Bradys Lake survey reveals new information

Bradys Lake in Tasmania's Central Plateau was created in the 1950s with the construction of Bradys Dam. In creating this new hydro storage, a large expanse of marsh was inundated. This site would have been an important hunting ground for Aboriginal people and the intersection point for three major roads through Big River Country.

In the next 2 - 4 years, Bradys Dam needs upgrading and this work will mean the water level is lowered and areas around the dam will be disturbed and potentially altered. In preparation, an Aboriginal Heritage Survey was completed in early 2024 while the lake was drawn down.

Bradys Lake drawn down to normal minimum operating level (NMOL), revealing what used to be marshland

A mature stand of gum-top stringy barks behind Bradys Dam

A small artefact scatter was discovered on a ridge on the south side of the valley, along with a mature stand of gum-top stringy bark trees that the Aboriginal Heritage Officer called out as being part of the traditional cultural landscape. Five artefact sites were also recorded on the main ridge line leading towards the original marsh.

These sites will be protected during works, with some subject to a permit to re-inundate once works are completed and lake levels can be raised.