Eight heritage dams in Tasmania and some federal/state issues

One outcome of the Heritage Dams Project was the nomination of eight Tasmanian dams for listing on the Register of the National Estate. The Institution of Engineers, Australia has now recognised these dams by awarding two of them National Engineering Landmarks and the other six Historic Engineering Markers in 2001. This paper describes each dam and its heritage attributes. Part of the heritage significance of two dams arises from the heated controversy over the flooding of Lake Pedder in 1972 and the resulting increase in Commonwealth powers over the States when the World Heritage Convention was ratified in 1974.