By July 2022, the Victorian Government will complete major reforms to secure the future of our state’s alpine resorts through the creation of Alpine Resorts Victoria.
Alpine Resorts Victoria will govern the Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller, Mt Stirling, Lake Mountain and Mt Baw Baw alpine resorts.
The new body will be established through the merger of Victoria’s four existing Alpine Resort Management Boards (ARMBs) and the abolition of the Alpine Resorts Coordinating Council (ARCC).
This decision follows consultation with boards of the ARMBs and the ARCC and key industry stakeholders that demonstrated broad support for reform to create economic resilience and ensure the long-term sustainable future of Victoria’s alpine resorts sector, while recognising its importance to regional local communities and the state’s visitor economy.
Alpine Resorts Victoria will support alpine resorts and associated communities as they recover from effects of the 2019-20 bushfires and, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and enable regional communities to flourish and develop unique opportunities.
It will develop and implement strategic planning across the sector to underpin the future of alpine-based tourism, which is a major contributor to regional economies, and will deliver positive outcomes that will enable a sustainable future for all alpine resorts, visitors and regional communities.
Alpine resorts are a vital part of regional Victoria’s economy. In winter alone, these resorts collectively contribute nearly $1.1 billion in GSP, attract one million visitors per year and support almost 10,000 regional jobs.
More information and the next steps
Further consultation will take place with industry, partners and key stakeholders. To assist this a Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG) will be established that will include representatives from industry, Traditional Owners, Local Government, ARMBs and the ARCC during transition planning.
Legislation to merge existing ARMBs is expected to be introduced in the Victorian Parliament in late 2021 following consultation and drafting, with the new entity to begin operating by July 2022.
The composition of the new board Alpine Resorts Victoria will ensure that traditional owner voices are heard.
A key principle will be ensuring industry has a platform to directly advise Alpine Resorts Victoria on strategic and operational directions for each resort.
Staff at ARMBs will be transferred to Alpine Resorts Victoria and staff at the ARCC will be redeployed to positions within the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).
All lease agreements with existing ARMBs will transfer to Alpine Resorts Victoria and any associated adjustments in existing terms and conditions will be managed equitably and transparently.