Hydro Tasmania has confirmed there was no damage to hydropower infrastructure following a 4.2 magnitude earthquake in Tasmania’s southwest this morning.
Executive General Manager of Assets and Infrastructure Jesse Clark said staff were on site within 15 minutes of being notified.
“We have extensive seismic monitoring. This is a standard part of our dam safety procedures,” Clark said. “Our infrastructure is designed to withstand earthquakes of this magnitude.
“We’ll continue to inspect and monitor over the coming days.”
Clark added there were no safety concerns for residents in the Huon Valley relating to Edgar Dam, which is currently being upgraded. The earthquake occurred more than 30km from the dam.
“Edgar Dam as it currently stands can withstand major earthquakes up to 6.8 magnitude along the Lake Edgar fault line,” Clark said. “This earthquake was well below that and was not on the fault line. The upgrade will strengthen the dam even further.”
Built in 1972, Edgar Dam is part of the Gordon-Pedder hydropower scheme, which contributes up to 13% of Tasmania’s electricity. The dam is undergoing a major upgrade to increase resilience in the event of a significant earthquake. The project is scheduled for completion in mid-2026. Hydro Tasmania said the earthquake has not affected the works. Inspections and monitoring will continue in the coming days.
