The majority of the $35m investment in Hydro Tasmania’s Edgar Dam upgrade will be returned to the Tasmanian economy, thanks to the use of local contractors and suppliers. 

Over 90% of the project budget is being spent on services from businesses located in Tasmania, with the upgrade well underway and expected to be completed in the second half of 2026. 

The project is being carried out in partnership with Hydro Tasmania’s consulting arm Entura, with Tasmanian civil construction company Hall Earthmoving contracted to carry out the majority of the upgrade works. 

Around 20 local businesses are also involved in the project, covering a wide range of services including earthworks, vegetation management, building materials, environmental services, civil construction and trades. 

Hydro Tasmania’s project director for the Edgar Dam upgrade, Aaron McCreath, said the use of local contractors and suppliers had employed about 60 Tasmanians either part-time or fulltime.  

“We’re incredibly proud that so much of our investment in Edgar Dam has been returned to Tasmanian businesses,” said Mr McCreath. 

“To be able to complete an upgrade of this size with local businesses is a testament to the incredible talent we have here in Tasmania.” 

“Our commitment to support local businesses is also consistent with the Tasmanian Government’s Buy Local Policy.” 

Duggans, a third-generation Tasmanian family business based in the Huon Valley, provided the concrete casting for the dam’s wave wall, which is made up of 178 2.5-metre-high sections. 

The wave wall will provide additional protection from waves that could occur during a large seismic event. 

Duggans’ project manager for the Edgar upgrade, Patrick Duggan, said the team recently completed the final pour.  

“Since we started in May, we’ve poured two wave walls every day – rain, hail or snow we have not missed a single pour,” said Mr Duggan. 

Patrick’s grandfather Harry Duggan founded the business in 1927 when he purchased his first truck for building the local roadways. 

“We’ve been working with the Hydro for many years, from back when the dams at Strathgordon were being built.” 

Mr Duggan said the business had a dynamic team working on the project, including a couple of their own Duggan family members. 

“All of us Duggans and many others that work here tend to go above and beyond to get the job done,” said Mr Duggan. 

“That’s how our grandad wanted us to work, as a team – together everyone achieves more.”