Positive Step Forward for Snowy 2.0
Published on 18 February 2019
Snowy Valleys Council has welcomed the recent NSW Government planning approval for Snowy 2.0 Exploratory works.
Mayor of Snowy Valleys Council, James Hayes says the recent planning approval is a positive step forward for both the project and its commitment to the local environment.
“As the community at the heart of both the original Snowy Hydro and the proposed expansion, we welcome the results of the assessment and congratulate both Snowy Hydro and the NSW Government on reaching another significant milestone in this exciting project,” said Mayor Hayes.
“There is no doubt that Snowy 2.0 will create jobs and economic opportunities within Snowy Valleys,” he continued. “The conditions announced as part of the planning approval for the exploratory works demonstrate the ongoing commitment of Snowy 2.0 to avoid or minimise environmental impacts from the project’s construction.”
Under the conditions of approval, Snowy Hydro will provide $10.5 million to offset any impacts from the Exploratory Works, which will be used by National Parks and Wildlife Service to support local environmental and recreational initiatives in Kosciuszko National Park.
“By continuing to work closely with Snowy Hydro and State and Federal Governments it is our aim to ensure the project is not just a positive economic influence for our towns, but a positive influence on the social fabric of our communities and the beauty of our surrounding environment.”
The approval to excavate a 3.1km exploratory tunnel and supporting infrastructure will deliver essential geological information for the design of the underground power station between Tantangara and Talbingo reservoirs.
Snowy Hydro will be submitting an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in late 2019 for the main Snowy 2.0 works, including the construction of an underground power station and approximately 27km of power waterways linking the existing Tantangara and Talbingo reservoirs.
“We look forward to continuing our positive partnership with Snowy Hydro and State and Federal Government departments on this significant infrastructure initiative,” Mayor Hayes said.