental Health Centre

Opened in Feb 2026 at an interim site at 52-56 Bass Highway in Cooee, alongside the Burnie GP Super Clinic. providing free walk-in mental health support for adults without the need for appointments or referrals.

Operated by Stride and funded by the Australian Government through Primary Health Tasmania, the centre is part of a $225 million national expansion of Medicare Mental Health Centres.

Basslink becomes a regulated interconnector

The Australian Energy Regulator approved APA Group’s pricing for 370km 500MW Basslink in February 2026, as it becomes a regulated interconnector from 1 July 2026. Hydro Tasmania welcomed the move, for energy security and certainty for two way energy flow between Tasmania and Victoria. Earning a set, approved revenue to improve reliability and provide more stable electricity prices for consumers.

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.

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.

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.

See Completed Projects