Tasmanian Irrigation is proud to announce the successful completion of the Lake Leake Dam Safety Upgrade. This project has extended the life of the historic dam by an additional 100 years, securing its legacy as a critical water supply asset for the State.

Originally constructed in 1883 for £12,370, the Lake Leake Dam was one of Australia’s largest man-made dams at the time. Over the past 140 years, it has played an important role in sustaining the communities and farmlands of the eastern Midlands.

Tasmanian Irrigation’s General Manager of Project Development and Delivery, Jacob Gerke, said the upgrade has given the dam renewed structural integrity.

“That will ensure a reliable supply of town water for Campbell Town and Ross and irrigation water for the Elizabeth Macquarie Irrigation Trust, which is vital to the region’s agricultural productivity,” he said.

“The dam also provides recreational facilities for fishers, tourists, and shack owners and sustains environmental ecosystems both within the reservoir and downstream.

“The investment in upgrading the dam to contemporary standards underscores our commitment to ensuring safety, and sustainable water supply for our communities, farmers, and local industries.

“By extending the life of this iconic dam, we are safeguarding not only the water needs of today but ensuring that future generations will continue to benefit. This project demonstrates how revitalising existing infrastructure can deliver long-term value and sustainable water security for an entire region.”

This project included upgrades to the spillway and outlet works, stabilisation of the wing wall, and installation of advanced telemetry, power, instrumentation, and CCTV systems which were essential to bring the dam into compliance with modern dam safety standards.

During the course of the upgrade, the project team came up with innovative design solutions, including the use of shotcrete for spillway upgrades, that ensured the full scope of work could be delivered while staying within budget.

The Tasmanian and Australian Governments each provided $1.5 million in funding to extend the useful life of the dam.

Tasmanian Irrigation would like to thank our partners, Fulton Hogan and GHD, for their commitment to delivering a high-quality project. We would also like to extend special thanks to the Elizabeth Macquarie Irrigation Trust for working closely with us throughout the project.

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For more information, contact:
Samantha Meyer, Manager Stakeholder Relations and Communications
samantha.meyer@tasirrigation.com.au 0438 210 468

About Tasmanian Irrigation
Tasmanian Irrigation exists to secure Tasmania’s agricultural prosperity and growth by ensuring access to water where and when it’s needed. We own, operate, design and develop irrigation schemes to deliver high-surety irrigation water to Tasmanian landowners.
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