The scheme resulted in the development of Australian engineering expertise, borrowing first from the US experience, with 103 Australian engineers being trained by the US Bureau of Reclamation from 1951-1961, then adapting and innovating to suit Australian conditions, such as in the development of rock-bolting to replace concrete lining in tunnels. The scheme, through the use of international engineering contractors, also introduced work and contractual practices unknown at the time in Australia. These included replacing single-shift day labour with multiple shifts, and contracts based on work target estimates and fixed fees. Bonuses were offered for finishing on time, and penalties applied for late completion. These changes spread more generally into the Australian post-war industrial environment, and the nature of industrial relations had to change to accommodate the new environment. The work changes on the Snowy were made to work largely through the good working relationship built up between arbitration commissioner Mr Justice S.A. (Stan) Taylor of the NSW Industrial Commission and NSW Australian Workers Union secretary Charlie Oliver. Agreement to tougher working conditions may have been made easier for workers by the high levels of pay found on the Scheme, wages being two to three times the national average.
