What is the Snowy Mountains scheme?

Answer 1

The Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme is a hydroelectricity and irrigation complex in south-east Australia, in the Australian Alps between Victoria and New South Wales. It is considered to be one of the wonders of the engineering world. The Scheme involves sixteen dams, seven power stations, a pumping station and over 225 km of tunnels, pipelines and aqueducts.

The Snowy Mountains scheme generates electricity and redistributes water to the Murray River, where it is used for farming and irrigation. The total electricity capability is up to about 3700 MW, which works out to roughly 10% of the needs of New South Wales, though this depends on having enough rainfall and melting snow. The Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme was built between 1949 and 1975.

Answer 2

The Snowy Mountains scheme is a hydroelectricity and irrigation complex that is found on the continent of Australia. It was a massive undertaking in the 1950s that provided employment for tens of thousands of Australians and immigrants, and was a major feat of engineering. Construction of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme began in 1949 and took 25 years to complete, so was finished in 1974. The hydroelectricity and irrigation complex was built in difficult terrain in south-east Australia, in the Australian Alps between Victoria and New South Wales. It is considered to be one of the wonders of the engineering world. The Scheme involves sixteen dams, seven power stations, a pumping station and over 225 km of tunnels, pipelines and aqueducts, and provides power to the southeastern portion of the continent.

Answer 3

Construction of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme began on 17 October 1949. It took 25 years to complete, so was finished in 1974.

While 25 years may seem like a long time, the massive Scheme is very complex, and it was finished well under budget. The hydroelectricity and irrigation complex was built in difficult terrain in south-east Australia, in the Australian Alps between Victoria and New South Wales. It is considered to be one of the wonders of the engineering world. The Scheme involves sixteen dams, seven power stations, a pumping station and over 225 km of tunnels, pipelines and aqueducts.