The Hydro1 Heritage Centre (H1HC) management committee is working hard to preserve the history of the iconic Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation (SMEC) Hydraulics Laboratory with grand plans of turning the site into a cultural, engineering and educational precinct.

The committee is hoping 2026 will be the year its dream starts to become a reality as it awaits the outcome of a $2.31 grant application through the Federal Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP).

The working group’s vision for the laboratory is for the building to become the centre for the multi-purpose based hub for the proposed, Monaro Engineering, Education, Environmental, Cultural and Arts Precinct (MEEECAP) project.

“MEEECAP will re-develop and transform the Cooma west business district, Cooma Back Creek, Coolamatong Sacred Aboriginal Reserve and the Cooma Showground area into a vibrant business centre and tourist drawcard,” committee vice-president, Peter Coumbis, said.

“The rPPP grant is seeking to obtain all necessary design, investigative and other reports to assess the economic viability and overall efficacy of the MEEECAP project.”

Mr Coumbis said an important step in early 2026 will be the project’s inclusion in Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy 2026-29.

“The committee is hoping to see its vision and highly worthy initiatives appropriately recognised and supported in the strategy,” Mr Coumbis said.

“A cultural, educational and tourism vision for the region, in particular this project will help close the gap through Traditional Owner partnerships, promote STEM learning and sustainability, revitalise recreational and community-based events and activities in the Monaro region,” Mr Coumbis said.

“It will also create outlets for aged care residents, carers and workers in the nearby Hudson House, rehabilitate Cooma Back Creek, and showcase innovative renewable energy initiatives.”

Mr Coumbis said SMEC is continuing its support for the project along with dozens of local and regional community groups and businesses.