'Illuminated temple' lost to fire was a remnant of Tasmania's hydro boom

The Tungatinah Power Station, located beside the Nive River in Tasmania's Central Highlands, was destroyed by a fire on Wednesday night. The facility, which served as a significant piece of infrastructure for Hydro Tasmania, is currently under investigation to determine the cause of the blaze.

Constructed during Tasmania's hydro-electric boom, the station was historically referred to as an 'illuminated temple' due to its architectural and industrial significance. For many outside of the utility sector, the site remained largely unknown until the recent fire brought attention to its role in the state's power history.