RUBICON HYDRO-ELECTRIC SCHEME

The Rubicon Hydro Electric Scheme, commissioned in 1928, harnesses the power of the Rubicon and Royston Rivers and comprises three small concrete dams, four power stations, racelines (aqueducts), pipelines (some still in wood stave construction), siphons, tramways, trestle bridges and an inclined cable haulage, all set within an extensive area of the Rubicon State Forest. The scheme has remained substantially intact for nearly seventy years and, although it now contributes only approximately 0.02% of the state's electrical energy, it still functions essentially as it did when it contributed nearly 20% in the ten years after its completion.

How is it significant?

The Rubicon Hydro-Electric Scheme is scientifically and historically important to the State of Victoria.

Why is it significant?

The Rubicon Hydro-Electric Scheme is of scientific (technological) and historical importance as the oldest hydro-electric scheme contributing power to the state grid. As a stream-fed system (as opposed to an underground system which uses the power of a large water storage dam) it is unique in Victoria and unusual in Australia for its multiple power stations and its repeated use of the same water. Its system of remote control operation was also very advanced for its era. The significance of the Rubicon scheme is increased by its continued use since 1928 essentially in the same form and with all its major components intact. The scheme played a vital part in providing power for the development of Victorian industrial growth in the inter-war period.

[Source: Report to the Minister.]

Group

Utilities - Electricity

Category

Generator/Power Station - hydro-electric