As announced in April, the Lake Pedder Chalet at Strathgordon will be closed to the public from 1 July 2009.

Visitors will continue to be welcomed to the area and Hydro Tasmania is providing limited services. The business will continue to use the complex for staff and contractors working in the region and there will be a permanent staffing presence at the site.

Hydro Tasmania spokesperson, Ralph Jackson, said that while meals and accommodation will no longer be provided to the public, visitor information will be maintained in the area along with other services.

“The southwest is an exceptional area for visitors who are looking for a wilderness experience and want to see Lake Pedder and the engineering feat that is the Gordon Dam.

“We will continue to operate the visitor information centre at the chalet along with maintaining interpretive signage at significant locations in the area. Visitors will also have access to a public phone and petrol for emergency situations.”

Hydro Tasmania has also put in place a Good Samaritan procedure to look after staff and visitors who may become stranded due to adverse weather conditions.

The decision to close the chalet was a result of significant operational losses due to low occupancy levels despite significant efforts over the years to increase visitor numbers.

Hydro Tasmania has advised its staff, contractors, tourism providers and fishing groups of the decision to change the operation of the chalet. 

Discussions have also been held with the organisers of the Back to Lake Pedder fishing competition to ensure a successful event in January.

Information on changes to the operations of the chalet can be found at www.hydro.com.au .

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