Exploring the Franklin River

The Franklin River dam dispute in Tasmania revolved around the issue of environmental protection versus development.

As a national and international issue, the main focus was whether a State had control over its own territory, or whether the Commonwealth could make legislation on environmental issues of international significance. This was one of the significant debates to occur in Old Parliament House between 1982-83.

These resources help students engage with the arguments for and against the damming of the river.

Activity sheets

Sketchnote activity: This activity sheet can be used in conjunction with watching the Franklin Movie. It will support students thinking and notetaking as they engage with the movie.

Exploring both sides of the debate: Students can capture arguments for and against damming the Franklin River in this activity sheet. They will be able to organise their facts on the issue and draw a conclusion based on their knowledge of both sides.

Three whys visible thinking routine:  Using the three whys visible thinking routine, students will consider how different groups felt about the damming of the Franklin River.

Communicating powerful messages: This activity sheet with support students to consider different ways people communicated their messages around the Franklin River debate.