Snowy Mountains Scheme - Environmental Concerns

Environmental Concerns

The original plan was for 99% of the water of the Snowy River's natural flow to be diverted by the Scheme below Lake Jindabyne. Releases from the Scheme were based on the needs of only riparian users and took no account of ecosystem needs; it soon became known that the lower reaches of the river were in environmental crisis. An extensive public campaign led to the Snowy Water Inquiry being established in January 1998. The Inquiry reported to the New South Wales and Victorian Governments in October of that year, recommending an increase to 15% of natural flows. The two Governments were equivocal about this target; aside from economic considerations there was a view that the health of the Murray is more important than that of the Snowy and any extra environmental flows are better used there instead.

In 1999 the seat of East Gippsland was won in the Victorian election by an independent Craig Ingram, based in large part on his campaign to improve Snowy flows. In 2000, Victoria and NSW agreed to a long-term target of 28%, requiring $375 million of investment to offset losses to inland irrigators. In August 2002 flows were increased to 6%, with a target of 21% within 10 years. However, by October 2008 it was evident that the return of environmental flows to the Snowy River in 2009 would be no more than 4% of natural flow with governments arguing the Snowy River needs to "pay back" the "Mowamba Borrowings".

Concerned water managers, conservationists, politicians and farmers continue to advocate for the return of environmental flows to the Snowy River. The Dalgety District and Community Association now holds an annual 'Snowy River Day' on 31 August to commemorate when the three governments, Victoria, NSW and the Commonwealth with high profile former Australian Conservation Foundation President, and now Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett oversaw the temporary release of water from the Moonbah or Mowamba River, a tributary of the Snowy River. In accordance with the Snowy Water Licence, Snowy Hydro Limited has 're-commissioned' the Mowamba Aqueduct. Seasonal variable flows are essential to river ecology including flushing flows to support vital ecosystems for the Australian platypus and native Australian Bass, the species over which Craig Ingram initially fought for flows into the Snowy River and achieved a seat as Independent for Gippsland East in the Victorian State Parliament.

A major spillway upgrade is now finished which will facilitate these flows.