The Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme is one of the most complex integrated water and hydro-electric power schemes in the world, collecting and storing water that would normally flow eastward to the coast. The water is diverted through trans-mountain tunnels and power stations and released into the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers for irrigation.

More than 100,000 people from about 30 countries were employed in the region on a project that lasted from 1949 until 1974. Two thirds of the workers were from overseas, many were migrants escaping the horror of war-torn Europe to begin a new life in a new land. For the workers it was hard work but their children enjoyed the lifestyle with bushwalking, yabby-catching and horse riding in summer and in the winter, snowball fights, skiing and tobogganing. Those moving to the area now will also enjoy this lifestyle and may consider a career with the current Snowy- Hydro, who have a comprehensive new recruit support program and provide relocation support.

Seven regional townships and over 100 temporary camps were established throughout the Snowy Mountains to service the workers and their families. Cooma changed from a quiet farming town to a cosmopolitan centre with nightclubs, hotels, and delicatessens with new and exotic foods. The Snowy Mountains Scheme is not just a great feat of engineering; it is also a great social achievement with its multi-national workforce contributing to the cultural mix we enjoy today. It has also made a significant contribution to the economic development of modern Australia.

Sixteen major dams, seven major power stations (two underground), a pumping station, 145kms of inter-connected trans-mountain tunnels and 80kms of aqueducts were constructed. Even before the Scheme was completed, it was named as one of the civil engineering wonders of the modern world.

Today, Snowy Hydro continues to play a vital role in the growth and the development of Australia’s national economy, by diverting water that underwrites over $3 billion in agricultural produce and by generating clean renewable energy, providing about 40% of all renewable energy that is available to the eastern mainland grid of Australia.

Upgrading the bathroom, the smallest but essential room in the house, will immediately modernise your property.  Quality materials and fittings will give you the most effective upgrade. Consider tiles, stone and marble. The large selection available of these wonderful options will help you to get the exact look you desire and create impact. Sturdy materials like ceramic and stone are best for fittings, like basins. Good ventilation and lighting are essential for a good finish to your bathroom.

Identify  ‘One Visual  Star’ in each room. This basic rule of decorating will help you achieve a designer look.  You may identify the wallpaper, a piece of furniture or a painting as the star. Once you have identified the star, all the other items within the space should complement it.  When you introduce colours they should be the same colour as in the star, but a softer tone to avoid clashing. Once your star is identified, design the other elements of the room around it.

Create a fresh, modern look by being on trend with colour, incorporating the 2013 trends into your colour scheme.  Grey is the new on trend neutral, a soft grey, even moving towards a mauve tint. Black and white has been popular through 2012 and looks set to continue. Be sure to include bold colours, the latest trend, particularly in cushions, wallpaper, furnishings and rugs.  Add a new coat of paint in a trending colour to lift a space immediately.

The current trend in interiors is lots of accessories to create a luxe look.  You can have fun with this, creating a great designer look with minimal effort by adding pieces like a new lamp, mirrors, rug, vases, bowls, cushions and even tea light candles.  Coordinate your accessories and colour scheme, using your visual star.

To create interest, carefully place a classic piece of furniture, a beautifully designed yet practical desk in the study, bedroom or living space for maximum effect. Use a desk made of wood, which will look better as it ages, or one of glass and metal, which will stay on trend.  Make a showpiece on an empty wall with the addition of a floor to ceiling bookcase. With the addition to your book collection of photos, objects d’art and ornaments you can create interest and personality.

Now is a good time to purchase an investment property with interest rates once again lowered. The town of Cooma in New South Wales currently presents a favourable opportunity to purchase houses at very competitive prices whilst there is also a strong demand for rental property.

Set amongst the rolling Monaro plains, with snow-covered peaks in the distance, Cooma is the largest town in the Snowy Mountains and gateway to the State’s alpine area. A thriving town, feeding the needs of the popular alpine skiing resorts, Cooma could be the opportunity you have been looking for. If you purchase a better quality 3 bedroom home with a garage you will experience much higher occupancy rates, as there is a shortage of this type of rental property in the area.

The towns on the outskirts of Cooma also represent a niche opportunity for investment properties, as there is a demand for properties in picturesque areas such as Berridale, Dalgety, Adaminaby and Delegate, particularly with some acreage for horses. Many vendors have purchased property for their eventual retirement in this area, letting it in the interim to earn an income or cover the mortgage.

When considering the purchase of an investment property you need to assess the probable income and expenditure. On the expenses side take into account council rates and repairs and maintenance but keep in mind that expenses are tax deductible. The location of the property, size, its age and general presentation will influence the amount of rent you can expect and good promotion will affect occupation rates. Fisk & Nagle offer a professional property management service and will promote and manage your investment property for you. For a thorough analysis of the expected income and expenditure on the property see a qualified Accountant.

There is currently a good stock of investment properties in Cooma. Call the Fisk & Nagle Cooma Sales Team about suitable investment properties in the area on 026452 4043.

The Snowy Mountains 1000 is a 1000m Runway Sprint with competitors and their vehicles coming from all over the country to compete.

Gates open from 9am events will include a full day of racing, including main event 1000m runway sprint, a show n shine event and a pit area will be open from 12.30 – 1.30pm

A great community event, staff from Fisk & Nagle will be attending. Bring the family along for this fun filled family day out in Cooma !!

Snowy Mountains Airport, 1611 Kosciuszko Road, Cooma NSW.

Fisk & Nagle’s Sales Consultant, Kate Bartlett has recently listed 10 diverse homes for sale within Cooma and the surrounding areas of the Snowy Mountains of NSW. Is one of these properties your ideal home?

From a stone cottage in Berridale, a large four bedroom home in Bredbo or a three bedroom brick home in Cooma, there is a home for sale for everyone.

Enquire now, what are you waiting for? Call 1800 FOR SALE or on the web www.fisknagle.com.au

On behalf of Fisk & Nagle First Choice Real Estate Cooma, Kate Bartlett would like to wish the new owners the best of luck for the future, and we hope they enjoy their new home.

At Fisk & Nagle First Choice Cooma, we see an increase in buyer interest in the Spring & Summer months. It is proven that new properties gain the most interest in their first few weeks of advertising, if the external photo of your Cooma property is showing a well kept, green garden, this will appeal to many buyers and you should see an increase in enquiry and inspections.

Call one of our Sales Consultants at Fisk & Nagle First Choice Cooma, for an obligation free appraisal of your property.