In 1972 the original Lake Pedder was flooded to create an auxiliary Hydro storage impoundment, sparking national outcry and international criticism. Since the controversial flooding, there have been growing calls to restore the original Lake. Hence the present-day human-made Pedder Impoundment is contained within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) boundaries, with the intent of eventual restoration. That time has come.

2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal year in determining Lake Pedder’s future. A federal government decision will be made in the coming 12 to 18 months; to either set about planning the restoration of Lake Pedder or invest in massive high-risk dam works that will maintain the flooding of Pedder for another 40 to 50 years.

Two of the dams impounding Pedder, Edgar and Scotts Peak, are built on the Edgar fault line. An increasing understanding of seismicity in Australia means the high-risk dams require safety upgrades. At a cost to the public purse of well over $100m, the proposed works will lower the chances of dam failure in the event of an earthquake, but the dams will still be on the fault line.

There is a foolproof solution – remove the dams., dewater the Impoundment and restore the original iconic Lake Pedder, and the biodiverse-rich Serpentine Valley.

In 2024 a Federal EPBC referral will be required for the dam works to proceed. The Federal Environment Minister then has the power to initiate an investigation into the restoration of Lake Pedder – a more sensible long-term alternative to the dam works. This is also the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, and Australia is yet to nominate a flagship project. Lake Pedder is perfect! Almost immediately after dewatering the impoundment, the revered beach will again be visible. Imagine our Federal Environment Minister standing on that glorious, pink quartzite beach under the mighty Frankland Range. It’s possible.

The Restore Pedder crew has just produced a new, 30-minute film on the present Lake Pedder saga. It features Bob Brown, Tabatha Badger, Christine Milne, Prof. Jamie Kirkpatrick, Rima Truchanas, Dr Kevin Keirnan and more! Head to the website to view the film, find out more about the campaign and discover how you can be part of reviving this wilderness gem.

https://lakepedder.org/