Tara Moriarty
Minister for Agriculture
Minister for Regional NSW
Minister for Western NSW

Steve Whan
Member for Monaro

MEDIA RELEASE

Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct projects progress

Wednesday, 4 December 2024

The Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct projects are progressing across Jindabyne including important works underway to enhance Barry Way Road to deliver a new purpose fit approach for the new Jindabyne High and Primary Schools plus sports precinct. 

The Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty and State Member of Parliament for Monaro Steve Whan were on-hand to inspect the progress of projects this week. 

The Barry Way upgrades, which commenced in November this year include landscaping, levelling the road for safer driving, replacing utilities pipes and conduits, and a safer and easier drop off section for parents, children and staff when the new schools open in early 2025.

This complex road construction project is a priority, and the Minns Labor Government stepped in to find the $47 million in funding when discovering the former Nationals/Liberal government had not funded the necessary road works for the new schools.

The $47 million commitment to enhancing Barry Way is in addition to the previously announced $196 million for the special activation precinct announced by Ministers Moriarty and Whan earlier in 2024. This increases the special activation precinct funding to a $242 million program of works for the Snowy Mountains.

In addition to the Barry Way upgrade the projects announced in April 2024 by the Minns Labor Government have progressed as follows:

Foreshore design

• The key elements of the foreshore design include a 3.5km shared path upgraded between Banjo Patterson Park and Widows Creek, a new playground in the park, a pump track, improved lawn areas and improved drainage.
• Community consultation related to the foreshore design wrapped up in November and feedback will be considered, and the final design completed by mid-2025

Bike precinct

• This project will see 500 hectares of land within the Snowy Mountains precinct become home to a Mountain Bike Adventure Park.
• Planning work is underway and will inform what features, facilities, and amenities the adventure park will include. Further details are expected to be announced by mid-2025.

Sewer and water

• The Jindabyne wastewater treatment plan is being upgraded to increase capacity, to meet the long-term needs of the growing population, ensuring the future amenity needs of the community are met. The detailed design for the wastewater treatment plant is underway.
• A new water treatment plant will be constructed to ensure compliance with drinking water standards. The project is currently in the concept design phase, with a construction tender expected to be issued in 2025.

Electrical upgrades

• The scope of the electrical upgrades is being finalised, these upgrades will future proof the precinct and provide reliable electrical supply to the growing Jindabyne community.

Land development

• Planning work is underway that will inform how the staged release of land will be rolled out to support a deverse mix of housing.

NSW Public Works has been engaged to lead the delivery of the water and sewer projects across the precinct. NSW Public Works are well equipped to plan and deliver water supply and wastewater infrastructure that meets the Council's and community needs and protects public health and the environment.

The Snowy Mountains precinct is also facilitating the supply of a diverse mix of housing to benefit the community, support workers and the transition to a year-round economy.

For more information, visit the Snowy Mountains SAP page.

Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

"The Snowy Mountains special activation precinct is playing an important role in creating long-term economic prosperity in the region and I am pleased to expand the precinct commitment by $47 million to include important upgrades to the Barry Way around the new school precinct.

"These projects are progressing but there is more to be done, and I am ensuring this happens appropriately and in a timely manner.

"The water and sewerage works, the foreshore design plus bike precinct and opening further housing development are important for a future Snowy economy and our Government is keen to see it underway.

Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:

"When I was elected, I told the electorate that my focus would be on the essentials. Essentials which were neglected by the previous government when considering how Jindabyne and the Snowy Mountains area is growing.

"Now that public consultation is closed, design works are progressing on the foreshore design, roadworks are underway to finish the Jindabyne School Precinct, and a new sewerage and water treatment plant will help ensure the town's growth is sustainable.

"There is more work to be done, and I will keep the region updated as time goes on."