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Entura contributes specialist surveying and mechanical expertise to successful replacement of heritage hydropower infrastructure

11 August, 2026

Entura is proud to have supported Hydro Tasmania to complete a major infrastructure upgrade at St Clair Lagoon in Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area, replacing 8 radial gates that have helped manage water flows in the Derwent catchment since the early 1930s.

Making the $1.9m project particularly complex was its remote and sensitive location at a lagoon off the deepest lake in Australia in the heart of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

The gates are manually operated and are important for regulating lake levels and controlling the release of water downstream. They’re also a valued part of Tasmania’s hydropower heritage.

Entura carried out precision surveys of the original gates and associated structures using state-of-the-art equipment. This highly accurate spatial data enabled Entura’s mechanical engineers to assess the original structures and identify opportunities for optimising the replacement gates.

The replacement gates, which each weigh almost 3.5 t and measure around 5 x 3 m, were carefully designed to match the originals in appearance, dimensions and operation to preserve their heritage value, but with modern engineering improvements.

Entura undertook detailed computer modelling and analysis, which revealed where strengthening was needed. Our engineers then provided advice to build greater structural strength into the designs and improve the gates’ side seals.

Modern offsite fabrication allowed much stronger, single‑section components in areas that experience greater stresses.

Hydro Tasmania worked closely with Tasmanian contractor Crisp Bros & Haywards and a network of local subcontractors to install the new gates in challenging weather conditions and with strong environmental safeguards.

The hoist mechanisms have also been overhauled, and a lubrication system has been installed for the moving parts.

“Entura is always proud to contribute our specialist expertise to support our Hydro Tasmania colleagues with important, complex projects such as this,” said Wayne Tucker, Entura’s General Manager.

The replacement of the gates will ensure the historic structure continues operating reliably for decades to come.