Chair of Independent Community Assessment Panel

About the role

Are you looking for an opportunity to help shape Tasmania's energy future?

TasNetworks is seeking Expressions of Interest for an Independent Chair to drive the successful implementation of the North West Transmission Developments' (NWTD) Community Benefits Sharing Program.

Key Responsibilities of the Independent Chair:

• Lead and facilitate inclusive discussions, ensuring all perspectives are considered.
• Provide leadership and support to panel members to help achieve the group's purpose.
• Support panel member selection and onboarding and work collaboratively to review and recommend initiatives.
• Ensure clear, timely communication between the panel and TasNetworks.
• Provide panel members with the necessary data and insights to make informed decisions.
• Ensure TasNetworks meaningfully considers the panel's input in its decision-making.
• Coordinate and author the final Recommendations Report on behalf of the panel.

About the Independent Community Assessment Panel

Stage 1 of the NWTD includes the proposed transmission alignment between Palmerston to Sheffield and Sheffield to Burnie via a spur line to Heybridge, strengthening Tasmania's transmission backbone.

TasNetworks collaborated with local communities and stakeholders to co-design a $10 million Community Benefits Sharing Program. An independent panel, with members from the six impacted local government areas, will assess and select initiatives for funding.

The program will launch with NWTD construction and run from 2025 to 2029, or until funds are fully allocated.

The Independent Chair will play a key leadership role, guiding the panel and serving as the liaison with TasNetworks.

About you

To be successful in the role we are looking for a candidate with the following:

• Live or work in one of the local government areas covered by the North West Transmission Developments (Northern Midlands, Meander Valley, Kentish, Central Coast, or Burnie).
• Have strong facilitation skills and experience chairing discussions to achieve positive outcomes.
• Not be currently employed by local, state, or federal government.
• Demonstrate experience delivering financially significant programs within governance and policy frameworks, along with community development and/or leadership experience.
• Have a proven ability to lead committees or panels impartially and independently.
• Be capable of authoring or coordinating clear, balanced reports that reflect diverse member views.
• Possess excellent time management skills.
• Be able to remain neutral and prioritise group interests over personal views.

What's on offer

This is a contract position for an initial period of three years, offering competitive remuneration and the chance to help directly shape Tasmania's energy future.

How to apply

Please ensure you attach a cover letter outlining how your skills and experience are aligned with this role, and a current resume. For more information about this opportunity and to acquire a position description, please click here.

Applications close COB 17 October 2025, however, we will be reviewing applications upon receipt and may commence our recruitment process prior to the closing date.

For further information about the role, please contact Chris Warr, A/Head of Stakeholder Engagement

TasNetworks is an Equal Opportunity employer and is committed to responding to every applicant. We encourage applications from all members of the community, including people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and mature aged people.

To be eligible for this position, you are required to have Australian citizenship, permanent residence or a current valid visa that allows you to fulfil the requirements of this role. Successful applicants will undergo necessary pre-employment checks.

About Us

TasNetworks is Tasmania's provider of electricity transmission and distribution services, committed to providing our customers with affordable and reliable electricity, while helping Australia transition to cleaner energy sources.

We have over 300,000 residential, business, commercial, and industrial customers, and are committed to working with our community to make a meaningful difference to the lives of Tasmanians - through and beyond the delivery of electricity and telecommunication services.