Tasmania Police are instigating proceedings in relation to trespass on Hydro Tasmania land at Lake Murchison. 

Three local men entered the land by removing a gate and driving their vehicle in.  They then launched a boat on to Lake Murchison.  This is a very isolated area with no communication service.  

 “When the men entered Lake Murchison, the water level was very high and was spilling over the top of Murchison Dam spillway,” said Inspector Richman.

“The men placed themselves in considerable danger. The risk of serious injury or death is high. 

“In this situation, there is a significant risk that a boat could be drawn over the top of the dam, from where water is funnelled into a chute, moving at great force and ejected onto rocks sixty metres below.

“The land and the lake are not open to the public for a reason – and we urge the public to respect that, for their safety and for the safety of potential rescuers,” he said.

The men will be summonsed to appear at the Queenstown Magistrates Court at a later date.