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The associated Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme is one of the most complex integrated water and . The Scheme was managed by the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Authority, now called (the highest town in Australia); and Khancoban . Additionally, the economy of Cooma has been sustained by the Scheme. The Scheme is the largest Renewable Energy generator in mainland Australia and plays a pivotal role in the operation of the national electricity market, generating approximately 3.5% of the mainland grid's power. The Scheme also has a significant role in providing security of water flows to the Murray-Darling Basin . The Scheme provides approximately 2100 gigalitres of water a year to the Basin, providing additional water for an irrigated agriculture industry worth about $5 bn per annum, representing more than 40% of the gross value of the nation's agricultural production. ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS The original plan was for 99% of the water of the users and took no account of ecosystem needs; it soon became known that the lower reaches of the river were in environmental crisis. An extensive public campaign led to the Snowy Water Inquiry being established in January 1998 . The Inquiry reported to the New South Wales and Victoria n Governments in October of that year, recommending an increase to 15% of natural flows. The two Governments were equivocal about this target; aside from economic considerations there was a view that the health of the Murray is more important than that of the Snowy and any extra environmental flows are better used there instead. In 1999 the seat of East Gippsland was won in the Victorian election by an independent, Craig Ingram , based in large part on his campaign to improve Snowy flows. In 2000, Victoria and NSW agreed to a long-term target of 28%, requiring $375 million of investment to offset losses to inland irrigators. In August 2002 flows were increased to 6%, with a target of 21% within 10 years. A major spillway upgrade is being constructed to facilitate these flows. site plan POWER STATIONS As of 2005 there were still seven power stations. These included in Alphabetical order :
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