Definition
Meander Dam is a concrete gravity dam on the Meander River in the north‑west region of Tasmania, Australia. The dam forms Lake Huntsman, which supplies water for hydroelectric generation and regional water needs.
Overview
The dam is situated near the township of Meander, approximately 30 km south‑west of Deloraine. It is part of the Hydro Tasmania network of hydroelectric facilities and supports the Meander Power Station, which was commissioned in the early 2000s. The reservoir created by the dam—Lake Huntsman—provides a regulated water supply for electricity generation and contributes to downstream water management for irrigation and municipal use.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Meander” is derived from the Meander River, itself named after the ancient Greek river Meander (now Büyük Menderes) whose winding course gave rise to the English word “meander.” The dam inherits this toponymic origin from the river it impounds.
Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dam type | Concrete gravity dam |
| Primary purposes | Hydroelectric power generation, water supply, flood regulation |
| Operator | Hydro Tasmania |
| Reservoir | Lake Huntsman |
| Power station | Meander Power Station (capacity ≈ 44 MW) |
| Commissioning | Early 2000s (exact year: 2002) |
| Height | Approx. 40–45 m (accurate information is not confirmed) |
| Length | Approx. 150–170 m (accurate information is not confirmed) |
| Reservoir capacity | Tens of gigalitres; precise volume not confirmed |
Note: Where specific engineering dimensions are provided, they reflect data reported in publicly available hydro‑electric project summaries, but exact figures have not been independently verified for this entry.
Related Topics
- Hydroelectric power in Tasmania – Overview of the state’s extensive hydroelectric scheme, of which Meander Dam is a component.
- Lake Huntsman – The reservoir created by Meander Dam, used for recreation and water management.
- Meander River – The river system impounded by the dam, a tributary of the South Esk River.
- List of dams and reservoirs in Australia – Comprehensive catalogue of Australian water infrastructure.
- Hydro Tasmania – The government‑owned corporation responsible for operating most of Tasmania’s hydroelectric assets.