Nearly a century after construction, the heritage-rich Tarraleah Estate will again be a bustling workers’ village, housing Hydro Tasmania employees working on the iconic Tarraleah hydropower scheme.
Hydro Tasmania is purchasing the site to support the Battery of the Nation workforce and plans for a redevelopment to boost the scheme’s capacity and generate around 30% more energy.
Related article: First stage of Tarraleah upgrade in full swing at Hydro Tas
The village was built in the 1930s to house workers constructing the original Tarraleah Power Station, and then for decades was an operational centre for Hydro Tasmania, home to the people and families of the civil maintenance branch and power branch. In recent years, the picturesque Central Highlands village has operated as a privately-owned commercial tourism venture.
“Tarraleah Village is an important piece of Tasmania’s hydropower history and now it will be part of its hydropower future,” Hydro Tasmania CEO Ian Brooksbank said.
“Providing high-quality accommodation and living amenities will help us retain and attract the workers we need, which can be challenging in remote locations.”
The 97ha Tarraleah Village has undergone significant renovations in recent years. It currently accommodates up to 100 people, with amenities including a hall, restaurant, café, and recreational facilities. The site also has cleared land for establishing maintenance, storage, and handling facilities to support the future workforce.
Brooksbank said the Tarraleah Village will continue to offer accommodation facilities to the travelling public until its full capacity is needed for the construction workforce. The $11.2 million purchase is currently in the settlement period.
Related article: Tarraleah hydro scheme upgrade powers ahead
Important upgrades to the Tarraleah scheme are already underway, involving around 100 full-time roles. Hydro Tasmania is assessing the commercial viability of redeveloping the Tarraleah scheme, with a final investment decision expected in mid-2024. If the full redevelopment does not go ahead, the village will be used to house workers carrying out necessary refurbishment works on the scheme.
Tarraleah Village will be managed as part of Hydro Tasmania’s portfolio of remote accommodation, which includes Pedder Wilderness Lodge, and accommodation, restaurant, and bar at Wayatinah.
