The New South Wales Government has implemented a temporary water restriction affecting the Upper Murrumbidgee River, specifically targeting Murrumbidgee I and II water sources.
PHOTO: Upper Murrumbidgee River CREDIT: DCCEEW
Effective from Friday, February 7, to Friday, February 28, 2025, this measure aims to safeguard environmental water releases from being extracted, thereby enhancing ecological outcomes in the region during dry conditions.
These restrictions have increased the cease-to-pump thresholds applicable to unregulated river access license holders. Detailed information on these updated thresholds is available on the WaterInsights Murrumbidgee I and II web pages.
The temporary restrictions do not extend to water use for stock, domestic purposes, or the town water supply.
A Spokesperson for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) said “These environmental water releases do not impact Cooma’s town water supply.”
“We are actively monitoring conditions in the Upper Murrumbidgee. If they remain dry, there is a chance that drought management measures may be required to maintain high priority needs such as Cooma town water supply.”
“If this occurs, we may need to adjust the temporary water restriction to a cease-to-take announcement.”
The Natural Resources Access Regulator will oversee compliance with these new regulations through field staff monitoring efforts. For further information on the restrictions, visit: www.industry.nsw.gov.au/water/allocations-availability/temporary-water-restrictions
The Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) has been issued a Performance Improvement Order (PIO) by the Honourable Ron Hoenig MP, Minister for Local Government. The order, announced on February 6, 2025, aims to set clear expectations for the Council and its councillors’ performance over the coming year.
The PIO highlights three primary areas requiring attention: councillor conduct, financial and organisational reforms, and work health and safety. The council’s existing Code of Conduct and Code of Meeting Practice outline the behavioural standards needed, compliance with which will address the performance concerns.
To address these issues, the Council will incorporate measures into its current long-term financial plan and the organisational reform program launched in 2023. The order will be presented at the upcoming Council meeting in Cooma on February 20, 2025, which is open to the public and will be live streamed.
Should the Council fail to comply, further action may be taken, including suspension of the Council, appointment of an administrator, public inquiry, or issuing compliance orders to non-compliant councillors. Such measures could lead to councillors losing their position.
A Spokesperson for SMRC said “Council is committed to addressing the Minister’s concerns, and looks forward to working closely with the Office of Local Government through the implementation of the PIO.”
“Regular updates will be issued on Council’s progress in implementing today’s order and in the event further directives are received from the Minister’s office.”
In a weekend of thrilling competition at the Snowboard Cross World Cup in Beidahu, China, Jindabyne’s Josie Baff emerged as a shining beacon of skill clinching silver.
The achievement marks the second silver of Baff’s season and elevates her to her eleventh career podium finish.
Following a commendable fifth-place finish in the first event after a victory in the small final, Baff returned with unmatched fervor on the second day. She set the tone early by winning her opening quarter-final heat in impressive fashion.
The semi-final was intense, with fierce competition from Italy’s Michaela Moioli and France’s Manon Petit Lenoir. Moioli took the lead midway, but Baff showed her resilience, clinching second place over Petit Lenoir by just 0.03 seconds to advance to the big-final medal round.
In the grand final, Great Britain’s Charlotte Bankes took the win, leading from start to finish. Baff, however, showed her mettle by outperforming Swiss competitor Sina Siegenthaler by 0.07 seconds to seize the silver medal, with Moioli finishing fourth.
PHOTO: Josie Baff, Charlotte Bankes, Sina Siegenthaler CREDIT: Miha Matavz
Reflecting on her achievement, 22 year old Baff expressed her hunger for victory, saying, “It’s definitely nice after yesterday… I had some fire in my belly, it was a good result, but I wanted more.”
After three World Cup events, Baff is in third place in the women’s standings, with the next event set for February 15 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
The new Jindabyne Education Campus is open, featuring state-of-the-art facilities for Jindabyne Public and High School students.
The NSW Government’s $160 million project marks a major milestone for education in the Snowy Mountains and will transform learning in Jindabyne and nearby areas.
PHOTO: Jindabyne High School (NSW Department of Education)
The campus, boasting state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, was inaugurated with great excitement as students kicked off the 2025 academic year in one of the most advanced educational environments in New South Wales.
Steve Whan, Member for Monaro, emphasised the transformative impact these facilities are expected to have on students’ futures.
“The exceptional facilities and opportunities available at the campus will prepare students for an exciting future, whether they are pursuing further education or a skills pathway into a career,” said Mr Whan.
PHOTO: Member for Monaro Steve Whan had the ribbon honours
Jindabyne Public School is now equipped to accommodate over 400 students, featuring 20 new classrooms, a multi-purpose hall with multimedia capabilities, an outdoor basketball court, sports fields, a playground, and a new library.
It will also receive a public preschool by 2027, part of the state’s $769 million investment in 100 new public preschools.
Jindabyne High School boasts 26 newly built classrooms, specialised learning spaces, a commercial kitchen, workshops, a full-size gymnasium, and facilities to support vocational education in hospitality, construction, and primary industries.
Education is the key to opportunity in life stated Kelly Henretty, Jindabyne High School Principal.
“We are committed to partnering with our community to create a school where all students are challenged to excel in a nurturing and inclusive environment.”
Steve J McAlister, Principal of Jindabyne Public School, echoed these sentiments, noting the comprehensive design focused on student success.
“Our state-of-the-art school is designed with each child’s success in mind, and we are excited by the opportunities that lie ahead,” McAlister remarked.
The development of this campus represents a critical achievement for the current administration, highlighting the NSW Government’s commitment to enhancing educational facilities across regional areas.
Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, underscored this commitment while criticising the previous government’s unmet promises.
“It is fantastic to see the Jindabyne Education Campus opening today for students on Day 1, Term 1 of 2025,” she said.
PHOTO: Jindabyne Public School
“Time and time again, the former Liberal National Government promised the Jindabyne community this critical facility would be built but failed to deliver.”
Acknowledging the instrumental role played by local advocates, Car commended Whan’s persistent efforts.
“The Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, has been a fierce advocate for the Jindabyne community and has worked tirelessly to ensure this critical project was delivered,” she said.
In response, Mr Whan expressed gratitude, saying, “When I was the Local Member last time, I was fortunate enough to open the Jindabyne Central School, which provided the town with a K-12 public school.”
“Today I’m so excited to be here to welcome the next chapter of public education in Jindabyne with two separate schools.”
The Snowy Mountains will see change of ownership to a significant business with the acquisition of the Boco Rock Wind Farm by Tilt Renewables.
The Australian developer’s acquisition of the site from EGCO Group marks a new chapter for the renewable energy project near Nimmitabel.
Boco Rock Wind Farm, operational since 2015 with a capacity of 113 MW from 67 turbines, is positioned as a crucial player in the renewable energy landscape of NSW.
PHOTO: Boco Rock Wind Farm
With the acquisition, Tilt Renewables intends not only to consolidate its footprint in the region but also to expand its operational fleet to an impressive 1.8GW.
This expansion includes the proposed Stage 2 development, approved by the state department of planning and environment, which will introduce 84MW through 20 additional turbines.
These newer turbines will feature longer blades and taller towers to enhance generation efficiency, reflecting Tilt’s commitment to adopting advanced technology in its operations.
For locals, this acquisition means enhanced economic activity and further embedding renewable energy in the community’s fabric, said Anthony Fowler, CEO of Tilt Renewables.
“We are committed to maintaining and strengthening our relationship with the communities around Boco Rock, ensuring that they share in the benefits of sustainable energy generation.”
Tilt Renewables acquisition is pending regulatory approvals slated for completion by early 2025 at which time the wind farm is poised to play a significant role in Australia’s clean energy transition.
This acquisition underscores Tilt’s strategy to become the leading wind developer and operator not only in the Snowy Mountains region but across Australia.
The company’s long-term vision is to be the partner of choice in the renewable energy sector, aligning with the broader national goals for a sustainable energy future.
In a thrilling display of cricket, Round 6 delivered exceptional performances that highlighted the growing talent within the region.
At Berridale’s home ground, the hosts sealed victory over Bombala. Bombala, opting to bat first, managed 179 all out in 33 overs. Bombala’s Jason Cikos stood out, crafting a resilient 56 from 41 balls alongside M. Sullivan (59). However, the day belonged to Berridale’s Russel Haylock, who shone with both bat and ball. His leg-spin claimed 3/45 from 8 overs, dismantling Bombala’s middle order.
Not stopping there, Haylock dominated the chase, leading his team to triumph with an unbeaten 88 from 91 balls, easily man of the match. Berridale reached 2/184 in 31.3 overs. Despite Bombala’s efforts, including Brent Lucas’ commendable 1/36 from 6 overs, Berridale proved too strong.
In another fixture, Coffey’s emerged victorious against Rhythm with a smooth chase at home. Rhythm posted a respectable 9/159 in their full 40 overs, primarily sustained by Kasun Basnagoda’s resilient 63 not out off 98 balls.
The day however was owned by Coffey’s all-rounder Hunter Caldwell, who dominated with both the bat and ball. Caldwell’s exceptional bowling spell of 3/22 from 8 overs set the foundation, while his blazing 76 not out from 55 deliveries steered Coffey’s to 3/164 in just 24.4 overs.
Despite Rhythm’s bowling efforts led by Kel Macnab’s 3/38, it was Caldwell’s brilliance that stood out.
In a display of formidable power, Cooma Titans triumphed over Dalgety on their turf. Choosing to field, Cooma’s disciplined attack restricted Dalgety to 6/177 from 40 overs, with Nolan Holland scoring 52.
Cooma Titan’s Aqib Abbasi was instrumental, both with the ball, taking 2/19 off 8 overs, and with the bat, smashing a jaw-dropping 90 from just 33 balls.
Cooma Titans soared to 6/178 in 20 overs securing an easy win with Dalgety’s Rylee Holland worth mentioning for his impressive 2/11 from 3 overs.
Jindabyne Tigers had the Bye in round 6 and Coffey’s now lead the competition on 24 points from 5 matches played. In round 7 Coffey’s take on Jindabyne at home, Bombala host Berridale, and Dalgety are at home to Rhythm.
Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) announced that Bombala Pool would reopen at 11:30 am on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, after closing on February 3 due to a critical water pump failure.
In a show of quick thinking and collaborative effort, council staff and the pool’s lessee operator worked tirelessly over a 24-hour period to devise a temporary workaround, a spokesperson for SMRC said.
“Parts and equipment were sourced same-day, and the temporary fix was up and running earlier this afternoon,” the spokesperson said.
The emergency intervention undertaken by SMRC ensured the stability of water circulation and chlorine levels, allowing the pool to reopen safely and without further delay.
Council advised equipment parts were growing increasingly difficult to source raising further questions about the sustainability of ageing facilities.
The incident at Bombala Pool underscores the broader issue of ageing infrastructure in the region, including the long-awaited upgrade to Jindabyne’s water treatment plant.
