Hydro Tasmania is providing a series of water releases to support a group of officers from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) who are in Tasmania for swift water training on the River Derwent.

The Motorised Swiftwater Rescue Craft training is part of QFES’ Tech rescue capability. Crews can be called on at a moment’s notice anywhere in Queensland and can be deployed interstate too if needed. They were used extensively during the Townsville floods in early February 2019.

The QFES team includes 13 candidates from across Queensland, as well as six instructors. The location provides the participants with a fantastic opportunity to train and sharpen their skills in a challenging environment.

Hydro Tasmania’s Chief Commercial Officer Gerard Flack said the business was pleased to support the training program, which concludes next week, and was optimistic it would become a regular occurrence.

Water releases from Lake Meadowbank of up to 100 cumecs* are being provided during the two weeks of training on the slalom course at the Broken Bridge rapids, approximately 10.5km west of New Norfolk.

“We try to accommodate all uses of the water that we manage across Tasmania, where we can, and where it does not adversely impact hydro-generation activities,” Mr Flack said.

“We receive between 150 and 200 water level and flow requests every year and we try and accommodate as many as we can. These come from rowers, paddlers, kayakers and anglers for leisure, training and competitions, and even some special events.”

Further information on Hydro Tasmania’s water release program, including an application form, can be found at www.hydro.com.au/water/water-releases

Cumec – one cumec equals one tonne of water per second

QFES media contact – Dave McLenaghan on 07 3635 3310.

Released for Hydro Tasmania by Cassandra Leigh / 0409 722359 / media@hydro.com.au.