What happened to Lake Pedder?
Lake Pedder, in southwest Tasmania, was a famous glacial lake with a wide pink quartzite beach. In 1972, it was flooded to create a much larger reservoir for a hydroelectric scheme, despite strong public protest.
The original Lake Pedder was small, with a beach so broad and flat that light aircraft could land on it. It was surrounded by mountains and was considered one of Tasmania's most beautiful places.
The Hydro-Electric Commission of Tasmania built dams to create a much larger lake as part of the Gordon River power development. The flooding raised the water level and submerged the original lake and beach.
A turning point for conservation
The campaign to save Lake Pedder led to the formation of the United Tasmania Group in 1972, regarded as one of the world's first green political parties.
Although the campaign failed, it inspired the later successful fight to stop the Franklin River dam in the early 1980s.
Some groups continue to campaign to drain the reservoir and restore the original lake, and studies suggest much of the old beach survives under the water. Today, the flooded Lake Pedder is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area region and is used for fishing and boating.