A joint release of the West Coast Council and Cradle Coast Authority
MEDIA RELEASE
23 August 2011
Lake Margaret tourism opportunities to be explored
The tourism potential of the Lake Margaret power station precinct is to be explored by Cradle Coast Authority Tourism, the West Coast Council, and Hydro Tasmania using a $235,000 grant from the Tasmanian Government. The Lake Margaret precinct tourism study will initially focus on improvements to enable safe access to the site; delivering site interpretation including the relationship between the power station and the Mt Lyell mine; identifying a tour itinerary and tour operator for the precinct; and an assessment of potential educational activities and educational group infrastructure requirements. Longer term deliverables include village redevelopment, promotional brochures and websites, and a product development plan. The historic precinct dates from 1914 and includes a re‐commissioned and operational power station, a wood‐stave pipe and an abandoned yet intact village surrounded by West Coast wilderness. Rare power generating equipment is also a feature of the site. The precinct played an integral role in the development of nearby Queenstown and the Mt Lyell and Railway Company mines. West Coast Council Mayor, Darryl Gerrity, said that the community’s access to the area for recreational use was a key consideration in any redevelopment and that the strong working relationship with Hydro Tasmania was integral to realising the area’s tourism potential. “This project offers a unique opportunity to showcase the West Coast pioneering spirit and develop an iconic tourism and educational experience within the rugged west coast wilderness,” Mayor Gerrity said. A steering committee comprised of representatives from the West Coast Council, Cradle Coast Authority, Hydro Tasmania, Tourism Tasmania and the community will be responsible for overseeing the project and providing quarterly reports to the State Government. The Lake Margaret tourism project is to be completed by 30 June 2012. End…
History of Lake Margaret power station precinct 1914 – Power station constructed to supply power to the Queenstown mines. Operated continuously as a privately owned power scheme until 1985. 1918 – Village facilities completed 1933 – Construction of the lower station 1985 – Purchased by Hydro Tasmania and leased back to Mt Lyell Mining Company 1995 – Lower station decommissioned; most village buildings shutdown. Upper power station continues to operate 2006 – Upper station closed 2008 – Hydro Tasmania Board approve redevelopment of the upper station 2009 – Redeveloped, larger upper station opened 2010 – Mini hydro plant installed and 1.9km woodstave pipeline completed to service Copper Mines of Tasmania. Media enquiries: Media contacts for interview: Amanda Wilson ‐ Ph: 6431 6285 Darryl Gerrity – Ph: 0418 331 349 Communications Manager, Mayor, West Coast Council Cradle Coast Authority Ian Waller ‐ Ph: 0419 372 400 Regional Tourism Development Manager, Cradle Coast Authority Pat Garnham – Ph: 03 6230 5330 Marketing Coordinator, Hydro Tasmania