SMEC
SMEC is an engineering services firm whose origins trace back to the Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme, providing specialist engineering solutions across transport, energy, water and environmental sectors.
Last updated September 15, 2026
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Overview
SMEC is an engineering services organisation whose origins date back over 70 years to the Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme, a multi-purpose project undertaken between 1949 and 1974. The firm describes itself as known for reliable delivery, technical excellence, and specialist engineering solutions, and as a trusted partner for major highway projects worldwide. Its specialist capabilities span Roads, Bridges & Highways; Energy & Renewables; Rail & Metro; Environment; Urban Communities; Water & Wastewater; Hydro & Dams; Ports & Maritime; International Development; and Aviation. SMEC also provides geospatial services and construction phase services, covering the project life from concept and feasibility through construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance and decommissioning.
History
SMEC's origins date back over 70 years to the iconic Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme, recognised as one of the civil engineering wonders of the modern world. The scheme was a multi-purpose project undertaken between 1949 and 1974, bringing together over 100,000 workers from 30 countries who constructed 16 major dams, seven power stations, one pumping station, 145 km of tunnels, 80 km of aqueducts and 2,000 km of roads. Construction commenced on 17 October 1949, with the Governor-General, Sir William McKell, Prime Minister Ben Chifley and William Hudson firing the first blast at Adaminaby. Heralded as Australia's largest infrastructure project, the A$820 million multi-purpose project involved hydropower, roads and bridges. In 1960, the department of foreign affairs requested that the Snowy Mountains Authority (SMA) provide technical assistance for Australian aid projects in Australia and overseas. In 1967, the American Society of Civil Engineers rated the scheme as one of the seven civil engineering wonders of the modern world. The innovation, resilience and achievements of these early pioneers form the core of the organisation.
Products and positioning
Known for reliable delivery, technical excellence, and specialist engineering solutions; a trusted partner for major highway projects all over the world.
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