Franklin Dam controversy
| Company type | Planned hydroelectric project |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hydroelectric power generation |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Fate | Cancelled in 1983 due to environmental opposition |
| Headquarters | Tasmania , Australia |
| Products | Hydroelectric power (planned capacity not specified) |
The Gordon-below-Franklin Dam (commonly referred to as the Franklin Dam) was a planned dam project on the Gordon River in Tasmania, Australia, designed to generate hydroelectric power with a capacity of . Ultimately, the dam was never built due to strong environmental resistance, as it posed a threat to the ecologically sensitive Franklin River near its junction with the Gordon River. Both rivers have since been designated as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Area.
Opposition to the dam became one of Australia's most significant environmental campaigns, building upon earlier conservation efforts against three dams proposed for Lake Pedder during the late 1960s and early 1970s. From the initial announcement in 1978 until the project's cancellation in 1983, vigorous debates and protests took place, involving advocates both supporting and opposing the dam.
In December 1982, activists occupied the proposed dam site, resulting in more than 1,200 arrests and increased media scrutiny. By March 1983, the controversy had reached the federal government level, fueled by widespread national media coverage and iconic images captured by Peter Dombrovskis. This public attention played a role in Malcolm Fraser’s government's defeat at the 1983 federal election. The incoming administration led by Bob Hawke had committed to stopping the dam’s construction.
A subsequent legal confrontation between Tasmania’s state government and the federal authorities ended with a landmark High Court decision that upheld the federal government's constitutional authority to block the dam under World Heritage protection laws.
Announcement of the plans
In 1978, Tasmania's Hydro Electric Commission (HEC) revealed intentions to construct two dams:
- Gordon below Franklin Dam – standing 122 meters tall at , identified as the lowest practical site for a dam due to tidal constraints downstream.
- A second dam – reaching 75 meters high at , accessible via Mount McCall Track.
The proposal created division within Tasmania's population. Proponents emphasized job creation and potential industrial expansion in an economically struggling area, with early surveys indicating approximately 70% public support.
Environmental organizations such as the Tasmanian Wilderness Society, Tasmanian Conservation Trust, and Australian Conservation Foundation rapidly organized opposition. Utilizing powerful photographs by Dombrovskis and Truchanas, their campaign amassed 30,000 letters of support within two weeks and aired the documentary The Last Wild River on commercial television.
In June 1980, around 10,000 individuals participated in an anti-dam march in Hobart—the largest demonstration ever recorded in Tasmania—highlighting widespread public dissent against the project.
Attempts at compromise
Premier Doug Lowe’s Labor state government withdrew from its initial stance by proposing to protect the Franklin River through establishing a Wild Rivers National Park and endorsing an alternative 'Gordon above Olga' dam plan instead of the original 'Gordon below Franklin' design. Although this alternative still affected wilderness areas, environmentalists maintained their opposition to any dams within southwest Tasmania.
In July, both supporters and opponents of the dams launched advertising campaigns. The Hydro Electric Commission (HEC) warned that up to 10,000 jobs could be lost if the dams were not constructed. The conservative Legislative Council rejected Lowe’s compromise plan, demanding adherence to the original proposal, which resulted in a legislative stalemate.
Inquiry, referendum, and Tasmanian state election
In 1981, Senator Don Chipp of the Australian Democrats launched a Senate investigation into the natural heritage of southwest Tasmania and the federal government's role in its protection.
Archaeological findings revealed signs of human presence dating back 15,000 years in caves at risk of inundation from the proposed dam. The most notable cave, initially called Fraser Cave and later renamed Kutikina, was rediscovered by student Kevin Kieran. Discoveries exceeded 100 caves, intensifying worries about the loss of habitats for vulnerable species.
On 12 December 1981, a state referendum offered voters a choice between only two dam proposals: 47% favored the original Gordon below Franklin plan, 8% supported the Gordon above Olga alternative, while 45% cast informal votes—many inscribing "No Dams" on their ballots.
This controversy resulted in Premier Lowe being replaced by Harry Holgate, who supported the dam project more strongly. Lowe and another Labor member resigned from their party, causing Labor to lose its majority. A no-confidence vote led to an election in May 1982.
The pro-dam Liberal Party, led by Robin Gray, secured victory and promptly pushed forward with the original dam proposal. Gray even threatened Tasmanian secession to discourage federal government interference; initially, Canberra refrained from intervention.
The campaign broadens
By 1982, opposition to the dam expanded nationally with a surge in membership. The "No Dams" triangle sticker became a powerful symbol. Bob Brown traveled across Australia rallying support and calling on Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser to take action. British botanist David Bellamy addressed large gatherings in support of preservation.
By late 1982, environmental concerns had entered mainstream discourse. Cultural activities included classical music performances and public endorsements from figures like entrepreneur Dick Smith, who pledged civil disobedience. Significant voter resistance was evident as up to 40% of ballots in some elections featured "No Dams" write-ins.
Blockade
In November 1982, Brown declared plans for a blockade at the dam site starting on 14 December—timed with UNESCO's anticipated World Heritage designation of Tasmania's wild rivers. Around 2,500 demonstrators arrived from across Australia and overseas. Pro-dam advocates organized a similarly sized demonstration in Hobart.
Norm Sanders resigned his parliamentary seat to run for the Senate; Bob Brown succeeded him after being released from jail following arrests related to blockade activities.
Throughout January 1983, the blockade was maintained daily despite legal challenges and police protection for construction equipment. More than 1,200 arrests occurred; nearly 500 individuals were jailed for bail violations, leading to overcrowding in local prisons. International awareness heightened when Bellamy was imprisoned.
A February rally in Hobart attracted approximately 20,000 participants. On 1 March ('G-Day'), a flotilla protested on the Gordon River resulting in over 230 arrests; Wilderness Society banners were displayed atop Hydro Electric Commission buildings.
On 2 March, full-page color advertisements featuring Peter Dombrovskis' renowned photograph Morning Mist, Rock Island Bend appeared in major newspapers with the caption "Could you vote for a party that will destroy this?"
Folk artist Shane Howard composed "Let the Franklin Flow," which was released in April 1983 by Gordon Franklin & the Wilderness Ensemble alongside Bob Brown’s "Franklin River – World Heritage."
Resolution
The federal election in March 1983 resulted in the Labor Party, led by Bob Hawke, assuming government, with a commitment to halt the dam project. Subsequently, federal laws and regulations were enacted to forbid any dam-related activities authorized by Tasmania.
Despite these restrictions, Tasmania persisted with the construction efforts. In response, the Australian Government carried out aerial surveillance operations to collect proof of the state's non-compliance.
The conflict escalated to the High Court in May 1983 (Commonwealth v Tasmania). Tasmania contended that the federal legislation exceeded constitutional limits, while the Commonwealth defended its jurisdiction based on international treaty obligations (specifically the UNESCO Convention), corporate law, and protections for Aboriginal heritage.
On 1 July 1983, the High Court delivered a narrow 4–3 decision favoring the federal government, confirming its power to enact environmental protection laws grounded in international treaties—a pivotal ruling that permanently halted the dam's construction.
Shortly thereafter, a millennium-old Huon Pine known as the Lea Tree was deliberately damaged—an act likely committed by proponents of the dam frustrated by the project's termination.
In response, Hydro Tasmania developed alternative hydroelectric projects on adjacent rivers to compensate for the lost capacity. Additionally, compensation funds were allocated to support initiatives such as the restoration of the West Coast Wilderness Railway.