After an oil spill on 12 January 2025, Lake Rosebery has now partially reopened to the public – thanks to huge clean-up efforts from Hydro Tasmania, TasWater and the EPA.
On midnight Friday 21 February 2025, Marine and Safety Tasmania lifted restrictions on the lake, except for the Mackintosh Gorge and the Henry Bay Boat Ramp, which remain closed to allow the completion of clean-up activities.
Hydro Tasmania Head of Major Works, Justin Vandervelde, said it had been an enormous multi-agency effort to get to this point, but said people should maintain caution and follow advice from the Department of Health.
“People can use most of the lake for recreational use. You can still see some impacts from the oil, like dark rings on vegetation, but for the most part it’s looking really good,” Mr Vandervelde said.
“In the unlikely event that you do see oil on the water, please avoid the area.”
Water quality testing has shown treated water, sourced from Lake Rosebery at TasWater’s Tullah Water Treatment Plant, is safe to drink. However, TasWater will continue ongoing monitoring efforts.
Over the next week, Hydro Tasmania will raise the lake level and run Mackintosh Power Station, using the water flow to capture any remaining oil with booms on the lake. The utility said its focus over coming weeks will be on cleaning the Henry Bay Boat Ramp and pontoon.
“Thank you to all the people across multiple agencies who have participated in the clean-up response and to the local community for their patience,” Mr Vandervelde said.
“We’re so pleased we can re-open part of the lake ahead of the Day at the Lake event at Tullah Lakeside Lodge on Saturday.”
