The story of Gordon Dam begins in the 1960s, a time when Tasmania was on the brink of significant transformation, with the demand for electricity rising. Since its completion in 1974, Gordon Dam has not only been a marvel of engineering but also a cornerstone of Tasmania’s commitment to clean, renewable energy. 

“We honour the people who brought this visionary project to life. Their legacy is the renewable energy that powers the lives of Tasmanians and underpins our economy."

Standing tall at 140 meters high, the dam is one of the tallest dams in Australia. Its construction involved thousands of workers and innovating engineering techniques that have made Gordon Dam an essential part of our energy portfolio.

The standout feature of the dam is this double curved design wall, which allows the even distribution of the pressure exerted by the water it holds back!

Current and previous Hydro Tasmania workforce celebrating Gordon Dam's 50th Anniversary!

Brett Brady, Maintenance Assistance for the Gordon Scheme, has the daunting task of inspecting Gordon Dam twice a week. "It shows the strength and foresight of the people who thought of it, built it and provide it to the Tasmanian public and economy," said Brett.

Read more from Bret, affectionately known as the Mayor of Strathgordon

As we celebrate the anniversary of Gordon Dam’s completion, we also look forward to the future of clean energy in Tasmania. The Gordon Dam is a testament to the potential of hydroelectric power, which remains a vital component of our energy mix. Together, Lake Gordon and Lake Pedder make up Hydro Tasmania’s largest water storage and the largest in Australia! The Gordon Power Station generates around 13% of Tasmania’s electricity needs every year.

“We honour the people who brought this visionary project to life. Their legacy is the renewable energy that powers the lives of Tasmanians and underpins our economy,” said Erin van Maanen, Acting Hydro Tasmania CEO. 

“These are multi-seasonal storages, we can build them up and access water over years. 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."

The success of the Gordon Dam is not just measured in megawatts, but the people who made it happen. The project brought people together in extraordinary ways. At its peak, Strathgordon Village was home to 2,000 people, complete with a shopping centre, a church, a butcher, and a baker. And while it didn’t have a candlestick maker, it had everything else needed for a bustling community.