Lake Mackenzie - Get involved with the 2026 Community Day!

In the upper Central Plateau sits present-day Lake Mackenzie, an operational hydro-electric lake that forms part of the Mersey Forth hydroelectric scheme. It lies atop the smaller, original Lake Mackenzie and two alpine lagoons that was were inundated when the scheme was built in the 1970’s.

Over the years, seasonal water level fluctuations, drainage and frost heave have caused erosion, leaving stone artefacts and ancient land surfaces exposed and at risk of further degradation. This includes alpine lunettes (inland sand dunes) and depositional sand sheets which form part of a larger Aboriginal cultural landscape.

In 2020, we started monitoring erosion, collecting spatial, ecological and archaeological data and engaging Aboriginal community members and ecological practitioners on potential solutions. In collaboration with Aboriginal Heritage Officer Caleb Pedder and alpine ecologist Anita Wild (Wild Ecology), a rehabilitation plan was supported by the Aboriginal Heritage Council. We worked with Pakana Services to repurpose tea-trees from nearby land that was cleared as part of preliminary works for the proposed Cethana Pumped Hydro Project. In March 2025, the whole team returned to site and used the tea-tree slash to build erosion control fencing and gather up the displaced artefacts for reburial.

🎥Watch the short videos below to learn more!

Get involved!

In 2026 we'll be back on site - the Aboriginal community will continue to play an important role in monitoring and maintaining the rehabilitation works and protecting the site’s cultural values for the future. A community day is also planned (likely March).

If you'd like to know more about the project or are interested in being involved, email Cultural.Heritage@hydro.com.au or Environment@hydro.com.au