Cassilis Hydro-Electric Scheme

In 1908 Cassilis Gold Mining Company built Victoria (VIC)’s first significant hydro-electric scheme on this site.

It was designed by the mine manager, Francis James Coote, to provide 400 kW to the company’s mine and treatment works at Tongio West, to reduce the need for expensive firewood.

The power was carried by a 12 kV transmission line 24 km long, crossing the Great Dividing Range. After the mine closed in 1916, the plant was moved to Magnet in Tasmania (TAS), where it ran until 1940.

Generating set at Cassilis Hydro when it was operating
Source: unknown

Pondage at the top of the penstock above the power station
Source: Parks Victoria

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Engineering Heritage Recognition Program

Marker Type	Historic Engineering Marker (HEM)
Award Date	14 November 2008
Heritage Significance	The primary significance of this scheme was that it was the first hydro-electric scheme in Victoria, built some 20 years before the first comparable SECV scheme at Rubicon Falls.
Nomination Document	Available here.
Ceremony Booklet Ceremony Report	Available here.
Plaque/Interpretation Panel	Available here.