The Victorian government will spend $5 million on essential water assets at Mt Hotham, Falls Creek and Mt Buller.
Alpine Resorts Victoria (ARV) says the investment as part of this year’s state budget reinforces the government’s recognition of the importance of the alpine sector to the state’s economy, environment and regional communities.
ARV CEO, Amber Gardner, said the funding will support critical upgrades to water infrastructure across all three resorts, improving water security and ensuring the continued supply of safe potable water in line with new regulatory standards.
She said the upgrade in infrastructure will also enable future development across the three resorts and support snowmaking operations, which are vital to the long-term resilience and sustainability of Victoria’s alpine resorts.
“Since its establishment in October 2022, ARV has consistently identified targeted investment into core resort assets as a key pathway to long-term financial sustainability,” Ms Gardner said.
“ARV has worked hard to raise the profile of the alpine sector and build support for its strategic priorities.
“This investment recognises that well-maintained and future-ready assets are essential to supporting strong visitor experiences, safe operations and sustainable growth for the resorts.”
According to recent research, the substantial value Victoria’s six alpine resorts deliver to the state includes:
• contributing $2.14 billion to the Victorian economy each year;
• attracting more than 1.38 million visitors annually, supporting regional tourism and employment with $1.33 billion annual expenditure;
• supporting 12,130 full-time equivalent jobs across the state;
• delivering $154 million annual in user and health benefits;
• leveraging significant private investment, with every dollar of public investment in resort assets generating around $4 in private sector investment; and
• providing $820 million in existence benefits, reflecting the value Victorians place on the protection of the alpine environment.