Lake Rosebery will reopen from 6pm tonight (Friday) after eight weeks of response efforts following an oil spill in the Henry Bay area. 

Booms will remain in place around a very small section of Henry Bay but the boat ramp is now open to the public. 

Hydro Tasmania’s Head of Major Works Justin Vandervelde said weeks of hard work had paid off and the team was pleased with the results. 

“From where we started to where we are now, it’s a huge achievement for everyone involved,” said Mr Vandervelde. 

Over the last week, Hydro Tasmania has been managing the water level to dislodge remaining oil and collect it in booms on the lake. 

Mr Vandervelde acknowledged the big multi-agency effort it had taken to reach this point. 

“We’re really happy that we can return the lake to the public and people can access the boat ramp again.” 

Impacts from the oil, like dark rings on vegetation and stains on rock faces, will still be visible in some areas. 

A few booms will remain along the banks of the gorge as part of the final clean-up effort and these areas should be avoided. 

The Department of Health has updated advice for the public using the lake.  

Recent water quality testing at Lake Rosebery has shown that the water is safe for recreational activities like swimming.  

The Department of Health and Inland Fisheries Service have worked together to sample and assess the safety of trout caught from Lake Rosebery.  

It is safe to eat trout caught from all areas open to the public. 

The Department of Health recommends not eating eels caught in Lake Rosebery until further testing that includes eels is completed in the coming months. 

Released for Hydro Tasmania by Louisa Wright / 0409 722 359 / media@hydro.com.au