FALLS Creek alpine resort will have a smaller management board of five members over the next two years, as all individual alpine resort management boards are phased out and replaced by one centralised entity, Alpine Resorts Victoria.
Minister for Environment, Lily D’Ambrosio, announced in mid–July the re–appointment of five of the current Falls Creek Alpine Resort Management Board who have a strong understanding of the entity’s operations and financial situation to aid the transition in 2021–22.
“To balance the need for ongoing direction through corporate knowledge and expertise against the benefits of minimising operational expenses, a smaller, more dynamic and agile board of five members was considered the best outcome,” Minister D’Ambrosio said.
Jo Shannon has been reappointed chairperson, recognising her experience in financial management and corporate governance and her contribution and commitment as a chairperson of the board since 2018.
Helen Moran, Jason Alexandra, Lindy Allen and Peter Valerio have also been reappointed as members.
Sue Lebish, a member since 2016, did not apply for reappointment.
The board thanked Ms Lebish for her ongoing commitment to the alpine region.
The board also thanked Michelle Croughan, who has been appointed to Mt Hotham Alpine Resort Management Board.
“As chair, I would like to thank the departing board members for their extensive contribution,” Ms Shannon said.
“The board has worked with stakeholders and the community through what has been a most challenging 18 months and the involvement from the departing directors has contributed significantly to the recovery planning for the resort.”
Ms Shannon said the new board will work with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to the new entity and continue to promote Falls Creek as a unique all seasons alpine resort.
Minister D’Ambrosio noted that while members have been reappointed for a two–year term, that term may be impacted by the timing of legislation to enable reform and may result in a shorter term than approved.
She said any existing arrangements will be revoked with formalising board appointments for Alpine Resorts Victoria.
Minister D’Ambrosio announced in March this year that the State Government intended to create Alpine Resorts Victoria to replace the current governance system of individual management boards for each alpine resort.
Alpine Resorts Victoria is expected to start work by July next year and will govern Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller, Mt Stirling, Lake Mountain and Mt Baw Baw alpine resorts.
“There is broad support for the creation of a single entity to ensure the long term sustainability of the alpine industry and tourism while making sure the resorts are operating in a financially sustainable way...and navigate the challenges of climate change,” Minister D’Ambrosio said earlier this year.
Achievements made by the Falls Creek board in the last three years include:
• Tourism Award Winner at the RACV Victorian Tourism Awards – Gold and Silver in the Major Tourism Destination Category;
• Continued growth in all seasons visitation and investment into green season diversification;
• Commitment to sustainable practices with reductions in energy usage and increased waste recovery diverted from landfill;
• Full statutory compliance with EPA and Safe Water Drinking Act;
• Strong investment in lease renewals and investment, along with solid growth in property sales and capital appreciation;
• Ongoing recognition that Falls Creek continues to be the epicentre for climate change and alpine environmental research for Australia’s leading universities;
• Successful grant applications for mountain bike expansion and the Lakeside Trailhead project to complement the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing project with Parks Victoria and Mt Hotham Alpine resort;
• Undertaking an extensive bushfire risk assessment and mitigation program in collaboration with stakeholders and the CFA.
