News

SNOWY HYDRO INJECTS $200K INTO LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS

03/06/2024

Snowy Hydro is proud to announce that 30 local community groups will benefit from $204,000 in funding for Round 1 of Snowy Hydro’s 2024 Community Grants Program. This round attracted a record number of applications, with 89 submissions, highlighting the demand for funding within the local community.

The successful applications highlight the diversity of the Snowy Mountains region and the range of great initiatives and ideas generated by local community groups.

These include local events that foster community spirit, race meets to support local community fundraising, equipment for health services and respite housing that enhances well-being, tourism signage to boost the local economy, tree-planting activities that preserve our environment, and solar installations that promote sustainable development.

All these projects align with Snowy Hydro’s four community commitment pillars: education and development, health and wellbeing, regional capacity building, and the environment.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes emphasised the importance of the Community Grants Program in supporting local initiatives.

“The Snowy Hydro Community Grants Program is essential to our commitment to fostering vibrant, resilient communities,” Dennis said.

“By funding these projects, we are helping to build stronger local connections, enhance community health and wellbeing, and promote sustainable development across the region. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact these grants have on our community.”

The next round of the Community Grants Program will open in September 2024. Snowy Hydro invites all local community groups to apply and share their innovative ideas.

Community groups interested in applying can find more information and application details on our website www.snowyhydro.com.au/communitygrantsprogram

Click here to read the Community Grants 2024 – Round 1 report.

News

SNOWY HYDRO SHOWCASES STEM CAREERS FOR LOCAL STUDENTS IN TALBINGO

09/04/2024

More than 60 local year 10 students have participated in a Snowy Hydro careers day at Talbingo and gained insights into exciting career opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Students and teachers from Tumut High School and McAuley College took part in the Snowy STEM Academy initiative, working with engineers, climate scientists, and tradespeople to explore careers in the renewable energy sector.

The group went behind the scenes for an in-depth look at Australia’s largest pumped-hydro facility, Tumut 3 Power Station, and enjoyed a career panel with a question and answer discussion and hands-on activities.

Students also attended elective presentations based on their STEM interests and chose from drone technology, environmental science, trade skills, and engineering options. They even had the opportunity to operate a mini power station.

This STEM-focused initiative reinforced Snowy Hydro’s commitment to supporting regional education and developing the future workforce.

It showcased the diverse range of careers available in STEM fields, providing real-life tangible outcomes that will help students make informed decisions about their future education and career paths.

“We were excited to open our doors to local students and give them a glimpse into the world of renewable energy and STEM careers,” said Snowy Hydro Area Manager Peter Symons.

“Snowy Hydro is committed to supporting education and fostering the next generation of STEM professionals and tradespeople.”

Inviting students to experience a working power station aligns with the broader initiatives of the Snowy STEM Academy, which aims to bridge the gap between education and industry, preparing students for future opportunities in the renewable energy sector.Snowy Hydro encourages interested teachers and parents to find out more about the Snowy STEM Academy, by visiting www.snowyhydro.com.au/snowystemacademy.

News

HAVE YOUR SAY: SNOWY HYDRO LAUNCHES COMMUNITY INSIGHTS CAMPAIGN

05/04/2024

Snowy Hydro is launching a community insights campaign to better understand the social impacts of the Snowy 2.0 project.

The campaign seeks to engage and connect with community members across south-eastern NSW to gather insights, opinions, and experiences related to Snowy Hydro operations and the Snowy 2.0 project.

Through an online survey available at www.snowyhydro.com.au/haveyoursay, we invite residents, stakeholders, and interested parties to share their perspectives and help shape the future of their communities. A series of focus groups, one-on-one meetings, phone surveys and community pop-up stalls will support the online survey.

“This campaign reiterates Snowy Hydro’s commitment to transparent and inclusive community engagement,” said Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes.

“We value the input of our community members and recognise the importance of understanding their needs and concerns.”

The survey, which will be open until 5 May 2024, covers a range of topics, including community sentiment, perceptions of the Snowy 2.0 project, and suggestions for improving Snowy Hydro’s community engagement efforts. Participation is open to individuals aged 18 and above who reside or own property in the Snowy Monaro, Snowy Valleys, Towong, Bega Valley and surrounding local government areas.

“We encourage you to take part in this survey and contribute to the dialogue surrounding the Snowy 2.0 project and its impact on our communities,” added Mr Barnes.

“Your feedback will be important in informing Snowy Hydro’s social impact strategy and community engagement initiatives.”

Throughout April, Snowy Hydro representatives will engage with stakeholders in key regional towns, fostering open conversations about Snowy Hydro’s operations and future priorities. The consolidation of survey findings is planned for June 2024, with a publication of key results expected in July 2024.

For more information or to participate in the survey, please visit www.snowyhydro.com.au/haveyoursay.

Additionally, feedback or inquiries can be directed to Snowy Hydro via phone at 1800 623 776 or email at community@snowyhydro.com.au

News

COMMUNITY CELEBRATES STARS FOUNDATION LAUNCH IN TUMUT

13/03/2024

A community open day has been held at Tumut High School to celebrate the official launch of the inaugural Stars Foundation Tumut Program, sponsored by Snowy Hydro.

Students, parents, community members and local Indigenous Elders attended the Tuesday 12 March event, along with representatives from the Stars Foundation, Tumut High School, Department of Regional NSW, Snowy Valleys Council and Snowy Hydro.

The partnership will provide long-term improved health, education and employment outcomes for Indigenous girls and young women from Tumut and the surrounding region.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said the company’s three-year sponsorship for the Stars Foundation Tumut Program continued Snowy’s commitment to initiatives that supported young people’s education and wellbeing.

“There are 39 students involved in the first year of the Stars Foundation Tumut Program and we look forward to engaging with these inspiring young women in a variety of ways, including encouraging their studies in science, technology engineering and maths (STEM) fields.

“We’re keen to highlight the many career pathways with Snowy through work experience, apprenticeships and traineeships.

“Snowy Hydro is a major local employer in the Snowy Mountains region and we are committed to supporting and investing in the success of local people.”
Founder and CEO of Stars Foundation, Andrea Goddard, said: “Stars is delighted to be working with the Tumut community and we welcome the opportunity to support and empower the First Nations Tumut students to identify their goals and reach their full potential.
“We are very grateful for the commitment from Snowy Hydro to enable us to establish this new Stars program for the Tumut community.”
Established in 2015, the Stars Foundation provides a holistic, intensive, full-time mentoring program that supports and empowers more than 3,020 female Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women in primary and secondary schools across six states and territories.

News

JOIN US FOR SNOWY 2.0 COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSIONS

08/03/2024

If you’re interested in the latest updates from the Snowy 2.0 project, come along to information sessions being held throughout the Snowy Mountains this month.

The Snowy 2.0 delivery team, led by Snowy Hydro, is hosting events in Talbingo, Tumut, Tumbarumba, Adaminaby and Cooma, with opportunities to find out more about the project, ask questions and provide your feedback.

These in-person events will cover a range of topics including:

project news and construction activities
engineering innovations and manufacturing
traffic management, environment and safety
accommodation, recreation access and other local issues;
local suppliers, jobs and training on Snowy 2.0.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said it was essential local people were updated about progress on Snowy 2.0 and that they understood the significance of the project.

“What’s being constructed right here in the mountains is a critically important renewable energy project that will help maintain Australia’s grid security and reliability well into the future,” Dennis said.

“It is a large and complex project that’s also generating jobs and significant investment in regional areas.

“We’re committed to keeping our local communities informed about Snowy 2.0 and responding to any concerns. We are available to answer questions at our information sessions so I encourage people to come along to hear from the project team directly.”

The Snowy 2.0 community information sessions are held twice yearly. Some are drop-in sessions, with the chance to speak one-on-one with project team members from Snowy Hydro and principal contractor Future Generation Joint Venture. Other events feature a formal presentation followed by community Q&As.

Community information sessions schedule:

Date	Town and location	Time
Thursday 14 March 2024 Thursday 14 March 2024	Talbingo shops Tumut River Brewing Co	12pm – 2pm 6pm – 7.30pm
Friday 15 March 2024	Near Tumbarumba IGA, The Parade	12pm – 2pm
Wednesday 20 March 2024	Adaminaby Bowling Club	6pm – 7.30pm
Thursday 21 March 2024	Cooma Car Club	6pm – 7.30pm