Gordon Dam in remote southwest Tasmania celebrates 50 years

Its adjacent power station provides around 13 per cent of Tasmania’s power and holds the honour of Australia’s largest arch dam. Now, a ‘visionary project’ is celebrating 50 years.

The construction of the Gordon Dam in the early 70s. Picture: Supplied.

Australia’s largest arch dam has reached its 50-year milestone.

The last bit of concrete was poured at the Gordon Dam, in Tasmania’s remote southwest, on November 25, 1974, after almost three years of construction.

Hydro Tasmania Acting CEO Erin van Maanen said the dam — which stands 140m tall and contains 154,000 cubic metres of concrete – was a feat of engineering and innovation.

“Today, we honour the people who brought this visionary project to life,” Ms van Maanen said of the Gordon Dam’s 50th year.

The construction of the Gordon Dam in the early 70s. Picture: Supplied.

“Their legacy is the renewable energy that powers the lives of Tasmanians and underpins our economy.”

The Gordon Power Station is estimated to generate around 13 per cent of Tasmania’s electricity.

“These are multi-seasonal storages; we can build them up and access water over years,” Ms van Maanen said.

“They play a very important role in Tasmania’s hydropower system and are critical to meeting the growing demand for energy in Tasmania and providing energy security during dry periods.”

Phil Reed was the crane dogman who directed the operator who poured both the first and last buckets of concrete during the construction of the Gordon Dam.

The construction of the Gordon Dam in the early 70s. Picture: Supplied.

“It was fantastic watching that last bucket be poured at Gordon,” Mr Reed said.

“Everyone had worked so hard for so long – we’d been pouring concrete for almost three years.”

Hundreds of workers contributed to building Gordon Dam, with a town – Strathgordon Village – constructed for workers and their families. At its peak there were 2000 residents in the village which had a shopping centre, church, butcher, baker and a heated swimming pool.