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Projects and programs

Snowy Scheme

The department is responsible for facilitating and regulating Snowy Hydro Limited’s operation of the Snowy scheme in line with the Snowy Water Licence.

Mount Kosciuszko summit walk with views of lake - Image credit: Georgia McKeonDPE

About the Snowy Mountains hydro-electric scheme

The Snowy Mountains hydro-electric scheme (the Snowy scheme) captures water from the rivers and streams of the Snowy Mountains, much of which originally flowed to the Snowy River, and diverts it inland to the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers for the purposes of irrigation and electricity generation. Environmental water is released from the scheme into the Snowy, Upper Murrumbidgee and smaller mountain rivers.

The department is responsible for facilitating and regulating Snowy Hydro Limited’s operations in line with the Snowy Water Inquiry Outcomes Deed 2002 and the Snowy Water Licence.

Lesueur's Frog on banks of the Snowy River - Image credit: Daniel Coleman DPE

Information about the legislative context and governance arrangements relating to the Snowy scheme.

Talbingo Dam

Information about the Snowy Water Licence, which defines Snowy Hydro’s  rights and obligations in relation to water in the Snowy scheme.

Hikers on Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko walk - Image credit: E Sheargold/DPE

Environmental water releases into the Snowy, Murray, Upper Murrumbidgee and Montane Rivers.