In February 2025, Regional Development Australia Murray (RDAM) convened a roundtable in Tumbarumba with local industry, government, and community representatives to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the Snowy Valleys region. The session was followed by participation in the annual Tumbarumba Mayors Dinner and the iconic Tumbatrek, providing a unique blend of formal policy discussion and informal engagement in one of the most scenic parts of regional NSW.

The roundtable aimed to identify the critical issues shaping Tumbarumba’s economic and social future, particularly in light of recent industry shifts, infrastructure projects, and community concerns. RDAM sought to strengthen connections between stakeholders, gather insights for regional advocacy, and explore opportunities for coordinated action.

The event brought together representatives from forestry, agriculture, tourism, energy, local government, and community organisations. Discussions were candid and wide-ranging, highlighting both the region’s strengths and the barriers impeding growth. RDAM participated directly, ensuring local voices were heard and recorded for future advocacy at state and federal levels.

The roundtable identified a number of pressing issues, including:

• Forestry and Softwoods: Still recovering from the 2019/20 fires, the sector faces labour shortages, licensing delays, and a need for stronger collective advocacy.
• Housing and Workforce Pressures: Major projects such as Snowy 2.0 are inflating wages, straining accommodation, and squeezing both local businesses and the tourism sector. Airbnb conversions have removed long-term rentals from the market, impacting community cohesion and visitor experience.
• Digital Connectivity: Economic development is hampered by inadequate coverage during peak tourist times, when the network is overwhelmed by visitor traffic.
• Tourism and Community Infrastructure: Tumbarumba’s pubs remain closed, undermining social connection and visitor appeal. Local leaders also stressed the importance of investment in community spaces.
• Agriculture and Land Management: Farmers face labour shortages, rising input costs and destabilised land prices. Biosecurity challenges remain significant.
• Local Government and Representation: The 2016 Tumut–Tumbarumba council merger continues to be a point of contention, with concerns about the future of Tumbarumba’s voice and promotion.
• Education and Workforce Development: Calls were made for a Country University Centre in Tumut to retain young people and align training with regional job opportunities.
• Legacy Opportunities: Snowy 2.0 and major energy projects (e.g., HumeLink) present significant opportunities if accompanied by long-term community investment and legacy planning.
• Empowered Connection: The visit also included the Snowy Valleys Mayors Dinner and the annual Tumbatrek. Both events reinforced the importance of strong relationships, cultural identity, and local pride in driving advocacy and collaboration across the Snowy Valleys.

The Tumbarumba Roundtable underscored both the resilience and the vulnerabilities of the Snowy Valleys region. While major projects and industries signal investment and opportunity, the pressures on housing, workforce, agriculture, and community infrastructure risk leaving local people behind. RDAM will continue to advocate for practical, producer- and community-informed solutions, ensuring Tumbarumba’s voice remains central in regional planning and investment conversations.

Images Source: RDA Murray (www.rdamurray.org.au)