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SSI Modifications

Determination

MOD 2 - Tunnelling methodology

Snowy Monaro Regional

Current Status: Determination

Interact with the stages for their names

  1. Prepare Mod Report
  2. Exhibition
  3. Collate Submissions
  4. Response to Submissions
  5. Assessment
  6. Recommendation
  7. Determination

Change of exploratory tunnelling methodology from drill and blast to predominantly tunnel boring machine, reduction in use of barging and increasing the Lobs Hole accommodation camp capacity to 250.

Attachments & Resources

Modification Application (2)

Response to Submissions (2)

Determination (3)

Consolidated Approval (1)

Submissions

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Showing 1 - 20 of 28 submissions
Ilona Roberts
Object
TUMBULGUM , New South Wales
Message
I Ilona Roberts wish to register my strong opposition to the Snowy 2.0 project for reasons of its unbelievably short-sighted and destructive potential. There will be immense and permanent damage to a fragile ecosystem which is already under threat from other dangers, of which climate change is but one. The Kosciuszko environment is unique, the park is one of the most loved areas of Australia and the plans to destroy a significant part of it, to put in tunnels and roads where there should only be paths created by alpine fauna, is horrendous to me. The EIS underestimates the full impact of vegetation clearance, of earthworks and damage to alpine ecosystems. Tonnes of soil removed and dumped elsewhere? Some of it containing asbestos? Haven't we learned our lesson about that stuff yet? What about the impact all this disturbance and soil removal, tunnelling etc will have on the water table? What about the reduction of inflow to waterways downstream? And for a decade most of the electricity will be coming not from hydro, but coal. Is this some kind of plan to prop up the coal industry or something? I understand that this project will be a net consumer, not a generator of electricity. What on earth are you decision makers thinking? Are you thinking?
Sincerely
Ilona Roberts
Inland Rivers Network
Object
PYRMONT , New South Wales
Message
Please see comments in the attached document
Attachments
SNOWY MONARO REGIONAL COUNCIL
Comment
COOMA , New South Wales
Message
Please see attached comments from Snowy Monaro Regional Council.
Attachments
James Smith
Support
TALBINGO , New South Wales
Message
In reference to the Talbingo Recreational Area, Section 3.5.1, I do not agree with the Modification to propose to remove the condition of the Minister's Approval, Schedule 3, condition 4. There will still be a barge ramp installed for part of the project. Snowy Hydro have already stated that they will not share the Spillway with the general public once any infrastructure is installed which will be the case for the Communication Cable to be placed in the dam. Snowy Hydro have changed numerous amounts of options from the original Exploratory EIS. By leaving this condition in the EIS, it will help protect our tourism and financial viability of our community.
I would ask what is it that Snowy Hydro would gain from taking this condition out? This condition was implemented due to the large response from the public who by now may not realise Snowy Hydro's intentions to remove this condition. Basically, why does it need to be removed? As it stands, it is a safeguard to the communtiy that if the Spillway closes, a recreational area, such as what is in the Ministers approval, will be built at the Talbingo Boat Ramp area.
Joel Moller
Comment
SPRINGVALE , New South Wales
Message
I would like reconsideration with regards to the removal of section 3.5.1 Talbingo recreational area allowing for barges to transport materials from the Talbingo Dam spillway. I am concerned about the impact to recreational users of the dam as any change or limitation to these activities may affect the social and financial viability of the town.
Jamie Potter
Support
GREGADOO , New South Wales
Message
I disagree with the removal of the conditions that the Minister for State Planning implemented for the Talbingo spillway and recreational area. These conditions need to remain as they are important to the town both socially and economically.
David Murray
Support
GREGADOO , New South Wales
Message
It is crucial for Talbingo that the conditions removed be reinstated.
Name Withheld
Object
LAKE ALBERT , New South Wales
Message
I disagree with the changes that the minister has made to the modified assessment relating to the snowy hydro, Talbingo spillway and recreation areas. The assessment must remain as is, due to the impact on the livelihood of the surrounding locations. Leave the MOD 2 - Tunnelling Methodology as is.
Tim Drum
Object
WAGGA WAGGA , New South Wales
Message
I, Tim Drum, disagree with the removal of the recreational facilities at Talbingo dam & stillway. The current conditions need to remain the same.
Kate de Jong
Support
EAST WAGGA WAGGA , New South Wales
Message
The conditions at 3.5.1 Talbingo Recreational Area that the minister imposed on Snowy 2.0 need to remain and should NOT be removed as requested in Modification 2 Assesment report.
Paul White
Object
GIRALANG , Australian Capital Territory
Message
The conditions at 3.5.1 Talbingo Recreational Area that the minister imposed on Snowy 2.0 need to remain and should NOT be removed as requested in Modification 2 Assessment report.
Katie Francis
Comment
COOLAMON , New South Wales
Message
The conditions at 3.5.1 Talbingo recreational area that the minister imposed on snowy 2.0 need to remain & should not be removed as requested in the modification 2 assessment report.

Our family & friends go to this area every year & use the spillway for skiing & recreation, the conditions should remain to ensure that this area is appropriately maintained & accessible.
Heather Byatt
Comment
TALBINGO , New South Wales
Message
see attached file
Attachments
dawn Byatt
Support
TALBINGO , New South Wales
Message
Item 3.5.1 Talbingo Recreational Area:
I disagree that this condition as per Schedule 3, condition 4 of the Ministers approval requirement for the Exploratory Works be removed as proposed by Snowy Hydro in Modification 2
It is vital to the recreational users of Talbingo Dam that this condition remains.
John Taber
Object
MENANGLE PARK , New South Wales
Message
My family and I object to the closure of the Spill Way. We are regular visitors to the area and holiday frequently over the summer period in Talbingo. We spent a lot of time at the Spill Way on these trips. The Spill Way is an excellent place for families to picnic and is one of two places one can enjoy swimming as it is a protected area. We feel the closure of the Spill Way, however temporary, will end up the same way as the temporary closure of both the Snowy Hydro Tours of the power plant and temporary closure of Jounama Pondage to recreational use. Both have not reopened. We object to the closure of the Spill Way.
Name Withheld
Comment
DOWNSIDE , New South Wales
Message
I disagree with the removing of the conditions previously agreed upon. Those being removing access to the Talbingo Boat Ramp and the Spillway recreation area.
Public access to both these areas need to remain open.
Antti Roppola
Comment
SCULLIN , Australian Capital Territory
Message
This submission is in response to “Modification 2 Assessment Report – Exploratory Works for Snowy 2.0”, October 2019. I nparticular, ensuring continued access to the Talbingo Reservoir “Spillway” Recreation Area.
The Spillway Recreation Area (SRA) is a broad, wide, and gently sloping pebble beach that provides the safest and most amenable public access to Talbingo Reservoir. It is located at the northern end of the reservoir, close to the town of Talbingo (6 km or 10 minutes away). The next two points of public access are at the boat launch ramp on the dam wall immediately to the east, and at Lobbs Hole, over an hour away to the south. The Spillway Recreation Area (SRA) provides unique value to tourism in the region, especially for Talbingo where it is the primary public access to the reservoir.
Compared to other nearby lakes, Talbingo Reservoir has exceptionally high water quality, the water is consistently clear. Consistent water levels also promote safe and easy access to visitors and tourists; the pebble beach means that the foreshore is closely accessible to ordinary family cars in a manner unique in the entire Snowy Scheme.
Unlike all other access points, the pebble beach is formed on a large, flat excavation that forms the Talbingo Reservoir emergency spillway. This means that far more foreshore is accessible to the public compared to other sites that are restricted to small footprints due to the steep topography and adjoining Kosciuszko National Park. The gentle slope also means that the immediate waters are shallow and child friendly.
Unlike other points of access, the SRA is located in a sheltered inlet and is generally protected from the prevailing winds and waves, especially those topping the dam wall. Asides from the amenity, this is also a desirable safety feature when swimming with your family.
Therefore I am encouraged by the statements in section 3.5.1 “Talbingo Recreation Area” where a reduction in planned barge operations means “impacts to recreational users will be significantly reduced” as temporary use of barges for specific tasks is “expected to be a short term impact only”. Therefore my interpretation of section 3.5.1 is that there is no longer an intention to close the SRA on a permanent or extended basis. Provided my interpretation is correct and that suitable, I am supportive of this aspect of the proposed modification and therefore the project.
As major recreation and tourism impacts on the SRA have been avoided, Section 3.5.1 also seeks removal of Schedule 3, condition 4 of the Minister’s approval. This condition includes a number of conditions for Snowy Hydro to maintain recreation and tourism facilities before undertaking any action that impacts the amenity and availability of the SRA. While I agree that some of the detail is now irrelevant (assuming my interpretation is correct), I believe similar conditions should remain to ensure that if the “expected” outcome does not eventuate, community needs continue to be protected; for example ensuring that temporary barge activities are mindful of SRA amenity and values, or if environmental challenges for the Lobbs Hole Road force a rethink on transport strategy.
I take this opportunity note that preliminary investigation on developing the boat ramp as an alternative facility have found significant design, cost and funding challenges. I believe that any comparable facility at the boat ramp would be at a significant cost and have much greater long term maintenance costs when compared to a gravel beach.
Provided Snowy Hydro continue to work constructively with the community to maintain recreation and tourism values and suitably updated conditions are retained, I am conditionally supportive of this modification and the project, including the need for temporary closures to support barge operations.
Mark Cook
Support
Colo vale , New South Wales
Message
I have looked at the conditions of the contract.i would like condition 45 pf the ministers approval to be maintained.
As I have been holidaying in Talbingo for 24 years.my children have spent every year of their lives during the summer months swimming
Waterskiing and relaxing on the the spillway area of Talbingo dam.we have supported the local small community for those years including
22 years staying at the Talbingo tourist park.2 years ago we managed to purchase a holiday home in Talbingo to further our years of holidaying
At talbingo.if the spillway where to be lost to holidaymakers it would be a great shame. Additional infrastructure needs to be placed at the boat ramp as per condition 45 of the ministers approval.thankyou
Paul Lucas
Comment
KOORINGAL , New South Wales
Message
I would like reconsideration with regards to the removal of section 3.5.1 Talbingo recreational area allowing for barges to transport materials from the Talbingo Dam spillway. I am concerned about the impact to recreational users of the dam as any change or limitation to these activities may affect the social and financial viability of the town.
Brian McIntosh
Comment
Bonegilla , Victoria
Message
I provided a submission to original Snowy 2.0 environmental approval. My submission contained the major concern, to ensure the recreational users and facilities were maintain during the construction and operation of the proposed new scheme.
The recreational users are extremely important to the long term viability of the Talbingo Township and local businesses. These visitors will remain the only sustained financial support of the town following the short and I expect profitable construction time frame.
In the letter of Determination conditions were placed on Snowy Hydro to ensure existing facilities at the Talbingo Dam were maintain and with no material loss of recreational opportunities. The action included the installation of additional embankment areas and jetty arrangements around the Talbingo Dam boat ramp before any closures of the spillway area. This condition and actions addressed my overall concern
The new Modification to the Determination have stated that they are planning to close the spillway without the full conditions of the previous approval. I have also been informed that Snowy Hydro are closing the spillway for other operation reason. I believe that Snowy Hydro are attempting to avoid the conditions set out in the previous approval.
My family and friends have been travelling to Talbingo Dam for over 15 years, and refer to it as "close to heaven as you can possibly get" the available shore areas at the Talbingo Dam are very limited. Closure of the spillway area removes approximately 60-70% of the shore space where families can setup and enjoy all this area offers.
The request for any closures of the spillway or restrictions to the recreation users should be rejected.
I would also like to advise the department that I did not receive notification of the Request for Modification and have had very little time to compile a submission. I wish to seek approval to provide further submission as required.

Pagination

Project Details

Application Number
SSI-9208-Mod-2
Main Project
SSI-9208
Assessment Type
SSI Modifications
Development Type
Electricity generation - Other
Local Government Areas
Snowy Monaro Regional
Decision
Approved
Determination Date
Decider
Executive Director

Contact Planner

Name
Anthony Ko