Thank you for your attendance.
Although the press conference has concluded, we will keep this report updated with additional information as it becomes available.
Renee Anderson, the CEO of Tas Networks, stated that the recent power station outage has not affected any major industrial operations in the region.
Furthermore, there has been no need to import additional energy into Tasmania via Basslink following this incident.
Ms. Watson clarified that these facilities are operated remotely, stating, “While maintenance personnel do visit, the stations function independently without the need for constant onsite staff.”
In light of the Tungatinah loss, Hydro will activate its Tamar Valley Power Station, which operates on gas. “It has been partially operational over the last few weeks to help us manage the winter demand, and we anticipate it will be fully operational by the end of the week,” she added.
Ms. Watson expressed confidence in Hydro’s gas supply, noting that the arrangement is adequate to support the station throughout the winter months.
She emphasized the importance of Tungatinah in Tasmania’s energy framework, describing it as a “relatively significant station” that generates over 140 megawatts at full capacity, categorizing it as a mid-sized facility within a portfolio of 30 stations.
Deputy Chief Matt Lowe mentioned that it is still early in the investigation. “Our fire scene examiner is currently en route, and he will collaborate with detectives and forensic teams to ascertain the cause of the fire,” he explained.
Deputy Chief Lowe elaborated on the challenges faced by firefighting crews, who were unable to enter the building due to substantial electrical infrastructure risks. “We must ensure that power is disconnected before committing crews to any structure, which delayed our response,” he noted. He also highlighted safety concerns regarding water runoff from firefighting efforts.
Ms. Watson reassured that the state’s power system remains secure despite the incident. She mentioned that the damaged facility contributes just under 5 percent of Tasmania’s energy supply and expressed confidence in Hydro’s ability to maintain reliable power through its extensive network of other stations.
She indicated that Hydro Tasmania currently does not control the site, as it remains under the jurisdiction of fire and police services. “At this stage, we have limited information about the cause of the fire or the extent of the damage,” she stated.
Deputy Commissioner Jonathan Higgins of Tasmania Police reported that the Lyell Highway has been closed between Victoria Valley Hill Road and Fourteen Mile Road, although residents will have access to Bradys Lake. “We expect the road closure to last about 24 hours,” he advised, urging the public to avoid the area while investigations are conducted and the site is secured.
Deputy Chief Lowe confirmed that there were no injuries reported from the fire, describing the incident as both complex and challenging for the firefighting teams involved. A total of 25 crews and approximately 45 personnel from various emergency services responded to the situation.
He noted that the first alarm was received at 8:50 PM, and fire crews arrived within 27 minutes to confront a blaze that had fully engulfed the building, which was in the early stages of collapsing.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff reassured the public, stating, “I want to emphasize that there is no risk to Tasmania’s power and energy supply. We will collaborate closely with Hydro and Tas Networks.” He acknowledged the significant damage caused by the fire, which has left hundreds of households in the area without power, and indicated that restoration efforts could take some time.
A fire erupted overnight at the Tungatinah Power Station, located in Tasmania’s Central Highlands. Emergency services responded to the incident around 9 PM and successfully brought the fire under control within hours. Hydro Tasmania confirmed that the power system remains operational and secure.
The Tungatinah facility, the fifth largest in the state with a capacity of 142.2 megawatts, contributes nearly 5 percent of Tasmania’s energy needs. This morning, the building was left severely damaged.
Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage to the generating equipment, but Hydro Tasmania maintains that the energy supply is not at risk and operations continue securely.
Fortunately, no employees or contractors were present at the station when the fire ignited, and there were no reported injuries. The Lyell Highway remains closed for safety, with police advising that residents can access Bradys Lake while urging others to stay clear of the area as investigations proceed.
Deputy Commissioner Higgins emphasized the importance of allowing investigators to carry out their work to determine the events surrounding the fire, stating, “It’s crucial that we provide them with the necessary space to find out what happened on site and eventually provide answers.”
