Mention: Snowy Hydro Corporatisation Amendment (Snowy 2.0) Bill 2018
In speaking in debate on the Snowy Hydro Corporatisation Amendment (Snowy 2.0) Bill 2018 I acknowledge the value of the Snowy Hydro 2.0 project in providing additional sustainable power to Australia, increasing employment and boosting the economy of the Snowy Mountains region. However, I bring to the attention of the House concerns raised with me about the potential impacts of this development on local tourism and relevant stakeholders. I understand that the bill does not restrict the power of the Minister for Planning to impose any conditions on any development approval and nor does it restrict the power of the Minister for the Environment from considering any relevant provisions and protections in the National Parks and Wildlife Act when negotiating the terms of the lease or approvals and when imposing appropriate conditions. It is important that the Ministers and the Government retain these powers, particularly in light of the concerns that have been raised with me.
Business owners from Talbingo, who are worried that the proposed spillway closure will significantly affect tourism, have approached me. They believe an alternative facility associated with the current boat ramp should be developed. That facility should include a beach area of sufficient size to compensate for the closure of the spillway and provide a safe and accessible swimming area and upgraded parking and boat launching areas to allow safe and appropriate access especially at the height of the tourist season. There were discussions with members of the community concerning this alternative facility. Unfortunately, the proposals put to the community appear to have changed, which to some extent has undermined trust in the Snowy Hydro. There is strong community support for Snowy Hydro. I am simply using this forum as an opportunity to improve the tourism outcome for the Talbingo community. The Legislative Council Regulation Committee undertook a review of the proposed legislation and recommended:
That the Department of Planning & Environment conduct consultation with key stakeholders for each stage of the Snowy 2.0 and Transmission Project.
The committee also recommended liaison with affected councils and local State members of Parliament before declaring an order on State-significant infrastructure. I urge the Government to ensure that the full tourist potential of Talbingo is enhanced by the Snowy Hydro development and that thorough consultation with all affected local stakeholders is undertaken.