Geotechnical sampling and testing is required at approximately 70 sites to a targeted depth of generally 1.5m below surface along the route for a potential future underground HVDC cable installation extending approximately 90km in Victoria between the Latrobe area and a potential landing site location in the Waratah Bay area, and over some 8km along two routes in the Burnie area in North West Tasmania.

At road and river crossings which will require use of horizontal directional drilling, sampling will be to a targeted depth of up to 20m.

In addition, 4 additional sampling locations to a targeted depth of up to 15m are required at each of 2 to 3 potential converter station sites in Tasmania and 1 in Victoria.

The land cable geotechnical investigations may comprise the following type of co-located sampling and testing at specified sites:
1. Soil boring;
2. Test pits;
3. In-situ and laboratory thermal resistivity measurements; and
4. Other tests relevant to cable installation (subject to final specification)

In addition to the above geotechnical sampling and testing, the work will require laboratory analysis and provision of factual reporting.

Works are expected to commence from late March 2020 subject to completion of landowner engagements and access arrangements. These will occur progressively over a period of 3-6 months and flexibility will be required to adapt the site sampling to the land access constraints.

Overall the works are expected to take 5-6 months to complete depending on land availability and the selected contractor's accepted timeline.