Pioneer Lake Advocacy Group
The next meeting of the Group is scheduled for late 2026. An exact date is unknown at this time.
Terms of Reference - December 202511 May 2026 Update | Dewatering and Decommissioning of the Pioneer Dam
The Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) wish to advise that procurement of contractors to support dewatering and decommissioning of Pioneer Dam was completed in April. The civil contractor is Shaw Contracting (AUST) Pty Ltd. Entura (Hydro-Electric Corporation) is providing engineering, environmental and superintendent services to support the project.
Contractors have been present at the site in recent weeks as engineering and environmental assessments were undertaken. Shaw Contracting will mobilise to site tomorrow (12 May 2026) to commence site preparation for dewatering of the dam. Once commenced, it is expected that dewatering and decommissioning works will take approximately 6 weeks to complete.
Access to the site during dewatering and decommissioning will remain restricted. At completion of decommissioning, public use of Pioneer Lake will reopen.
The Pioneer Dam Safety Emergency Plan has been reviewed and updated by Entura prior to commencement of works. A copy of the updated plan will be forwarded to plan holders separately.
Any enquiries about the work can be addressed to Property Services - propertyservices@parks.tas.gov.au.
The Pioneer Lake Advocacy Group has been established to:
- Be an advisory group that cannot allocate funds to any Government Authority, Department or Council;
- Represent the interests of the Pioneer community and users of Pioneer Lake regarding access and use of the area;
- Advocate for the safe reopening of Pioneer Lake area for recreational purposes;
- Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) to provide ongoing updates and information on, and where possible seek guidance, on evolving management issues for the Pioneer Lake area;
- Develop and recommend practical solutions for future use and access to the Pioneer Lake area once the Pioneer Dam is de-watered and the dam wall decommissioned.
The Pioneer Lake and Dam area is situated on Tasmanian Crown Land and is managed by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS).
Historically, the site has been used informally for recreational activities such as camping, fishing, walking, water sports and general recreation. It must be noted that the area is not officially designated as a camping area.
The area also has an active sand mine near Pioneer Lake.
In 2023/24, structural integrity issues were identified in the Pioneer Dam wall by PWS, prompting access restrictions to ensure public safety. This has disrupted long-standing recreational use of the area by the local community and visitors.
At the Dorset Council Annual General Meeting held on 18 November 2024, the following motion was passed:
“Can Dorset Council advocate to set up a group of interested parties regarding Pioneer Lake that would provide advice on management of the area to Council, relevant businesses and government agencies that would include as a minimum: Pioneer residents, Council, Parks, Lake users, Police, Sanbar Pty Ltd and Scottsdale High School? One of the groups aims will be to work through the camping issue with a view to re-permit camping at the Lake as has been the case for over 20 years.”
In response to this motion, the following decision was carried at the 14 December 2024 Council Meeting:
DECISION
MOVED / SECONDED: Commissioner Wardlaw
That Council:
- receive and note the motion received from the Annual General Meeting;
- support the establishment of a Working Group, comprised of representatives from key stakeholders of the Pioneer Lake user groups, and facilitate meetings of the Working Group; and
- support the Working Group to clearly identify and define the purpose and deliverables of the Working Group.
Status
✓ Establishment of Advocacy Group
✓ Regular Meetings
Solutions for short and long-term recreational use of the Pioneer Lake area