Immediate measure

Drumbeat: Talbach stream to be placed under protection

The trail through the Talbachklamm gorge is one of the most popular hiking trails in the region - both in summer and winter.(Bild: Reinhard Lamm)

Resistance has been mounting for months against Verbund and Kapsch's plans to use the Talbach stream in Schladming to generate energy. Opponents can now breathe a sigh of relief: the idyllic gorge is to be declared a natural monument - meaning that the planned power plants are off the table.

The Talbach stream with its raging, wild waters is a unique natural jewel and one of the most popular excursion destinations in Styria for locals and tourists alike. The outrage was correspondingly great when it became known that two companies were planning power plant projects on the Ennstal watercourse.