The Lake Margaret Hydro-Electric Power Scheme was built between 1912 & 1914, and included a woodstave hilltop pipeline to connect the dam to the pressure penstock feeding the power station. The pipeline remained in service until 2006, when safety concerns caused it to be closed.

Community pressure to restore the heritage power station to operating condition together with sustainability and commercial considerations led Hydro Tasmania to rebuild the hilltop pipeline as part of a refurbishment of the overall power scheme. The existing woodstave pipeline was supported by a combination of low concrete supports and high steel trestles to allow the pipeline to cross the rugged terrain. As safety was a high priority for both construction and later operation and maintenance, an innovative trolley system was designed that ran on steel rails which doubled as structural support for the pipeline. The trolley system allowed the pipeline to be progressively built using previously erected structure to reach the subsequent support position. The innovative mechanised trolley system is used to handle materials and provide a safe work platform for the construction crew in the remote and difficult terrain, which had no vehicular access along the route.

The woodstave pipeline has proved to be commercially comparable with the steel and fibreglass alternatives, so the solution provided a cost effective, durable water conduit that fully meets the heritage requirements of the project in a safe and timely manner. The techniques adopted in this project may be adapted to other projects where access is limited.