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Water for the Snowy River

One controversial and significant issue that has been the focus of much discussion relates to the Snowy River, and the competing demands for its water. A large proportion of water from the Snowy River is diverted through the Snowy Mountains Scheme to the Murray and Murrumbidgee rivers where it is used for irrigation. Calls from people in NSW and Victoria for some water to be returned to the Snowy River for environmental and economic reasons led to an inquiry. The inquiry recommendation - that a certain proportion of water be returned to the Snowy - was not considered sufficient by those advocating greater water flows. These competing demands led to conflict between various States and the Commonwealth Government. It is an issue of national consequence in which members of parliament gained and lost electoral seats.