Snowy stops over safety
Print
Construction on the $12 billion Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro project has been suspended over safety concerns.
All three tunnel boring machines have ceased operations due to issues with underground refuge chambers.
The Australian Workers Union (AWU) says there is growing apprehension over the maintenance and readiness of the chambers, which are critical for worker survival during emergencies such as tunnel collapses or air supply failures. The chambers are designed to provide oxygen and shelter for up to 24 hours.
“It’s no good in a very hazardous underground environment to just hope that nothing goes wrong. These skills have got to be practised,” AWU NSW Secretary Tony Callinan has told reporters.
“Production and construction is being put ahead of safety”, despite years of raising concerns, he said.
Snowy Hydro initially anticipated a quick resumption of activities, but the union has cautioned that delays could be extensive.
Hundreds of workers reportedly require overdue safety training related to the refuge chambers.
“Health and safety representatives have been raising their concerns on site for months, but their concerns have fallen on deaf ears,” Callinan said.
The suspension affects tunnel boring machines Florence, Kirsten, and Lady Eileen Hudson.
Florence, which is tasked with excavating a 17-kilometre headrace tunnel, has faced repeated delays due to geological challenges, including soft earth and hard rock.
Snowy Hydro said late last year that it would buy a fourth tunnel boring machine (TBM) in a bid to keep the project on track.
Snowy Hydro, in a statement, confirmed that its principal contractor, Future Generation Joint Venture (FGJV), is addressing the safety issues.
“Some underground work at Snowy 2.0 has temporarily stopped while FGJV takes steps to ensure a back-up safety system meets strict safety requirements,” the company said.
The project’s budget has swelled from an initial $2 billion estimate in 2017 to $12 billion. It is now expected to commence operations in 2027.
The AWU has sought meetings with federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen and NSW Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis to discuss ongoing safety concerns.
