Activists call for alternative to dam strengthening plans with a week of action

More than 50 years on, activists continue to call for the decommissioning of the “high-risk” dam that flooded Lake Pedder. Why they are ramping up their efforts ahead of planned dam works.

View to Lake Pedder, bushwalking column Jan 12.

“Unnecessary” dam strengthening works will block ecological restoration of an iconic glacial lake that was flooded for hydro-electric power generation, according to activists citing expense and safety concerns.

Restore Pedder campaign co-ordinator Maddie McShane said dam strengthening works planned for Edgar Dam were a “missed opportunity” to prioritise a sustainable future, with the works slated to cost Tasmanian taxpayers more than $100 million.

“This is our rare chance to learn from past mistakes and right a historic wrong,” Ms McShane said.

Former Greens leader Christine Milne and Restore Pedder campaign coordinator Maddie McShane outside the executive building on 16 September 2024. Picture: Elise Kaine

Despite nationwide environmental protests against the plan, the flooding of Lake Pedder went ahead in 1972.

Opposition to the damming led to the creation of the first environmental political party, the United Tasmania Group, who formed after the unsuccessful campaign. Notable members included Bob Brown, who went on to lead the Tasmanian and then Australian Greens.

Ms McShane said the power the dam contributes to the grid would be “easily” replaceable.

The group is holding a “week of action” to lobby both state and federal governments against the planned strengthening works after federal environment minister Tanya Plibersek approved the development plans as uncontrolled actions under federal environment laws.

Ms McShane called on the governments to consider the alternative to the dam strengthening works, which she said would sink the chances of restoring the iconic glacial outwash lake- the groups main goal.

Lake Pedder, Tasmania. Escape Sat Mag Photo – iStock

“Tasmanians deserve a fair and transparent process that examines all options before such drastic and irreversible actions are taken,” she said.

At the heart of the week of action is an open letter to the government signed by 12 Tasmanian organisations.

The letter argues that the project obstructs restoration efforts, threatens World Heritage values, wastes public expenditure, and fails to address public safety concerns arising from the “high risk” dams built on the Edgar fault line.

The group is also planning a paddle out and a movie night with guest speakers at State Cinema on Thursday, January 30.

For event details and to RSVP, visit lakepedder.org or follow the campaign on social media.

Originally published as Activists call for alternative to dam strengthening plans with a week of action