A study of the socio-economic impacts of cloud seeding on the West Coast of Tasmania was instigated during 2006/07 by Hydro Tasmania and the West Coast Council. It followed repeated criticism from the West Coast Council which represents residents and businesses who have expressed concerns about adverse impacts of cloud seeding-induced rainfall in the municipality.
Hydro Tasmania suspended its cloud seeding program for 2008 until the report was released and is working with the West Coast Council to improve communications and address community concerns over the cloud seeding program. Both parties acknowledge the differences of opinion that remain about the variability of weather patterns and the amount of scientific debate on cloud seeding. The full program of Hydro Tasmania's response to report can be found in the media release.
The report was prepared by SGS Economics and Planning:
Overview: Socio-economic impacts of cloud seeding on the West Coast (PDF 823 kb)
Report 1: Effects of cloud seeding on the rainfall on the West Coast (PDF 1.8 MB)
Report 2: Socio-economic profile of the West Coast (PDF 1.42 MB)
Report 4: Economic impacts of cloud seeding (PDF 775 kb)