TasNetworks has opened a new $4.5 million depot in Scottsdale in an area Dorset Council hopes to see more light industrial development.

TasNetworks Chief Executive Officer Seán Mc Goldrick said the project symbolised the company’s commitment to the North-East region and confidence in the area’s future.

“We have been part of the Scottsdale community for over 20 years and this depot is a natural evolution of that long-standing relationship. It is more than just a building. It is a strategic investment in our ability to service this region effectively,” Dr Mc Goldrick said.

“From here our teams will continue to provide reliable power and respond quickly to faults across a vast area from Lebrina, Weldborough, Ansons Bay and Cape Portland.”

Dr Mc Goldrick said the new Ringarooma Rd facility was double the size of TasNetworks’ original depot in Cameron St.

“Our old depot was a leased site, which was in the middle of the town and in a residential area,” Dr Mc Goldrick said.

“We wanted to relocate to a site that was more appropriate and fit for purpose and fortunately the Dorset Council was able to assist by subdividing land at their depot.”

The new TasNetworks site houses 11 local employees and allows for improved storage of assets including poles, transformers and includes a vehicle wash bay suitable for large trucks.

“With EV chargers and solar panels, it also supports our net zero emissions targets. And, of course, the native garden and indigenous artwork connect us to the land and its people, reinforcing our respect for the environment and local culture.”

Work started on the project last August following initial discussions with the Council during 2021, when the business exhausted numerous other locations around Scottsdale as possible development sites.

Scottsdale Depot Delivery Leader Sam Gerke said the team had been based at the old Frenchpine site for the last few years while planning and construction of the new building took place.

He thanked the TasNetworks board for approving the investment in the depot and the staff who had been on the journey.

“There is a lot of work in moving 40 years of gear out of the old site into the site out the road and then having four years and doing it all again. Thanks for your patience in being in leased sites and the work that comes with it and thank you for the work you have done here in setting up the depot which looks really good.”

Council Community and Development Director Rohan Willis said it was great to see the project come to life over the past three years.

“It of course has come with its own complexities and challenges, but fortuitously there have been highly-capable people every step of the way supporting the project as it has evolved,” Mr Willis said.

“In our opinion the project has very much ended up as a win-win outcome. TasNetworks has ended up with a fantastic facility in a logistically-convenient location to launch their regional operations from, while Council has been able to release part of its underutilised land reserve at the Scottsdale depot site, with sale proceeds being reinvested by Council back into the community.

“The success in delivering this facility at its location provides added impetus to the
suitability of Council’s substantial land reserves at the Scottsdale Depot site for further light industrial development into the future. This year we finalised a structure plan for Scottsdale that strongly recommends this approach, and we look forward to pursuing this important initiative further in 2025.”

Lights on for new development

December 19, 2024

TasNetworks has opened a new $4.5 million depot in Scottsdale in an area Dorset Council hopes to see more light industrial development.