• Our alpine region supports unique ecosystems and key species, which are specially adapted to living in these conditions.
• The region contains important industries in agriculture, forestry, renewable energy and tourism, with a large winter tourism season attracting people from across Australia and the world.
• Our alpine region is vulnerable to climate change, particularly to increased temperatures which will impact the snow cover that many ecosystems, species and industries rely on.
• Regional climate projections show that the alpine region is likely to continue warming and become drier. Winter temperatures are projected to rise by more than 2°C in the far future. 
• Understanding the impacts of climate change on our alpine region helps us better manage this region now and under changing conditions.

The importance of the alpine region in NSW

The NSW and Australian Capital Territory Alpine region is the highest mountain range in Australia, containing Australia's only peaks of more than 2,000 metres above sea level. It is home to important ecosystems and is Australia’s most popular snow holiday destination.

The alpine landscape and climate support unique ecosystems and many endemic species. Some alpine species need a certain amount of snow cover for their habitats, such as the endangered mountain pygmy possum (Burramys parvus). 

The region contributes to regional employment and the NSW economy through key industries including tourism, energy generation and agriculture and forestry.

Some of the largest ski resorts in the southern hemisphere and a variety of small tourism businesses can be found here. Winter is the major tourism season for the region, with activities based around snow sports. Year-round tourism industries include recreational fishing, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking and educational and cultural experiences.

The Snowy Hydro Electric Scheme generates electricity by collecting and diverting water from rainfall and snowmelt in the region. This scheme provides employment opportunities across the alpine region and surrounding areas, and has been providing renewable energy for almost 70 years.

Primary industries in the region include animal agriculture, forestry, and cold climate crops such as apples and berries. The region also plays an important role in the wider NSW agriculture industry, with snowmelt and rainfall run-off contributing to the Murrumbidgee and Murray rivers for irrigation.

Changes to the climate of NSW’s alpine region are expected to impact its ecosystems, people and industries.

How our alpine region is affected by climate change in NSW 

The alpine region of NSW and the ACT is already experiencing the impacts of climate change, particularly through warmer temperatures and less rainfall. 

Our alpine region is likely to continue warming and become drier. Winter temperatures are projected to rise by more than 2°C in the far future. Spring rainfall is projected to decrease by 20% in the far future. 

These changes will affect alpine ecosystems, businesses and industries, through changes to:

Adapting to changes in the alpine region of NSW 

The most effective way of limiting the impacts of climate change on our alpine region is to reduce carbon emissions and thus the atmospheric warming. However, some level of impact, particularly from increased temperatures, is still expected to occur.

Adapting to the impacts of climate change in the alpine region requires an understanding of the region’s features and values, including:

• biophysical features, such as the region’s ecology, soil and hydrology
• cultural values
• economic importance, including key industries
• social factors such as the health and wellbeing of residents and tourists.

The Australian Government’s Multi-Criteria Analysis Shell for Spatial Decision Support (MCAS-S) tool was used to bring together different types of information on NSW’s alpine region. This work provides important data  for the management of NSW’s alpine region under changing conditions.

Other actions being taken to help the region adapt to climate change include:

• the NSW Government’s Kosciuszko National Park Amendment to Plan of Management, which supports year-round tourism in the alpine national park
• the NSW Government’s South East and Tablelands Regional Plan 2036, which aims to increase year-round tourism and protect key natural environments including alpine regions
• climate change adaptation strategies in the alpine tourism sector
• climate change projections and data into management plans and strategies, such as NSW Government’s Regional water strategies
• managing landscapes to increase the ability of ecosystems to adapt to climate change
• managing non-climate risks, such as invasive species, to ease pressures on threatened species
• considering climate risks in local government planning.

Related information

Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct – NSW Government

South East and Tablelands Regional Plan 2036 – NSW Government

Managing changing landscapes – Macquarie University

Kosciuszko National Park Amendment to Plan of Management – NSW Government