The Andrews government has announced the establishment of a new management structure for Victoria’s alpine resorts.

Alpine Resorts Victoria – set to start work by July 2022 – is intended to ‘make Alpine Boards more efficient’. It will be created by merging Victoria’s four alpine resort management boards, and will govern Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller, Mt Stirling, Lake Mountain and Mt Baw Baw resorts.

The following is a media release from the Victorian government, 22 March 2021.

‘The alpine sector is an important contributor to regional economies. In winter alone, these resorts collectively contribute nearly $1.1 billion to the Victorian economy, attracting one million visitors and sustaining nearly ten thousand jobs.

Existing leases with Alpine Resort Management Boards will be transferred to the new Alpine Resorts Victoria with no changes to their terms and conditions. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning will take on the strategic policy functions of the former Alpine Resorts Coordinating Council.

This change follows consultation with a range of stakeholders, including industry, local government and the resort management boards. There is broad support for the creation of a single entity to ensure long term sustainability of the alpine industry and tourism while making sure the resorts are operating in a financially sustainable way.

A stakeholder reference group will also be established to ensure key interests including industry representatives, Traditional Owners and local government have input in the transition to the new body.

Importantly, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians will also be represented on the new Alpine Resorts Victoria board to ensure management decisions consider their significant local knowledge and enduring connection to Country’.

Read the Principles of Alpine Management Reform from the Minister on the Department of Environment, Energy, Water and Planning website.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“Alpine Resorts Victoria will support the alpine industry to build economic resilience and navigate the challenges of climate change and recovery.”

“We are growing Victoria’s regional economy while making sure all our communities can build a sustainable future for their region.”

“A new governance arrangement for our alpine resorts will help the sector and our communities recover from the bushfires and pandemic, while also planning for the future in the face of growing climate challenges.”

Industry and community responses

Commentary will be added as I see it.

Hotham Ski Association. Reaction available here.