Joint media release with NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro

Boating enthusiasts, tourists and locals will be able to keep cool and enjoy improved recreational facilities at the Talbingo Dam boat ramp with $1.35 million locked in to create a designated swimming area, improved boating facilities, picnic areas, carparking and foreshore access.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the NSW Government committed $850,000 and Commonwealth-owned Snowy Hydro Limited’s $500,000, which will deliver significant improvements south of the existing boat ramp, including a protected swimming area.

“Safety concerns with the existing swimming area at the spillway on Talbingo Dam will see a transition to the spillway being closed to the public and we have worked closely with Snowy Hydro Limited to identify a suitable alternative that will ensure many tourists and locals continue to visit this great part of NSW,” Mr Barilaro said.

“I know the community has been vocal about this closure and the impact it will have during the summer months when up to 1,500 people visit the area, which is why I am pleased that the NSW Government is making this happen.

“The new facilities will allow boats to continue using Talbingo Dam while swimmers will have a safe and friendly environment and I thank Snowy Hydro Limited for its contribution towards this wonderful community recreation area.”

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said it’s great for Snowy to be a part of a project that will provide better recreational facilities for the Talbingo community and visitors to the region.

”This locally driven initiative will enrich the Talbingo community and importantly, the town’s tourism economy as it recovers from the impact of this summer’s bushfires,” Mr Taylor said.

Snowy Hydro’s CEO Paul Broad said Snowy is a big supporter of the communities in which we live and work right across the Snowy Mountains and it was important to be part of this project.

“We have a long and shared history with the Talbingo community. It is one of the original towns built with the Snowy Scheme and it sits on the doorstep of Tumut 3 Power Station,” Mr Broad said.

Snowy Valleys Council Mayor James Hayes thanked the NSW Government and Snowy Hydro Limited for making the project a reality.

“Talbingo Dam is much loved by locals and this is a fantastic example of how local government, the NSW Government and Snowy Hydro Limited are working together to make a positive difference to a community” Mr Hayes said.

Works will commence in 2020 and are expected to be completed before next summer.

Media contacts:

Minister Taylor’s office 02 6277 7120  

NSW Deputy Premier Barilaro's office 02 8574 5150