In conversation with Malcolm Turnbull, Sarah Dingle raised the question of whether the Snowy Hydro 2.0 project had blown out in terms of both timing and costs. Mr Turnbull’s response refuting this can be heard in their conversation. Sarah Dingle’s question was based on ABC News reporting in 2020 as outlined below and in other resources.​

“Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull originally suggested Snowy 2.0 could cost as little as $2 billion, but a subsequent feasibility study put the cost at $3.8 – $4.5 billion… By the time contracts were signed, the cost had already risen to $5.6 billion, and continues to rise.” ​ABC News I By political reporter Melissa Clarke I Tue 29 Sep 2020

Additional Resources 

Sydney Morning Herald I By James Massola chief political correspondent I March 15, 2017 

ABC News I By business reporter Stephen Letts I Tue 9 Apr 2019

Financial Review I By Bruce Mountain and Ted Woodley I Sep 8, 2021 

Snowy Hydro Limited has provided the following response:

Snowy 2.0 is a genuine nation-building project. It will underpin thousands of megawatts of renewables and will continue to keep the lights on for generations to come. Despite challenges associated with bushfire and COVID-19 it is on-budget and due to produce first power in 2025. Additionally, it is creating 4,000 jobs and providing a major economic boost to the Snowy Mountains region and beyond.

CEO Paul Broad I Snowy Hydro Limited