# Rowallan Dam

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Dam and power station in north-western Tasmania

Dam in Northern Tasmania

Rowallan Dam Interactive map of Rowallan Dam Country Australia Location Northern Tasmania Coordinates 41°43′51″S 146°12′55″E / 41.73081°S 146.215357°E / -41.73081; 146.215357 Purpose Power Status Operational Construction began 1963 Opening date 1967 Owner Hydro Tasmania Dam and spillways Type of dam Rock-fill dam Impounds Mersey River Height 43 m (141 ft) Length 579 m (1,900 ft) Dam volume 497×10^3 m3 (17.6×10^6 cu ft) Spillways 1 Spillway type Uncontrolled Spillway capacity 665 m3/s (23,500 cu ft/s) Reservoir Creates Lake Rowallan Total capacity 130.49 GL (105,790 acre⋅ft) Active capacity 121 GL (98,000 acre⋅ft) Catchment area 345 km2 (133 sq mi) Surface area 886 ha (2,190 acres) Normal elevation 480 m (1,570 ft) AHD Rowallan Power Station Operator Hydro Tasmania Commission date 1968 Type Run-of-the-river Hydraulic head 49 m (161 ft) Turbines 1 x 10.5 MW (14,100 hp) (Maier Francis-type) Installed capacity 10.5 MW (14,100 hp) Capacity factor 0.95 Annual generation 45 GWh (160 TJ) Website hydro.com.au [1]

The **Rowallan Dam** is an earthen-faced rockfill [embankment dam](/source/Embankment_dam) across the [Mersey River](/source/Mersey_River_(Tasmania)), located 25 kilometres (16 mi) south of [Liena](/source/Liena), in the [northern](/source/North_West_Tasmania) region of [Tasmania](/source/Tasmania), Australia. Completed in 1967, the resultant [reservoir](/source/Reservoir), Lake Rowallan, was established for the purpose of generating [hydro-electric power](/source/Hydro-electricity) via the **Rowallan Power Station**, a [run-of-the-river](/source/Run-of-the-river_hydroelectricity) hydroelectric [power station](/source/Power_station).

The dam, its reservoir, and the power station are owned and operated by [Hydro Tasmania](/source/Hydro_Tasmania).

## Dam and reservoir overview

The Rowallan Dam comprises two earth and [rockfill](/source/Rock-filled_dam) embankments either side of a free overflow reinforced concrete [spillway](/source/Spillway). The dam wall is 43 metres (141 ft) high and 579 metres (1,900 ft) long. When full, Lake Rowallan has capacity of 130.49 [gigalitres](/source/Gigalitre) (105,790 [acre⋅ft](/source/Acre-foot)) and covers 886 hectares (2,190 acres), drawn from a [catchment area](/source/Drainage_basin) of 345 square kilometres (133 sq mi). The single [uncontrolled](/source/Spillway#Types) spillway is capable of discharging 665 cubic metres per second (23,500 cu ft/s).[1]

In 2010, it was reported that the embankment was leaking;[2][3] and in 2013, that the dam wall was moving.[4] Repairs to stabilise the spillway were completed during 2012 and 2013;[5] and rebuilding of the top seven metres (twenty-three feet) of the embankment occurred during 2015.[6][7][8]

### Reservoir

The associated **Lake Rowallan** is 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) long with a surface area of 9 square kilometres (3.5 sq mi), is 488 metres (1,601 ft) [AHD](/source/Australian_Height_Datum) and is bordered by Clumner Bluff and Howells Bluff.[9] The reservoir is managed by the Tasmanian Inland Fisheries Service as a trout fishery; and is stocked with both [brown](/source/Brown_trout) and [rainbow trout](/source/Rainbow_trout); there are also native [Climbing galaxias](/source/Climbing_galaxias), [Spotted galaxias](/source/Spotted_galaxias) and [River blackfish](/source/River_blackfish).[10] Lake Rowallan is also the starting point for walks into nearby highland areas including the [Walls of Jerusalem National Park](/source/Walls_of_Jerusalem_National_Park).[11]

## Hydroelectric power station

The Rowallan Power Station is part of the [Mersey](/source/Mersey_River_(Tasmania))–[Forth](/source/Forth_River_(Tasmania)) scheme that comprises seven [run-of-the-river](/source/Run-of-the-river_hydroelectricity) hydroelectric power stations and one [mini-hydro](/source/Mini-hydro) power station. The first station in the scheme, the Rowallan Power Station is located in the river's upper reaches, approximately 200 metres (660 ft) downstream of Rowallan Dam, which forms Lake Rowallan. The dam is one of the two main headwater storages in the Mersey—Forth scheme and assists in regulating the water supply to four downstream power stations.[12]

The power station was commissioned in 1971 by the [Hydro Electric Corporation (TAS)](/source/Hydro_Tasmania) and the station has one Maier [Francis-type](/source/Francis_turbine) [turbine](/source/Water_turbine), with a generating capacity of 10.5 megawatts (14,100 hp). The station output, estimated to be 45 [gigawatt-hours](/source/Kilowatt-hour) (160 [TJ](/source/Terajoule)) annually,[1] is fed to [TasNetworks](/source/TasNetworks)' transmission grid via a 22 k[V](/source/Voltage)/110 kV transmission line to the switchyard transformer.[13] Following use in the power station, water is returned to Lake Parangana.

An upgrade of the power station occurred during 2023 and 2024.[14] Between 2021 and 2024, Hydro Tasmania was granted an exploration licence to assess the possibility of installing a [pumped-storage](/source/Pumped-storage_hydroelectricity) plant near the existing conventional power station. The pumped-storage project did not proceed.[15]

## Etymology

The dam, power station, and lake are named in honour of [Thomas Corbett, 2nd Baron Rowallan](/source/Thomas_Corbett%2C_2nd_Baron_Rowallan), the former [Governor of Tasmania](/source/Governor_of_Tasmania).[9]

## See also

- [Renewable energy portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Renewable_energy)
- [Australia portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Australia)
- [Water portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Water)

- [List of power stations in Tasmania](/source/List_of_power_stations_in_Tasmania)

- [List of reservoirs and dams in Australia § Tasmania](/source/List_of_reservoirs_and_dams_in_Australia#Tasmania)

- [List of lakes of Australia § Tasmania](/source/List_of_lakes_of_Australia#Tasmania)

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ANCOLD_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ANCOLD_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-ANCOLD_1-2) ["Register of Large Dams Australia-2015"](https://ancold.org.au/information-resources/dams-information/) ([Excel](/source/Microsoft_Excel). Requires download. Row 434). *[ANCOLD](/source/ANCOLD)*. January 2022. Retrieved 5 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-TT_2-0)** Ricketts, Andrew (21 March 2010). ["Rowallan Dam fears: Is it being kept secret?"](https://tasmaniantimes.com/2010/03/rowallan-dam-fears-is-it-being-kept-secret/). *[Tasmanian Times](/source/Tasmanian_Times)*. Retrieved 30 April 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["The Hydro after 100 Years"](https://web.archive.org/web/20220821083524/https://engineersaustralia.org.au/sites/default/files/2022-06/eha-magazine-v1-6.pdf) (PDF). *[EHA Magazine](/source/EHA_Magazine)*. March 2015. p. 19. Archived from [the original](https://engineersaustralia.org.au/sites/default/files/2022-06/eha-magazine-v1-6.pdf) (PDF) on 21 August 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Bryan, Selina (24 April 2013). ["Moving walls prompt remedial work"](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-04-24/moving-dam-walls-prompt-remedial-work/4650022). *[ABC News](/source/ABC_News_(Australia))*. Australia. Retrieved 30 April 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Daws, Brian (3 October 2013). ["TAS – Rowallan Dam"](https://ancold.org.au/tas-rowallan-dam/). *[ANCOLD](/source/ANCOLD)*. Retrieved 30 April 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Topham, Chris (30 June 2015). ["TAS – ANCOLD Study Tour to Rowallan Dam"](https://ancold.org.au/tas-ancold-study-tour-to-rowallan-dam-2/). *[ANCOLD](/source/ANCOLD)*. Retrieved 30 April 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Rowallan Dam receives upgrade"](https://portal.engineersaustralia.org.au/news/rowallan-dam-receives-upgrade). *[Engineers Australia](/source/Engineers_Australia)*. 20 May 2015. Retrieved 30 April 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** McIntyre, Damian (17 April 2015). ["Rowallan dam to last another 150 years after multi-million-dollar upgrade"](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-17/rowellan-dam-to-last-another-150-years-after-upgrade/6398454). *[ABC News](/source/ABC_News_(Australia))*. Australia. Retrieved 30 April 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-TasEA_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-TasEA_9-1) ["2006 Legislative Council elections—dates announced"](http://www.electoral.tas.gov.au/pages/Media/PDF/LC/06LCDates.pdf) (PDF) (Press release). Tasmanian Electoral Commission. 23 March 2006. Retrieved 3 July 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Lake Rowallan"](https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/fisheries/waters-a-z/lake-rowallan/). *Inland Fisheries Service*. [Tasmanian Government](/source/Tasmanian_Government). n.d. Retrieved 30 April 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Lake Rowallan - Devonport & Cradle Mountain Natural Attractions"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110707075116/http://www.about-australia.com/travel-guides/tasmania/devonport-cradle-mountain/attractions/natural/lake-rowallan/). Archived from [the original](http://www.about-australia.com/travel-guides/tasmania/devonport-cradle-mountain/attractions/natural/lake-rowallan/) on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 26 February 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Mersey - Forth"](http://www.hydro.com.au/energy/our-power-stations/mersey-forth). *Energy*. [Hydro Tasmania](/source/Hydro_Tasmania). Retrieved 3 July 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Rowallan Power Station: Technical fact sheet"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120324114536/http://www.hydro.com.au/system/files/attachments/Rowallan_Power_Station-Fact-Sheets.pdf) (PDF). *Mersey-Forth Catchment*. [Hydro Tasmania](/source/Hydro_Tasmania). Archived from [the original](http://www.hydro.com.au/system/files/attachments/Rowallan_Power_Station-Fact-Sheets.pdf) (PDF) on 24 March 2012. Retrieved 3 July 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Upgrading Rowallan Power Station: a testament to teamwork and innovation"](https://www.hydro.com.au/articles/energy-industry/upgrading-rowallan-power-station-testament-teamwork-and-innovation) (Press release). [Hydro Tasmania](/source/Hydro_Tasmania). 24 November 2024. Retrieved 30 April 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["EL14/2019 Rowallan Exploration Licence– Final Report"](https://www.mrt.tas.gov.au/mrtdoc/tasxplor/download/23_8805/EL14-2019_Rowallan_Final_report_2023.pdf) (PDF). *[Hydro Tasmania](/source/Hydro_Tasmania)*. 10 August 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2026 – via Mineral Resources Tasmania.

## External links

- ["Our power stations: Mersey-Forth"](https://www.hydro.com.au/our-energy-system/our-power-stations/mersey-forth). *[Hydro Tasmania](/source/Hydro_Tasmania)*. Retrieved 30 April 2026.

- ["Mersey-Forth Water Management Review: Program Commitments"](https://www.hydro.com.au/sites/default/files/2026-02/mersey-forth_commitments_poster.pdf) (schematic). *[Hydro Tasmania](/source/Hydro_Tasmania)*. n.d. Retrieved 30 April 2026.

v t e Dams and reservoirs in Tasmania, Australia Central Highlands Arthurs Lake Catagunya Clark Cluny Lake Binney Lake Echo Liapootah Meadowbank Miena Pine Tier Repulse Wayatinah King Island Upper Grassy North East Briseis Cascade Clarence Curries River Duck Reach Weir Frome Monarch Mount Paris North West Guide River Henty Pet River White Spur Northern Augusta Cethana Devils Gate Ford Mackenzie Meander Paloona Parangana Rowallan Taylor No. 3 Trevally Wilmot South Craigbourne Flagstaff Gully Hall No. 2 Knights Creek Limekiln Gully Lower Reservoir Ridgeway Rileys Creek Risdon Brook Stanton South West Edgar Gordon Laughing Jack Scotts Peak Serpentine Western Anthony and levee Bastyan and levee Crotty Darwin Mackintosh Tullabardine Margaret Murchison Newton Reece Decommissioned Tolosa Park Category | List

v t e Energy in Tasmania Hydroelectric Derwent Butlers Gorge Catagunya Cluny Lake Echo Liapootah Meadowbank Nieterana Repulse Tarraleah Tungatinah Wayatinah Gordon-Pedder Gordon Franklin Dam controversy Mersey-Forth Cethana Devils Gate Fisher Lemonthyme Paloona Parangana Rowallan Wilmot West Coast King John Butters Lake Margaret Pieman / Anthony Bastyan Mackintosh Reece Tribute Yingina / Great Lake Poatina Tods Corner Trevallyn Others Huntsman Decommissioned Duck Reach Moorina Waddamana Waddamana B Wind farms Granville Harbour Musselroe Woolnorth Cattle Hill Huxley Hill (King Island) Natural gas Tamar Valley Decommissioned Bell Bay Organisations Alinta Aurora Powerco Hydro Tasmania Roaring 40s TasNetworks Former Transend Networks Interconnectors Basslink Planned Marinus Link Other Office of the Tasmanian Economic Regulator 2016 Tasmanian energy crisis List of power stations in Tasmania

v t e Lakes and other bodies of water in Tasmania, Australia Coastal lagoons and lakes Bronte Dulverton Jocks Orielton Little Waterhouse Freshwater Beatrice Dora Flannigan Meston St Clair Flooded Arthurs Brady Chain Binney Bradys Bronte Dee Echo Pine Tier Tungatinah Great King William Pedder Edgar Glacial Dove Selina Westwood Salt Fidler (Meromictic) Man-made reservoirs Barrington Burbury Catagunya Cethana Craigbourne Gairdner Gordon Henty Huntsman Liapootah Mackenzie Mackintosh Margaret Meadowbank Murchison Paloona Parangana Pieman Plimsoll Repulse Rowallan Rosebery Trevallyn Wayatinah Lakes portal

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Rowallan Dam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rowallan_Dam) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rowallan_Dam?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.