The plans put forward by the City of Launceston council, have been spearheaded by the Duck Reach Historical Group and supported by the state government.

The new equipment set to be installed includes a turbine dating from 1904, a 3700-kilogram control valve built by the W.H. Knight engineering firm, and a Kolben and Co generating set.

The $110,000 project was partly funded through a $60,000 grant provided by the state government. State development minister Michaelson Ferguson noted the Duck Reach Museum was a project particularly close to his heart.

"We've got this heritage asset here that's a major part of Launceston's story, but also a major part of the world's story in hydroelectric power," he said.

Should the development application be approved, the council expects to complete the work over the next 12 months.

Due to the topography of the Duck Reach site, it is expected a helicopter will be used to lift the machinery down to the station, though other options are being investigated.

The control valve will be displayed outside the building, while the turbine will be installed inside. A section of the roof will be temporarily removed to allow the installation to take place.

Duck Reach was the first publicly owned hydro-electric station in the Southern hemisphere, beginning operation in 1895. Destroyed in the 1929 floods, the station was eventually reconstructed and continued to supply energy to the grid until it was decommissioned in 1955.

Duck Reach Historical Group member Gus Green - who has been a major part of the decade-long push to develop the Duck Reach Museum - hopes the reinstated equipment will be another drawcard for tourists and locals alike.

"Duck Reach was of course the starting point for the formation of Tasmania's hydroelectricity scheme," Mr Green said.

"We're very fortunate that the machinery we do have has survived because it's really unique equipment that was cutting edge in its day."

At the peak of Duck Reach's operating capacity, the facility had four turbines and four 350-kilowatt three-phase alternators.

"In my view, Duck Reach is one of the most fascinating examples of hydroelectric infrastructure in the world. It is set in this spectacular gorge, fed by the South Esk River, the longest river in Tasmania at 252 kilometres," Mr Green said.

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