Quarry Choice

We recently confirmed that the bulk of hard dolerite materials needed to build the new rock buttresses can be sourced from Halls Quarry, just outside of Maydena. Selecting this nearby quarry is a great outcome as it significantly reduces truck traffic through community centres and reduces the project’s overall carbon footprint. We’ll need to continue to bring a smaller amount of specialised materials from Boral Quarry in Bridgewater.

In finalising our quarry choice, potential environmental impacts were a key consideration and our decision was informed by desktop, field and LIDAR surveys.

Washdown Facility

Robust environmental controls are an important feature in all our projects and were a particular focus in this case, given Edgar Dam’s location within Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

To stop the spread of weeds and Phytophthora, we will install (subject to final approvals and consent) a permanent biosecurity washdown station at the junction of Scotts Peak Road. The preliminary design for this facility has been finalised and will be included in the upcoming submission for assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999. This facility will be made available to other organisations working in the TWWHA, including Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) and Tasmanian Fire Service, providing an ongoing, positive impact on management of this unique area.

Upgrading critical infrastructure

In consultation with PWS, we plan to upgrade (subject to final approvals and consent) the original Hydro-Electric Corporation canteen and mess-hall which was built in the 1960s and now sits within the PWS operations base on Scotts Peak Road. It will be great to see a piece of Tasmania’s history restored and project staff will be glad to have kitchen facilities and sheltered lounge areas to enjoy during works. In the longer-term, it will provide a hub for workers accessing the south-west region, including track builders, maintenance crews and emergency services.