The government-financed Snowy Mountains Scheme in New South Wales diverted the course of several rivers flowing through the Snowy Mountains to irrigate crops and generate hydroelectric power. Murray No. 1 hydroelectric power station is one of seven stations in the scheme. These seven stations produce much of the electricity for southeast Australia. The scheme—one of the world's largest hydroelectric projects—also includes 16 dams and 80 kilometers (50 miles) of aqueducts. The Snowy Mountains Scheme created many jobs in Australia following World War II; between 1949 and 1972, more than 100,000 people were employed on the project
