Media Release: Clancy Secures WaterNSW Briefing on Wymah Pumped hydro Investigations

Member for Albury Justin Clancy has welcomed a prompt response from the NSW Minister for Water, with WaterNSW to brief Mr Clancy and Greater Hume Council on feasibility investigations into a potential pumped hydro project in the Wymah Valley.

WaterNSW has shortlisted the Wymah Valley as one of several locations across New South Wales for further feasibility investigations as part of its Long Duration Storage Program. The investigations are examining the potential for a pumped hydro scheme associated with Lake Hume, although no decision has been made on whether the project will proceed.

The briefing follows representations made by Mr Clancy to the Minister after residents raised concerns about the investigations and sought greater information about the potential project.

"Despite the potential significance of a project of this scale, there has been relatively limited public information available to date and understandably this in itself raises questions," Mr Clancy said.

"I appreciate the Minister responding promptly to my request and facilitating this briefing," Mr Clancy said.

"My priority is ensuring our local community has access to accurate information and that local representatives are able to ask questions on behalf of residents."

Mr Clancy said that while WaterNSW had described the work as being at an early feasibility stage, projects of this scale naturally generated community interest and legitimate questions.

"People want to understand what infrastructure may ultimately be required, including any future transmission lines, how the project would interact with Lake Hume, what environmental and agricultural impacts may arise, and ultimately whether a project of this nature is viable in the first place.

"There are also legitimate questions about how fluctuating water levels, sedimentation within Lake Hume and the broader technical and economic feasibility of the proposal are being considered.

"I haven't formed a view on the project itself. At this stage my priority is making sure the community receives timely, accurate information and has confidence that its questions are being heard."

Greater Hume Mayor Cr Lea Parker welcomed the opportunity for Council to receive a briefing from WaterNSW.

"Whether or not this project ultimately proceeds, early engagement with the community is essential," Cr Parker said.

"People deserve to understand what is being investigated, what the process will involve and what it could ultimately mean for our district.

"Council has an important role representing our community and understanding the potential implications for local infrastructure, planning and the broader district. We appreciate Justin securing this opportunity for Council to hear directly from WaterNSW and ask questions on behalf of our community."

Mr Clancy said the briefing would be an important first step, but ongoing engagement would be equally important.

"Communities need to be brought into the conversation early—not after key decisions have effectively been made.

"Social licence isn't something that can be achieved at the end of a process. It needs to be built from the very beginning through genuine engagement, transparency and respect for local communities.

"Whether this project ultimately proceeds or not, the community deserves confidence that decisions are being made transparently, that all options are being rigorously assessed and that local voices will be heard throughout the process."