Victoria’s four alpine resort management boards are to be merged following reforms to make them more efficient.
Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio said the new entity Alpine Resorts Victoria would start work by July 2022 and would govern the Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller, Mt Stirling, Lake Mountain and Mt Baw Baw resorts.
“The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning will take on the strategic policy functions of the former Alpine Resorts Coordinating Council,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“This change follows consultation with a range of stakeholders, including industry, local government and the resort management boards,” she said.
“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.”
Ms D’Ambrosio said a stakeholder reference group would also be established to ensure key interest groups had input on the transition to the new body, including industry representatives, Traditional Owners and local Government.
“The alpine sector is an important contributor to regional economies,” the Minister said.
“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,” she said.
Ms D’Ambrosio said existing leases with Alpine Resort Management Boards would be transferred to the new Alpine Resorts Victoria with no changes to their terms and conditions.
