Major funding will be targeted at seven projects within the Snowy Mountain and Jindabyne Precinct to boost jobs and services, as lagging infrastructure is lifted in the booming NSW regions.
A total of $196.3 million will be invested in the projects within the precinct, which is one of the state’s Special Activation Precincts—strategic business hubs designed to create jobs and increase economic growth in regional New South Wales.
The projects include a mix of infrastructure, tourism and housing projects and are expected to begin within the next year, the NSW Government has announced.
One project will involve acquiring land to preserve space for the Southern Connector Road and for future housing projects, including affordable housing projects.
Infrastructure projects include a new water-treatment plant for safe drinking water, upgrades to the Jindabyne sewage treatment plant, and enhancing the trunk infrastructure networks within the precinct and region.
Population growth in the regions has left many such centres struggling to afford the improvements to trunk infrastructure necessary before housing and other development projects can be started to address the demand.
A Jindabyne Mountain Bike and Adventure Park is also on the list of projects with the hopes it will attract tourism to the region year-round.
There will also be investment in Aboriginal tourism businesses across the region and upgrades to the Lake Jindabyne Foreshore to improve community facilities and accessibility.
The Snowy Monaro Regional Council will work with the State Government to deliver the projects.
“The critical infrastructure will not only improve amenity and services but improve Jindabyne’s standing as a year-round tourist destination,” Snowy Monaro Regional Council Mayor Chris Hanna said.
“The Snowy Mountains are renowned for sports tourism but we’re delighted with the Jindabyne Mountain Bike and Adventure Park investment, which will put Jindabyne on the map as a must-visit location for mountain bikers and families seeking excellent downhill trails and modern facilities.”
Environmental concerns made much of the needed improvements to trunk infrastructure important to get under way, the NSW member for Monaro Steve Whan said.
“The Snowy Mountains are an environmentally sensitive area, so the investment in sewage treatment and infrastructure is critical and urgent,” Whan said.
“It will ensure Jindabyne is equipped with the modern facilities it needs to continue to grow and thrive.”
The Victorian Government has also invested in its alpine region as communities struggle with finding enough affordable key worker accommodation on the back of tourism picking back up.
