Lake Rosebery will partially reopen to the public today after being closed for over a month due to a major oil spill.
The opening comes just in time for the ‘Day on the Lake’ event at Tullah Lakeside Lodge.
As of midnight, Marine and Safety Tasmania lifted restrictions across most of the lake, though Mackintosh Gorge and Henry Bay Boat Ramp remain off-limits to complete clean-up efforts.
Hydro Tasmania’s Head of Major Works Justin Vandervelde described the reopening as the result of an “enormous” multi-agency effort.
“You can still see some impacts from the oil, like dark rings on vegetation, but for the most part it’s looking really good,” he said.
“In the unlikely event that you do see oil on the water, please avoid the area.”
The Department of Health says swimming and boating is allowed once again in reopened areas, but advises avoiding oil sheens and washing any oil off skin with soap and cold water.
They also warned people to keep away from the booms separating oil from clean zones.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) said fish sampling and testing are underway to determine if they’re safe to eat.
“In the meantime, the public are advised not to eat fish or eels from Lake Rosebery,” a spokesperson said.
“The EPA investigation into the circumstances of the oil spill is ongoing with the outcome to be advised in due course.”
Next week, Hydro Tasmania will raise the lake level and operate Mackintosh Power Station, using water flow to trap remaining oil with booms.
