The second stage of hydro-electric development in the Pieman catchment - the Anthony Power Development - resulted from the halting of work on the Gordon-below-Franklin scheme in 1983.
The Anthony Power Development had two phases of construction. The first, completed in 1989, involved the building of three dams (Henty, White Spur and Newton), 7.4 kilometres of canal and the Newton Pumping Station. This phase diverted water from the westerly flowing headwaters of the Henty River and its tributaries, through a divide to the north, and into the headwaters of the Anthony River.
The Anthony River is part of the Pieman catchment and the diverted water has created increased flows through the three power stations of the Pieman River Power Development.
The second phase of the development harnessed the 300 metre fall of the Anthony River on its journey to the Pieman River Power Development's Lake Murchison. This phase was completed in March 1994 and created a small lake, Lake Plimsoll, on the headwaters of the Anthony River.
Water from Lake Plimsoll is diverted through seven kilometres of tunnel to the underground Tribute Power Station. It then passes through a single 84 MW Francis turbine and on, via a 660 metre tunnel, to Lake Murchison.
An important feature associated with the Anthony Power Development is the spectacular Anthony Road. Boasting some of Tasmania's best views the road runs parallel with the western edge of part of Tasmania's World Heritage Area. To reduce environmental impacts in an area of such high environmental and scenic values Hydro Tasmania placed stringent environmental controls on the design and construction of the Anthony Power Development. Dams, roads and worksites were located to ensure a minimum of visual disturbance. Extensive restoration and revegetation programs, using carefully conserved soil and peat and locally collected seed, have set new standards in landcare practices associated with major construction projects.
Lake Plimsol