Hydro Tasmania has completed a $16 million upgrade of the spillway gates at Meadowbank Dam in the Central Highlands. The newly installed crest gates have already endured heavy rainfall in recent weeks and have performed as expected under these conditions.
The upgrade aims to improve water level management for both lake users and power station operations. The project, carried out over two summers, replaced 20 hydraulic cylinders that control the dam’s spillway gates with new, lighter models from Europe.
Hydro Tasmania’s Community Engagement Advisor, Jane Alpine, expressed appreciation for local support during the project. “We are incredibly grateful for the support the community has shown us as we completed this critical work,” she said. “We know how important Lake Meadowbank is to the community. It offers something for everyone, from supporting key agriculture and tourism businesses to providing summer fun for the whole family.”
To minimise disruption, the upgrade was divided into two stages, ensuring minimal impact during peak holiday and irrigation periods. The water level was kept as high as safely possible during the works to allow continued lake use.
“Doing the upgrades with the water level higher than usual meant we got a shower or two, but we knew it was important for the community to be able to use the lake over summer,” said Project Manager Andrew Rumsby.
As part of the project, Hydro Tasmania contributed to the upgrade of Dunrobin Park, including visitor interpretation signage.
This upgrade is part of Hydro Tasmania’s broader $1.6 billion program to modernise its hydropower network over the next decade, which includes 10 power stations and five dams. CEO Ian Brooksbank highlighted that these upgrades will enhance the operational life, capacity, and reliability of the power stations, allowing for better energy output and responsiveness to fluctuating demands. The investment supports Tasmania’s renewable energy future by complementing projects like the Tarraleah Hydropower Scheme redevelopment and the Lake Cethana pumped hydro initiative. The upgrades, including major work at the Gordon and Poatina power stations, aim to secure Tasmania’s energy needs while supporting its economic growth.
