Between 1949 and 1974, the construction of the snowy mountains hydroelectric scheme carved a new path through the landscape of the australian alps. It was often hard and dangerous work, and 121 people died during the building. Premiere of snowy stories from former workers and families. The snowy mountains hydroelectric scheme in new south wales was nominated by the american society of engineers in 1967 as one of the engineering wonders of the world. Its one of the most complex projects ever undertaken in australia. The snowy scheme was an extraordinary engineering feat carried out over twentyfive years from 1949 to 1974 one that drove rivers through tunnels built through the australian alps, irrigated the dry inland and generated energy for the densely populated east coast. The snowy hydro scheme is an iconic project in australian infrastructure provision, so it was good to read such an interesting account of its history. The way the author draws on the stories of the individual employees and contractors, helps paints a vivid picture of the what it was to work there and brings real intimacy to the story. Construction of the scheme officially started in 1949.
The discovery centre showcases the amazing history of the. At snowy, we have a proud history and a strong vision. These stories will then be made available on the woden community service youtube channel. The snowy mountains scheme or snowy scheme is a hydroelectricity and irrigation complex in. On completion in 1974, the scheme consisted of seven power stations, 16 major dams, 145 kilometres of interconnected tunnels and 80 kilometres of aqueducts. The snowy mountains scheme finished in 1974, on schedule and within budget, but not without cost. Snowy hydro is the third largest generator by capacity and.
My screams of elation must have echoed across balmain. More than 100,000 workers came from all over the world to work on the project. It was built by smec snowy mountains engineering corparation. Buy engineering features of the snowy mountains scheme on free shipping on qualified orders. The snowy mountains scheme is an integrated water and hydroelectric power project located in australias southern. Officially, 121 men died on the project, more in related incidents. Her book is based on about 90 oral histories with former snowy workers and. History of the snowy mountains scheme 70 years on newcastle. A collection of 10 personal stories of former snowy. Emily ballous interesting novel aphelion picador 2007 draws with permission on stories and imagery from my book, the snowy. The earliest scheme for the diversion of the snowy river waters to those of the murrumbidgee river dates back to 1884. Which list has the snowy mountains scheme been added to. Engineering features of the snowy mountains scheme.
The grant enabled me to do justice to the stories of the men and women who pioneered the snowy. The snowy scheme is lauded in the history books as a critically. Stories from former workers and families of the snowy mountains hydro electric scheme will be officially launched at a special screening on 7 june at the palace electric cinema in new acton. A history tells the extraordinary story of the mostly migrant workforce who built one of the worlds engineering marvels. Its been announced that the snowy mountains hydro scheme has made the national heritage list. Tales of drowned towns, pugnacious unionists, terrifying brumbies and a love story in a laundry floor came to light in siobhan mchughs history of the snowy scheme. Stories from former workers and families of the snowy mountains scheme digital storytelling project. In 1997 a new company, snowy hydro trading pty ltd shtpl, was established by the new south wales government and the state electricity commission of victoria.
The snowy mountain scheme was founded by sir william hudson. The scheme brought thousands of migrants to australia. Lemmon was among 400 people once interviewed by irish writer siobhan mchugh for her landmark book the snowy a history, first published in. It tells the story of four generations of women, set against the inundation of the small town of adaminaby, lost to the huge eucumbene dam in the late 1950s. The history of the snowy scheme reveals its important role in building post world.
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