CELEBRATING 70 YEARS 2019 - Snowy Hydro
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ISSUE 4 6 SPRING 20 1 9 CELEBRATING 70 YEARS Local businesses powering Snowy 2.0 Apprentices – the faces of Snowy’s future New renewable energy deals Major regional milestones
INSIDE CEO UPDATE
3 CEO UPDATE
4 70TH CELEBRATIONS CEO Paul Broad gives an update on our key activities.
6 LOCAL BUSINESSES POWERING SNOWY 2.0
I
8 SNOWY 2.0: PROJECT UPDATE ’m proud to lead a great company with I’d also like to thank the 100-plus local
10 APPRENTICES a long and exceptional history of vision, businesses which have provided their expertise,
innovation and nation-building expertise. services and products to the project to date.
11 NEW RENEWABLE ENERGY CONTRACTS With the mighty Snowy Scheme turning 70,
As always, there is plenty to do on the existing
we remain inspired by the legacy of those
12 MAJOR REGIONAL MILESTONES who came before us and dreamed big.
Scheme. Underway is replacement of the
control systems at Murray 2 after 50 years of
14 PART OF THE COMMUNITY The concept for the Snowy Scheme came reliable service, construction of an access
about in the 1800s. The regions west of the bridge between the Jounama Power Station
mountains were becoming vital agricultural and the Jounama dam and a major upgrade
areas needed to feed a growing population. of the spillway gate control systems at Island
During recurrent droughts, the idea to harness Bend dam.
the mountains’ abundant melting snow and
Red Energy, Snowy Hydro’s retail brand,
rainfall, by diverting the powerful Snowy River
continues to deliver award-winning customer
inland, came about.
service and is thrilled to have signed Thredbo
Turning the idea into a reality saw 25 years Ski Resort up to a new 100% renewable energy
of incredible and difficult construction and deal. By combining our contracted wind and
engineering. The grit and determination of solar energy with on-demand hydro we can
more than 100,000 men and women, who provide ‘firm’ reliable, renewable energy to
came from many post-war nations to build commercial customers, providing an exciting
the Scheme, helped shape the multicultural new growth opportunity for the business. It’s
society we have today. fantastic to see this development given the
turbulent times facing the energy industry.
I enjoy listening to the stories told by former
With the rapid changes occuring in the energy
workers and their families – it’s incredibly
market, our role of keeping the lights on is more
special and I hope to hear more tales when we
important than ever.
come together as a community to celebrate
the Snowy Scheme’s 70th celebrations. As I’m sure you’re aware, the east coast is still
in the midst of a drought. We are keeping our
Snowy 2.0, of course, is the next exciting and
fingers crossed for more snow and, later in
important chapter in our Snowy story. You may
the spring, we also need some rain to help
not know this, but when we started planning for
boost inflows. With dry conditions expected
Snowy 2.0 the engineers looked at the original
to continue, we are strategically managing our
Scheme plans.
water resources to ensure our water release
These plans identified a number of sites obligations are met for downstream users.
suitable for hydro power which were not
It’s a very busy and exciting time at Snowy and
pursued at the time. Many decades later it’s
I look forward to keeping you updated.
incredible to be building Snowy 2.0 along one
of the alignments that were identified by our
predecessors.
Road upgrades and site access works for
Snowy 2.0 are progressing well at Lobs Hole
For more information please visit our website and we are aiming to have the first tunnelling
snowyhydro.com.au or follow us on Facebook. underway by the end of the year. You may have
Contact us: also started seeing the Future Generation team
around town. They’re the principal contractors
1800 623 776
building Snowy 2.0 on behalf of Snowy Hydro.
communityfeedback@snowyhydro.com.au
2 3
In October, Snowy Hydro is celebrating 70 years
of the mighty Snowy Scheme.
S
even decades ago, People can move between the The events in Khancoban and
in October 1949, lawns, the Snowy Hydro Discovery Talbingo will bring the 70th
the ceremonial first Centre and the main office celebrations to these local
blast was fired at building, which will be open for communities. There will be a
Adaminaby to mark tours during the event. rare opportunity to see inside
the commencement of a Talbingo’s Tumut 3 Power Station
The Snowy Hydro Discovery
hydro-electric construction project from the viewing gallery and enjoy
Centre will be open throughout
that would become known as one a barbecue lunch with proceeds
the weekend. Visitors will be able
of the world’s modern engineering to be donated to a local charity.
to experience our brand new,
marvels. In Khancoban there will be a
state-of-the-art immersive theatre
community picnic at the Lady
This historic milestone will be and the proud history, engineering
Hudson Rose Garden.
recognised with events in Cooma, prowess, mateship and vision of
Khancoban and Talbingo this the mighty Snowy Scheme. For information and to keep up-to-
spring. The events will focus date with activities, please register
A massive screen measuring 14m
on celebrating the incredible at snowyhydro.com.au
wide and 4m high will welcome
achievements of the construction
visitors and take them on a
era and many decades of
fly-over across the Snowy
successful operations.
Mountains, showcasing our past,
It’s also a great opportunity for present and future – a behind-the-
Snowy workers from over the scenes tour of one of the greatest
decades to reconnect and share civil engineering projects the
stories of their Snowy life and world has ever seen.
experiences with each other and
A series of ‘Snowy talks’ will be
current Snowy staff.
held throughout the day in the
A community celebration and main office for the community
main reunion event will be held and ex-workers to hear about
on Saturday 19 October 2019 how Snowy Hydro is operating
from 11am - 3pm in Cooma and in today’s rapidly-changing
everyone is welcome to attend. energy market and the critical
role the business will continue to
The event will be held on the
play in underpinning Australia’s
lawns outside the Snowy Hydro
renewable energy future.
head office in Cooma North.
The talks will also cover the
The festivities on the lawn will
company’s future plans with Tractor maintenance men at
include speeches, live music
Snowy 2.0, our new major the Three Mile barracks near
from local performers, delicious
pumped-hydro expansion of the Kiandra, 1950
food and more.
Snowy Scheme.
TOWN DATE VENUE
Saturday 19 Community celebration event on the Snowy Hydro
Cooma
October 2019 office lawns
Saturday 26
Khancoban Picnic at Lady Hudson Rose Garden
October 2019
Sunday 10 Access to the Tumut 3 Power Station viewing gallery
Talbingo
November 2019 and charity barbecue.
4 5
LOCAL BUSINESSES
A
lready tens of millions of dollars At the Adaminaby Bakehouse, where
POWERING
have been spent, with more than wholesale bread supplies for Cabramurra have
100 local businesses directly significantly increased and contractors have
involved in Snowy 2.0 or supplying been purchasing coffees and lunches, co-
goods and services across a wide owner Linda Squire says her business has been
SNOWY 2.0
range of industries including professional and a lot busier.
technical services, machinery and construction
“We’ve had to increase machinery, purchase
materials, safety equipment, hospitality and
bigger machinery for Glen, our baker, for bread
accommodation.
production,” Linda said. “[Snowy 2.0] is great for
The contribution of local businesses to the our town, great for our business obviously – we
For Snowy Hydro, the project has been invaluable, as well as boosting
the regional economy.
need more staff! It’s going to be great for the
whole of this area.”
excitement of Snowy Andrew Downing, from Jindabyne Landscaping, Both Snowy Hydro and our principal contractor
2.0 being underway is says Snowy 2.0 has been a great experience so
far. “It’s enabled us to provide 6-8 jobs outside of
Future Generation are committed to providing
jobs and business opportunities for locals, and
matched only by the our normal operations and we’ve also been able
to buy new equipment to service the landscaping
the work to date is only the beginning.
buzz around the Snowy works we’ve been doing,” Andrew said.
Future Generation, which is managing the
Snowy 2.0 workforce, is already advertising for
Mountains communities “There’s also been a lot of spin-offs to other
local businesses providing us with mechanical
a number of Snowy 2.0 Exploratory Works roles
(search ‘Snowy’ on the SEEK website), with
and local businesses repairs, servicing, small plant providers and
equipment that we’ve purchased locally.”
job opportunities set to ramp up through the
project Main Works.
powering the project. Roger Withers has more than doubled his Snowy Hydro is also looking to establish
Tumut-based Withers Earthmoving workforce a precast factory at Polo Flat in Cooma to
in the last 12 months as a direct result of the manufacture the concrete tunnel lining
Snowy 2.0 project. segments for Snowy 2.0. Subject to planning
approvals, this factory would employ a mostly
“Twelve months ago we only employed eight
local workforce of about 125 people.
people to run our quarry and our trucks. Now
we’re up to 20 and within the next 12 months Snowy 2.0 is great news for local communities.
we will be up to around 30, probably even 35 Anyone keen to be involved should visit the Future
people, just to cater for the Snowy 2.0 project,” Generation website futuregenerationjv.com.au
he said. to see what opportunities are available now and in
the future.
“It will be really good for Tumut I think. It
will have a big flow-on effect to all the For more information on Snowy 2.0 visit
businesses around town like the hotels, motels snowyhydro.com.au
supermarkets and increased employment.”
Some examples of local business involvement so far include:
6,000 hours 5,000 hours of 2,300 hours of 16,500 star pickets
of traffic surveying services feasibility study to line the project’s
management to mark out the surveying services exclusion zones
services Exploratory Works
100s of items of high- 19,000 hours of
project area
More than vis workwear and boots geotechnical
10,000 nights 3,800 hours of for project staff investigation
in local earthmoving and drilling
160 hand-held radios
accommodation bridge works at
for the workforce
and meals eaten Lobs Hole
in towns 20,000 tonnes of
10 new light vehicles
quarried products for
and aftermarket
the new roads and
accessories
haulage to site
6 7
SNOWY 2.0:
PROJECT UPDATE
Snowy 2.0 Exploratory Works
are progressing well and it’s
great to see the project really
coming to life.
Community consultation session at Polo Flat
Tunnel boring machines There will be three TBMs used A TBM not only removes
for Snowy 2.0, each with a 10.9m excavated material but can install
Tunnel boring machines (TBM) have
diameter cutter head and 14 pre-fabricated concrete segments
a circular cutter head and are used
R
engines producing 5,000 kilowatts to line the new tunnel. For Snowy
oads contractor Leed Construction of the first workers’ and the Polo Flat precast factory. to excavate tunnels through rock
of power. It takes 25 people to 2.0, each concrete segment will
Engineering and accommodation camp is due The events were well-attended, and soil. They provide a faster and
run each TBM including support weigh 6.5 tonnes and there are
Construction has forged to start in coming months and with more than 400 people taking more efficient method of excavation
facilities at the tunnel portal. nine segments in each ring. With
ahead with upgrades should be finished early next year. the opportunity to ask questions, than traditional drill and blast.
27km of waterway tunnels, Snowy
to Lobs Hole Ravine Initially, during the Exploratory learn more about the projects and 2.0 will use more than 130,000
Road, despite some periods of Works phase, the accommodation speak directly to the project team. concrete segments!
wild winter weather, and these units will be home to around 150
The most common topics
are due to be completed by the people. Each single bedroom unit
raised by the local community
end of the year. A temporary will contain an ensuite, bed, desk,
included local jobs and business
pedestrian bridge is also being television, small refrigerator and
opportunities, traffic and noise
installed across Wallace Creek to reverse-cycle air conditioner. The
impacts, road safety and road
enable our principal contractor Exploratory Camp will also have a
upgrades.
Future Generation access to the gym, recreational facilities, dining
exploratory tunnel portal site. area and kitchen. Future Generation is busy
When access is completed, the Given the project’s location in the
establishing a presence in the
first tunnel construction will get Snowy Mountains, all of these local community, with team
underway with drill and blast buildings are built to withstand up members already moving into
methodology. to three metres of snow! the old SMEC offices in Cooma.
This will soon become the Future
This exploratory tunnel will allow Snowy Hydro hosted its latest round Generation headquarters for the
further geological investigations to of community consultations in July project and will house 80-100
be carried out at the underground and August, with staff from Future staff, generating further economic
cavern location, with horizontal Generation also attending. These activity for the area. SMEC staff
core hole drilling conducted in- sessions in Cooma, Adaminaby, working on the project have
situ. This work is very important Tumut, Talbingo, Tumbarumba moved into the Snowy Hydro
as it provides us with information and Shannons Flat were focused office in Cooma in their role as the
needed to finalise the technical on providing information to owners’ engineers.
design of the power station the community as part of the
cavern, which will be located Environmental Impact Statement
about 700 metres below ground. A typical tunnel boring machine
process for Snowy 2.0 Main Works
8 9
APPRENTICES NEW
The faces of Snowy’s future
RENEWABLE
By the numbers
25 54 21 4-6 4
YEARS YEAR ENERGY
of the Snowy
Hydro
apprenticeship
program
Snowy
Hydro-
trained
apprentices
current
apprentices
apprentices
per intake
program
CONTRACTS
in the last
10 years
E D
very day, across the All apprentices rotate through id you know Snowy built under long-term offtake
Snowy Scheme and regional operation areas and have Hydro’s retailer Red contracts from Snowy Hydro’s
throughout the Snowy the opportunity to gain permanent Energy is now powering successful 2018 Renewable
Hydro business, there positions at Snowy at the end all of Thredbo’s major Energy Procurement Program
are skilled tradespeople of their apprenticeships. Some resort operations with (REP-P).
working to maintain and fine-tune go on to train in a second trade, clean, renewable energy?
The REP-P secured 888
our generation assets to help keep providing the business with extra,
This is just one of several landmark megawatts of wind and solar
your lights on at times of peak hugely valuable skills.
contracts Snowy Hydro has signed projects across New South Wales
energy demand.
with commercial customers to and Victoria with offtake contracts
All of these mechanical fitters, DID YOU KNOW supply reliable, round-the-clock of up to 15 years. This new energy
electricians, machine fabricators, THE 2018 energy from 100% renewable allows Snowy Hydro to offer very
maintenance technicians and site AUSTRALIAN sources like wind, solar and hydro. competitive, firm, renewable
supervisors started their careers APPRENTICE OF energy prices to customers.
To provide energy on-demand,
as apprentices, many of them at THE YEAR WAS
when a customer needs it, Snowy The Snowy 2.0 pumped-hydro
Snowy Hydro. SNOWY HYDRO’S
uses its hydro power station assets project will further strengthen
MICK EDWARDS?
We are proud of our apprenticeship in combination with intermittent Snowy’s existing ability to firm vast
program and appreciate the A qualified motor mechanic wind and solar to create ‘firm’ amounts of renewable energy.
incredible value that apprentices and mature-aged tradesman, reliable energy.
Mick took on a second Snowy Hydro can release water to
bring to the business. The program
apprenticeship as an electrician This firmed, on-demand generate at times of peak demand
develops and nurtures the abilities
and was so successful he won renewable energy is vital for and use excess energy for
of local young people through high
the national award. the rapidly-changing National pumping to top up water supplies
quality trades training, along with
Electricity Market to meet current - for example, when the sun is
support and mentoring from the Mick’s commitment to and future energy demands at the shining in the middle of the day
apprenticeship management team. apprentices, their training lowest cost. producing solar energy at a time
Our apprentices are critical to our and mentoring is second-to- when energy demand across the
none. He is the company’s This new offering from our suite of
future and deliver the pipeline of system is relatively low.
Apprentice Coordinator and is firming products is a fast-growing
skills we will always need. They
passionate about producing part of Snowy Hydro’s business and Aside from Thredbo Ski Resort,
become the vital tradespeople
excellent tradespeople and one which holds significant promise Snowy has also signed long-term
providing the hands-on skills
well-rounded individuals. given our unique fast-start hydro contracts with the University of
that keep our turbines spinning,
assets and integrated portfolio of Newcastle and Dexus, a large
electrical systems safe and plant
renewable energy sources. property investment group.
maintenance on-track.
The next application With more customers seeking These large customers all have
Apprentices bring ideas,
period for a Snowy renewable energy to power their a commitment to environmental
innovation and enthusiasm for new
Hydro apprenticeship operations, there is significant sustainability, along with a desire
projects and future upgrades. The
will open in mid-2020. interest in Snowy’s energy for long-term price certainty,
contribution of tradespeople to our
So if you or your high school-aged products. which aligns well with the product
business is never underestimated.
son or daughter is keen to kick Snowy Hydro and Red Energy is
New contracts signed with
Snowy Hydro accepts apprentices start their career with a trade and is able to offer.
commercial and industrial
across the mechanical and electrical interested in science, technology, customers will be underpinned by
trades each year, and looks to hire engineering and maths, they renewable energy produced from
people as much as possible from the should start preparing now! the eight wind and solar projects
Top to bottom: Jack Cooper, Eden Snowy Mountains region.
Mulquiney, Luke Jackson, Grant 11
Hardwick and Fraser Stout
MAJOR REGIONAL OUR PEOPLE
MILESTONES
MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS
The Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric
Scheme is the most complex, multi-purpose,
multi-reservoir hydro scheme in the world
with 16 large dams, 80km of aqueducts,
145km of tunnels and nine power stations,
two of which are underground, and one Justin Gumela and Tom Condon
pumping station. At Snowy, our people are our most
A
important assets. The diversity
s you can imagine, some of the electrical equipment The Eucumbene-Snowy tunnel This year we completed a major of our business means we have
a Scheme of this scale fundamental to the operation of takes water into Lake Eucumbene upgrade of the spillway gate so many talented, skilled and
has a lot of moving the plant is reaching the end of its for long-term storage while the control systems. The new controls experienced people in a wide
parts, with many large life and is no longer able to meet Snowy-Geehi tunnel moves water utilise modern electronic control range of roles.
pieces of infrastructure the demands of today’s electrical into Geehi Dam, where it makes technology, and in some cases At each of our power stations we
strategically connected together. generation network. its way westward via Murray 1 they are now duplicated to ensure have Maintenance Technicians
The longevity of the infrastructure and Murray 2 Power Stations and that the gates will respond under who operate, maintain and
The control system replacement
not only highlights the original eventually into the Murray River. the most adverse of conditions. assist the Snowy Mountains
is planned for the next 18 months
design and construction of the They can now be operated Control Centre to keep the
and will be followed by mechanical Flows down the Snowy River can
assets, but also the expertise of automatically without human assets operational and available
overhauls and turbine upgrades change quite dramatically. In the
Snowy Hydro maintenance staff, intervention, either remotely from for service. Tom Condon, a
that, together, will see the plant last 10 years, there have been two
past and present. the Snowy Mountains Control mechanical fitter and Justin
renewed to continue its reliable significant rain events resulting
Centre or locally from the site. Gumela, an electrical fitter, are our
This year we are celebrating 70 operation for decades to come. in the level rising nearly nine
years since the first ceremonial metres per hour, resulting in flows Kosciuszko region Maintenance
The two-unit Jindabyne Pumping Technicians based in Jindabyne.
blast in Adaminaby to signal the in excess of 500 cubic metres
Station also began operations
start of construction of the mighty per second going over the Island Tom and Justin have their hands
in 1969 and forms an important
Snowy Scheme. In addition to these Bend spillway. full! They work together to keep
part of the Snowy-Murray
major celebrations there are other Guthega Power Station, Jindabyne
Development portion of the The four spillway gates need to
milestones to recognise in 2019, Pumping Station, four dams, a
Scheme. The Jindabyne Pumping respond quickly to the changing
specifically on the Snowy-Murray small hydro and other outlying
Station pumps water from Lake water levels and automatically
Development side of the Scheme. and auxiliary plant operational.
Jindabyne (normally at off peak open to protect the integrity of the
Construction of the Murray 2 times such as nights and on dam. That’s why it is imperative Tom and Justin are both
Power Station was completed 50 weekends) into Geehi Reservoir. that upgrades take place from committed to safety and work
years ago in 1969. Located near time to time to ensure the ongoing well together due to their different
Another of the Snowy-Murray
Khancoban, water flows westward reliability of the dam and its trades and backgrounds.
Development storages, Island
from the central storage area of spillway.
Bend Dam, is 54 years young this “The best thing about working in
Lake Eucumbene and other smaller
year. Constructed between 1962 the Kosciuszko region is we have a
dams, through Murray 1 Power
and 1965, its purpose is to divert solid team that enables us to work
Station, on to Murray 2 and out
water from the Snowy River, together effectively and are always
into the Murray River for irrigation
below Guthega Power Station, looking out for each other,” Tom said.
and environmental releases.
into two trans-mountain tunnels.
Four generating units at Murray 2 “It is awesome working in the
provide a total of 550MW. Kosciuszko region, the team
This year a significant welcomes anyone new into the
replacement of the control and area, inviting them out to after-
electrical systems is underway at hours activities such as mountain
Murray 2. After 50 years of service, biking, skiing and other social
events.” Justin said.
12 13
PART OF THE PCYC PROGRAM HELPING YOUTH BECOME FIT FOR WORK
COMMUNITY
S
nowy Hydro is a founding Certificate 1 in Retail, as well as
corporate partner of the undertaking a work experience
Police Citizens Youth placement.
Clubs NSW (PCYC)
Snowy Hydro is currently
and is committed
working with police officers
to supporting the NSW Police
in the Riverina and Tumut
Commissioner’s RISEUP youth
areas showcasing potential
WORK EXPERIENCE FOR CLONTARF STUDENTS employment program, which
provides employment pathways
career pathways to the young
people who are enrolled in
for disadvantaged and disengaged
Fit for Work. As part of the
young people.
program, Guy Boardman, Area
PCYC Fit for Work graduation Fit for Work is a 10-week RISEUP Manager for the Lower Tumut
ceremony in Tumut program that helps prepare region, met with the group and
students for the workforce and talked to them about career
equips them with the necessary opportunities at Snowy.
skills to find employment. The
In early July, a group of young
program teaches students many
people in Tumut successfully
important life skills, focusing on
completed the PCYC Fit for
finance, community, personal
Work program. The graduation
health and the importance of
ceremony was a great way to
physical activity. Students work
recognise the dedication and
towards their First Aid Certificate,
achievement of the youth who
Construction White Card and
graduated from the program.
Jackson Hamson and Blair Tracey in front Blair Tracey and Nick Holloway standing with a
of a mural at Tumut 2 Power Station new dry-type transformer after it was fitted into
place in readiness for electrical connection to
Tumut 2 Unit 5 Generator NATIONS OF ORIGIN A BIG SUCCESS
I
n July, Snowy Hydro hosted eye of the Snowy team on the By tapping into the boys’ love
a small group of Clontarf inspection and repair of large and passion for sport, the
Foundation students for work hydro-electric generators located Clontarf Foundation is able to
experience in the Upper at Tumut 2 Power Station. improve their future employment
Tumut region. prospects by encouraging school
Nick worked with the Snowy
attendance up to completion.
The students, Nick Holloway, electricians to help remove one
Jackson Hamson and Blair of the original oil-filled auxiliary In doing so, the boys also form
Tracey, all Year 12 students, transformers and install a new the foundations that support
came from across NSW and environmentally-friendly dry-type healthy choices, leading to more
Victoria to get a taste of what auxiliary transformer. Nick found purposeful, meaningful lives Young people at the recent Nations of Origin event
T
life as a Snowy apprentice is like. this work incredibly interesting and which enriches the communities
rewarding knowing the transformer in which they live. he PCYC Nations of of the Nations of Origin. The football 5’s, basketball and
It was fantastic to have Josh
will continue to operate over many Origin is an annual event focuses on reconciliation, netball. It was great to see the
Cameron and Mitch Murray, For us at Snowy, it’s a privilege
decades to come. sports tournament, education, cultural identity and increased engagement and
former Clontarf students and to be able to connect with
now Snowy apprentices, Snowy Hydro is a proud sponsor and help young Indigenous held during NAIDOC sport and encourages school participation of Indigenous and
on-hand to help show them of the Clontarf Foundation, an Australians to reach their full week, that aims to attendance by requiring all non-Indigenous youth!
the ropes. Josh and Mitch are organisation that assists young potential and to support young empower and motivate youth participants attain a minimum
As a business we continue
both wonderful examples of Aboriginal and Torres Strait people into employment. and celebrates Australia’s school attendance rate of 80%.
to look for ways to increase
how work experience can lead Islander men across Australia diverse Indigenous culture and
Over the past six years, the Nations our engagement with
to a career with Snowy. in education, life skills and self- its deep impact on our history
of Origin has been a huge success. Indigenous people and provide
esteem, ultimately preparing the and stories.
Blair and Jackson were both This year approximately 1,200 employment opportunities to
boys for life beyond school. Red Energy and Snowy players represented more than 20 help bridge the gap.
keen on a mechanical trade so
they worked under the watchful Hydro are proud sponsors Aboriginal nations in rugby league 7’s,
14 15
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