Falls Creek Stakeholder Consultative Committee (FCSCC)

Current Agenda Items as identified by FCAA

FCSCC meeting 19 February 2026

Communications from ARV to Stakeholders

ARV proposes to have a multi tier approach regarding its engagement with Stakeholders.  

ARV proposes dividing the agenda into three areas:

·         Information

·         Collaboration

·         Decision

ARV state the importance for SCC members to be involved in setting agenda items and presenting them back to the committee for feedback and member consideration.

Stakeholders raised the subject of confidentiality, requesting that clarification be sought regarding what information should remain within the group, what can be

shared with the broader community, who should be communicating information back to the community and how long items remain confidential. It was noted that key themes that can be publicly circulated are provided with the minutes to assist in this regard.    

New Falls Creek head of Visitor experience

ARV have appointed Emma Chadwick the newly appointed Head of Visitor Experience, Falls Creek who will be touching base with SCC members, the Chamber and stakeholders to look at ways of improving overall communication. 

Emma will be reviewing the event management process, focusing on: 

·         governance,

·         permit requirements,

·         risk management, traffic management plans

ARV will assist with education and support around event management to ensure event organisers comply with compliance requirements.

ARV are to assist in the development of event documentation to ensure independent event providers are adhering to ARV’s risk management and insurance/liability obligations.

Windy Cafe Country Ski Hire EOI 

An EOI process is progressing, with  genuine submissions received. Submissions are due to close on Friday 27 February 2026, with shortlisting to be finalised on 13 March 2026.

The toboggan run is not included in the current EOI.

Lakeside Development - ARV provided an update on the Lakeside development, mentioning that the resort is waiting on environmental certificates to satisfy Environmental Protection Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) regulations. The site visit with the EPBC proved positive with no major issues expected. Communication with stakeholders will be provided regarding the development’s status. 

Summer activities / Green Season

The new GM of FCARM is reviewing the strategy for the green season, including attracting more visitors/corporate groups and investment to Falls Creek. Stakeholders raised the Ignition event and the challenges relating to its funding. The GM highlighted the importance of maintaining successful events and ensuring financial viability and consistency in funding allocation to Event providers. With some agreements expiring there is opportunity to undertake a full review. 

This is a strange thing to raise as it is not on the agenda of the Stakeholders. 

Proposal to create a new Resort Strategic plan

ARV are proposing to create another local strategic plan with a view to enhance the experience of winter and green season, increase investment and improve visitor facilities.

This is an intiative of the new GM.  

Stakeholders  were very surprised at this item. Members of SCC have been asked to consider strategic priorities, resort objectives (Summer and Winter), market growth and opportunities over the next three years.

There is no guarnatee that any work we do will be considered or actioned. 

Stakeholders raised the timeline of review being a potential issue and requested being able to consider strategic opportunities independently first.

Revenue and Service Charge Strategy
Following the distribution of a discussion paper in advance of the meeting, ARV presented the revenue and service charge strategy highlighting the apportionment methodology, value attribution matrix and the process for site rental and service charge invoicing.
It was noted that ARV would like to phase out the bed component for Falls Creek in favour of a more equitable method. A solution has not yet been determined however will be worked on during 2026.

Cost recovery ARV are achieving across each of the various revenue streams is under pressure. 

Service charges will still be determined through the budget process. 

Amber Gardner (AG) explained that site value is determined by the Valuer General, with rent charged at 3.5% of property value. Stakeholders were reminded of their right to lodge an objection with the Valuer General regarding their valuation within three months of notification. 

Marketing

There was an update of the Summer as well as proposals for the Winter season.

Summer is now over so no benefit discussing this now. 

Winter is focusses on awareness for all resorts. FCAA assessment is that this is of low value.  This was the consensus of the stakeholders also. 

The program is also  a very low budget item. 

Property and Planning Update

Amy Robertson (AR) introduced herself as the new Head of Property and Planning and provided key contacts within the property and planning team based at Falls Creek:

Chelsea Swanson (Property and Contract Senior Coordinator) key contact for:

·         building,

·         compliance,

·         managing projects for leasing, licensing and contracts

Jenny Brown (Leasing and Contract Coordinator) key contact for:

·         new lease applications,

·         new license application

CouncilWise - AR provided an update on property and planning matters including the implementation of the new CouncilWise property management system. The software was introduced to amalgamate all property data as a single source of truth.

Several invoices have beenn issues without the words  "Tax Invoice" wording on initial documents, which would be rectified upon request. GST calculations on the original invoice’s issues were correct.

The Alpine Resort Planning Scheme – Amy Robertson of ARV  advised that the Regional Planning Partnerships (RPE) are working with the Department of Transport (DTP) to review the Alpine Resort Planning Scheme. The review will aim to create a clearer more defensible decision making and align with strategic frameworks for the resort including the reduction of operational and reputational risks.

The RPE and DTP will consider the unique characteristics of each resort, with stakeholder engagement, review and feedback planned for upcoming SCC meetings. Design and Siting Guidelines (DSG) will not be reviewed as part of Alpine Resorts Planning Scheme.

The FCAA requested that Stakeholders form part of this review.  We pay the bills. 

Alpine Resorts Strategic Plan

Katie Bowker of ARV provided an update on the Alpine Resorts Strategic Plan, noting that the stakeholder consultative committee feedback period has now closed. This feedback has been incorporated into the final draft and will be presented to the ARV Board.

Stakeholder concerns

Concerns were raised regarding the quality, maintenance of the bike trails. The GM stated that this was not her observations as contractors had been engaged to service the trails. The GM acknowledged the comment and agreed to have a follow up discussion  outside of the SCC 

Clarification was sought on the side by side vehicle policy, with a commitment to clear and direct communication from management regarding permit criteria. CG agreed to draft a detailed broadcast and send to SCC for feedback before distributing more broadly.

Updates were shared on museum digitisation, volunteer recruitment and the development of a memorial for Lynn Gibbs, with offers of support from committee members – possible incentives such as resort entry passes to be discussed with CG.

Next meeting 16 April 2026

FCSCC meeting 12 November 2025

New ARV General Manager at Falls Creek Resort

Last week, ARV announced it had appointed Colleen Gwynne as the new GM at Falls Creek.  Colleen is currently GM at Mt Baw Baw resort. 

It is pleasing that an appointment has been made.

2025 has been a year lost with very little achieved due to the previous new GM who departed mid year with only a few months in the job.

Falls Creek Summer activities calendar

There are several well known and very popular events occurring at Falls Creek over the “Green Season”.

There is demand for accommodation for these events. If your Club Lodge or apartment is available, please contact FCARM and discuss what the deal is.

Falls Creek Stakeholder Consultative Committee (FCSCC) update

The FCSCC met last week to receive updates from ARV, primarily regarding the financial budget for ARV and in particular for Falls Creek for FY 25/26.  ARV CEO, Amber Gardner presented the ARV Board’s agenda for a sustainable financial future.  These are available here.  We consider most of these as being of little to no value in the very near term.  We find it hard to understand how it is that ARV sees external funding as the primary answer to their weak financial situation.

The Falls Creek Resort Budget for FY 26 sees a projected loss of $1.3mill (after depreciation) before CAPEX.  A pre depreciation surplus is projected at $980,000.  CAPEX is $3.1mill.  Although much of the CAPEX is already funded, it is our view that neither the Income forecast nor the OPEX are likely to be accurate.  Service charges are projected to rise by 2.4% across the board.  ARV has a letter of comfort arrangement to underwrite its financial activities, that is planned to expire in April 2026. It is fair to say that the CAPEX element for ARV assets is grossly under-funded not just at Falls Creek, but across all Resorts.

Lake Mountain and Mt Baw Baw are in loss for about $4.0mill combined before depreciation.  There is no update as to the sale of these resorts to any party. Mt Stirling has effectively shut down.  ARV seeks to disassociate itself from Lake Mountain and Mt Baw Baw as their financial results are a constant drain on ARV. 

The Falls Creek Child Care facility is to close in February 2026 unless another operator is found. ARV sees a projected deficit of $140,000 to operate the Child care centre (a facility only for locals and Staff).  ARV is seeking ways to either close it or have others pay for this service. Casual / holiday guests are not allowed to use this facility.

The FCAA has requested the CEO of ARV provide an update to the SCC regarding a new policy that ARV has decided to create for Memorials.   This is of particular interest to the FCAA as ARV has delayed the installation of a memorial for David Risby for many months, while a new policy is created.

ARV Lease review update (ARLP SRG)

On behalf of the ARLP SRG, David Stogdale of the FCAA (a member of the SRG) reported to the FCSCC on the current status of the project.

A PowerPoint was provided to the FCSCC on 9 November 2025 for the group to consider. It is provided here.

The Minister has released the DRAFT documents on Engage Victoria.  Click the link here to view the documents.

The FCAA will provide a submission to ARV regarding this issue. We shall also provide our members with the submission.  The FCAA strongly recommends that members read this information. It is vital for your future as a Lease-holder at Falls Creek. 

FCSCC meeting 10 Sep 2025

We covered off on the following items:

·         ARV Service review.

o   No update from the July meeting

·         ARV Budget

o   ARV are working on a new Budget for next year.  No details.

·         Strategic Plan

o   The Traditional Owner element is being prepared now.  It will come back to the SCC’s before it goes to Engage Vic.

·         Falls Creek operations update

o   Some 100 days of white roads. A very good result.

o   XC path / track grooming has had issues as a result of the vehicle having mechanical issues.  FCSL stepped in a supplied groomer for Hoppet.  FCARM Vehicle is being repaired. It will be assessed as to its future.  A new Vehicle is $750K, of funds not available.  It will be repaired instead. 

o   Visitation days are a bit lower this season.  Data would indicate that stays are shorter – average of 3 nights.  Total visitation to end of last week was 210,000.

o   Ski patrol call outs 1426;  Med centre attendances (due to alpine activities) 450.

o   Freight deliveries are down – reflecting a small decline in visitor demand.

·         Vail Group

o   There was a visit from Head Office to Falls, Hotham and Perisher last week.

o   They support the ongoing improvement to snow making and snow farming.  There is ongoing incremental opex but no major Capex planned.

·         Hoppet

o   Execution went well. Numbers not exciting due to poor conditions from least 2 years.  Not many internationals. Thanked Vail group for their support else the event would not have occurred.

·         ARV Leasing project

o   (When asked) Amber mentioned that the project was close to finalisation and would be ready to go to Engage Vic in the near term. 

·         Sentiment

o   There was a bit of chat about the overall season outcome, with most agreeing that the season had been good for snow  but that attendance by patrons was not as good as hoped. The feeling was that transport has done a good job and that parking was well organised. The sealed Ropers car park had been most helpful.

·         Summer Events plan

o   A new planning calendar was presented.  

FCSCC meeting 23 July 2025

ARV Service review.

The SCC was provided with a document from ARV.  The review is more of an information document.  The document has been distributed by other members of the SCC at Falls Creek within their groupings.  The document is not for public release.  It covers off on the services provided and their relative importance. 

Service Charges Review

This document is a DRAFT only.  There will be changes.  The fnial will be ready by year end - probably. 

There are issues with the proposed new basis – all Resorts will be charged on a CIV (Capital Improved Value) basis.  This is probably not such a big deal for Falls Creek,  but is a big deal for those using FECA (Fully enclosed covered area).

There are issues with using CIV as the value is a $ value provided by the Valuer General.  However, Lease values are totally different to that of Freehold.  None the less, all Resorts will be assessed similarly, so the imperfect nature of the formula will be applied universally.

There are a few issues with the various application of rate to different asset types.  I mentioned that Infrastructure should not receive a 40% discount on occupied land as the assets are going 24/7, 365 days per year.  Whereas, a Lodge might only be occupied 7 or 8 months of the year, yet pay the full rate.  This was noted.

Integrated Water Plan

This document was not tabled.  There are issues as we have no visibility.  However,  Falls Creek is a stand out in terms of water availability and treatment assets.

Buller is in a very different situation.  It has water supply issues that are well known. 

Summer Events plan

The DRAFT events plan was tabled. 

Emergency Services Levy

ARV has lobbied on behalf of the Resort sector,  but to no avail.  The new Levy will be applied to all.

Side by Side vehicles

These seem to be local issue for local operators.  Some are VERY annoyed that these vehicles are running around and digging up the snow on the roads.  Dean De Santis is of the view that they create deep ruts. 

Skidoo activity within the Village seems to be (largely) limited to Lift Co and Ski Patrol.  This is not a big deal at the moment.

Freight Terminal at ATS

This is being reviewed by 4Site and FCARM as the facility is not fit for purpose.  CAPEX is required to upgrade and make it workable for operations in all weather conditions.

Visitation

Generally visitation is up,  but for shorter stay duration. On Saturday 19 July, there were 1,000 cars in and 1,000 cars out. Day tripper attendance is clearly up.  There is a real risk to non reserved day trip attendance that they may be refused entry. All reserved attendance and season pass arrivals are covered.

The licence plate recognition system is monitoring ALL traffic into the Resort and out.

On Friday 18 July,  the Lift Co had the 2nd biggest day on record for lift ticket activity. It was the end of the School holidays and all lifts were in operation.

Next meeting of the SCC is in September.

Falls Creek Stakeholder Consultative Committee (FCSCC) update, May meeting 2025

The FCSCC met to consider the ARV service provision review that has been prepared by ARV.

This document covers off on some 22 services provided by ARV, although there are some 30+ service actually provided.

The SCC added other services such as Marketing and the Medical Centre to the list.  The FCAA added communications to the service listing as it is not covered elsewhere.

It is fair to say that ARV have worked hard to deliver a very transparent review.  It is not for distribution to the public as yet as it is very much in DRAFT stage and there will be adjustments.  The range of services will form part of the ongoing agenda for the SCC to consider as areas of action going forward.

The next meeting of the FCSCC is on 23 July.  We shall be in attendance at the Resort for this meeting.

ARV Strategic plan workshop

The FCAA has been invited to participate in the process for a new Strategic Plan for ARV.  There are several workshops occurring now and will result in a framework of priorities for ARV and to some extent the Alpine Resort Industry.  The document is NOT a strategy for Alpine Resorts, but as ARV is the Government’s instrumentality with policy and administrative leadership, the Industry will be having a major influence in the direction of the document and thus the future of our industry.

As materials are released, they will be fed back to the industry participants and thus to you as members of the FCAA.

Notes from the meeting held on 4 April 2025

The April 2025 SCC was an eventful meeting.  The hot topic of the meeting was the side by side vehicle discussion.  As many of you would be aware, side by side vehicles are used by a host of commercial operators for transport of goods and sometimes guests.  

The issue here has been the concerns by a range of stakeholders over the transportation of guests.  However, the SCC was advised that side by side vehicles will remain in the Village but may only be used for guest transport if the vehicle is registered appropriately to carry passengers. 

Another issue is that of Skidoos, who are operated incompetently.   This is being addressed by FCARM with increased enforcement of the use of Skidoos.  There will be random patrols checking the operators and licences of operators and there will also be breath checks of these skidoo operators. 

Resort Management is addressing use of ALL snow based vehicles for crossing the Main (BHP) road as there are technical regulatory issues around access to the road for a vehicle that is registered for snow road use only. It should not be a big deal but needs to be finalised between ARV and Vicpol.

The other core topic was the ARV marketing plan.  This is an all resort spend to enhance knowledge of and the increased interest in the Victorian Alpine Resorts.  The plan will see spend across a host of social media as well as traditional media from now until mid season. 

Finally, the SCC as a working group made some suggestions to ARV regarding delivery of reports and pre meeting opportunities to read important material rather than it being delivered at the meeting.

The next meeting of the SCC will be on 29 May 2025.  It will cover the new ARV report of services provided. 

An update will be provided once that meeting has occurred. 

Future scheduled dates for the Falls Creek Stakeholder Consultative Committee to meet in 2025:

• • Wed 3 Apr, 2pm – 4pm  (Minutes yet to be issued .  Notes will be issued once Minutes are issued)

  • Wed 21 May, 2pm – 4pm

  • Wed 23 Jul. 2pm – 4pm

  • Wed 10 Sep, 2pm – 4pm

  • Wed 12 Nov, 2pm – 4pm

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Notes from the meeting held on 5 February 2025

Lakeside Project

The Lakeside Project permit has been granted with conditions, which are being reviewed for compliance. ARV will continue to engage with all stakeholders on the project as it progresses, including the cross country skiing community. 

Early Childhood Education Centre (ECEC) snow season operations

For the 2025 winter season, there will be changes to Early Childhood Education Centre (ECEC) operations. The centre will provide long daycare and integrated kindergarten only, operating from 8:30am to 5pm, seven days a week during the declared snow season. Priority will be given to existing and seasonal bookings, as well as local working families.

All Resorts Pass

ARV discussed the All Resorts Pass and its pricing model, seeking committee feedback.

ALL RESORTS DISCUSSION POINTS

ARV Strategies

ARV has undertaken a large body of strategic work to inform the way forward for the organisation. This includes the completion of the Asset Management Strategy, reaching final draft of the Capacity Analysis framework, and draft of the Traditional Owner Engagement and Self Determination Strategy. Key insights from these strategies will be presented to the SCC. 

Alpine Resorts Strategic Plan 

Engagement for the Alpine Resorts Strategic Plan will start in March, aiming for completion by the end of 2025 and implementation from January 2026. 

ARV Board member update

At the end of 2024, four of nine ARV Board member tenures were due to expire. All existing members have been re-appointed following the State Government recruitment process, ensuring excellent continuity at the Board level for the resorts and ARV.

Climate Change Adaptation Strategy

ARV presented a summary of the Draft Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, highlighting key objectives and actions for ARV to enhance resilience and sustainability in the resorts. The SCC has been asked to provide feedback on the draft, which will be circulated with the meeting minutes. 

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Notes from the meeting on 6 November 2024

Amber Gardner - CEO of ARV

Special budget meeting on 18 Nov (online or in person) to present DRAFT Budget for FCARM to FCSCC members.    

ARV Annual report has presented to Parliament.  

https://www.alpineresorts.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/723206/arv_annual_report_2023_FA5.pdf

Enterprise Agreement for ARV staff.   This has been referred to Fair Work commission.    The sticking point is Penalty Rates for Weekends or ARV staff.  This is currently only available to Mt Buller workers. ARV think it will be concluded by Dec 24.

The Environment report is yet to be provided to ARV.  We will see it when it is finished.

VRLT – Victorian Dept of Treasury & Finance (DTF) are framing a carve out for Alpine areas for amendment to legislation.    A VERY big win.

Short Stay tax – ARV are still working on this with DTF as there seems to be some issue around some Lodges taxation  / eligibility classification.  Hope.

Medical Centre – enders closed with very good submissions.  There is a short list or suppliers that are working through the issues of all resort service.   The provision of services will be at a cost to the ARV budget (if they take this on).  Funds will have to be provided from somewhere.  Increasing taxes for Resorts is not a preferred option.

SCC members appointment,  should be notified in Dec 2024.

New GM for Falls Creek is being worked on by Davidsons Exec Search. 

Stuart Smythe – GM FCARM

Cup weekend was well attended,  some 2500 in Village.  Much activity

The new Dam pontoon is well used already.

The Waste water facility wall support work will be done over summer.

The resurfacing of the new Ropers car park is being done this Summer.

The MTB event – IGNITION, is well subscribed.  It will see the Village FULL.   MTB trails are clear.

Walker trails are being cleared.

Flower of the Alpine Sun should be completed by April 2025.

New MTB fast race track from Summit to Gateway is being prepared this summer.

Feral animals such as Deer and other pests ae being culled as per the notices from FCARM .

Digital vehicle recognition project should see a test site in a resort (not necessarily Falls Creek) next season.

Anari shed project goes back to VCAT next week.  Expect a decision before XMAS.

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Meeting # 11, 5th September 2024

All Resorts update from Amber Gardner, CEO of ARV;  

Medical Centres invitation tender has been issued and already there appears to be meaningful interest in this from a host of parties. 

The ARV budget is being prepared now and will be provided to SCC in due couse for comment. 

The Ministerial staff have recently visited Baw Baw for a site visit to vew the complexities of that resort. 

SCC membership is up for renewal and the Terms of Reference and appointment process were distributed.  [These are on the FCAA website only.  Click HERE to view].  FCAA will reapply for membership of the FCSCC.  

COO Stuart Smythe; 

The Resort will open the vilage roads on Monday 9 Sep.  [FCAA considers this way too late and have expressed our disappointment at these timings]. 30 minutes passes wil be provided to the general public to drop off and pick up from accommodation. 

Oversnow vehicle policy is again under the spotlight.  It was stated that the policy (available HERE) is to be enforced in season 2025.  This issue remains hot and will be discussed again. 

Projects around the reaining wall for the waste water faciliity are key to longer term sustainability.  This is a major project of close to $1.0mill  

ARV seek input from Stakeholders as to Resort Priorities.  [The FCAA will provide two key priorities to ARV]

Richard Phillips of FCSL / Vail Resorts highlighted that longer term cooperation between FCSL and ARV could save large amounts of money.  He sighted the following:

2 x websites (ARV Falls Creek and SkiFalls).  these should be combined 

2 separate marketing agendas. 

Duplication of ski trail grooming equipment and other hardware. 

Members of the ARV Board that were present indicated that this opportuninty required a special working group to identify the opportunities in detail.

Presentation from Consultants as to Climate change Adaptation.  The PDF of the presentaiton is available HERE.  Stakeholders may provide specific input to this project. 

A key point to bnote about the longer term Climate adaptation issue is that Falls Creek is the ONLY resort with capability to deliver man made snow at any time, provided that temperature conditions meet requirements.  No other resort can do this.  Therefore snow retention is the issue for examination, as the manufacture of snow is less of an issue for Falls Creek. 

Interestingly, in terms of commercial sustainability of the Resort,  Vail Resorts indicated that based on recent experiences of Summer / Green season acivity there is no commercial benefit to having lifting capacity operate. 

FCAA raised the following topics:

Windy Corner overnight parking.  FCARM had made this change to reduce the amount of shuttle transport to Windy corner which is inefficient.  It was offset by other longer term car parking down the road where more shuttle traffic occurs in any case. 

Access to the Village, which had been provided to red pass and Emergency pass holders in mid August when Village roads were cleared have not been open to guests until 9 September.  FCAA asked why this was the case.  It was stated by SS that the traffic of patrons would clog up the roads and reduce access for emergency services workers in an emergency.    FCAA will follow up asking for data to support this assertion. 

David Stogdale provided an update to the SCC about the ARLPSRG.  It is available  HERE. 

David Stogdale also provided a note to the SCC regarding the Vicrtorian Govt Vacant Residence Land tax, that is being extended to all of Victoria.  This has substantial implications for Alpine apartments.  The note is available  HERE. 

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Special meeting on 19 August 2024 to address:  Medical Centre and the ARV Leasing project. 

Item 1;  Medical Centre(s)

Situation is that on the 3 large resorts,  medical facilities are provided by a range of providers.

FC has Respond Global, a NFP emergency styled provider who have been engaged by ARV to provide medical services in the Village.  They provide both Trauma and GP services on a walk up basis.

Hotham has a medical centre provider but it is expected that they will cancel after this season, due to lack of return.

Mt Buller has an offshoot of Mansfield Hospital on site.  This is an expensive option also, with no Medicare rebates as it is a public Hospital.  

It was agreed at the meeting of FCSCC members that ARV should go to tender for a 3 location service provider with a view to seeing what was out there.

In terms of paying for the service,  it was felt by some that ARV needs to provide the bulk of the service cost funding. 

This aspect will be addressed in finer detail once options and their likely costs are better known.

Item 2:  Alpine Resorts Leasing Project / Stakeholder Reference Group (ARLP SRG)

Elise Armitage, GM Hotham Resort ,  Annie Volkering, head of the project and Amber Gardner, plus other ARV board members, attended this part of the meeting.

David Stogdale of FCAA had prepared a paper for the FCSCC highlighting that a number of aspects of the proposed lease matrix were disadvantageous to site lease holders.  

Michelle Lovell of the FCCC spoke in support of the issues raised and highlighted that the framework presented did not provide sufficient length of term to justify the expenditures required as indicated.

There was encouragement from ARV for the Stakeholders on the SRG to provide suggestions.  This was not currently in the TOR. 

There was also concern that under the current DRAFT matrix  it would be difficult for another NFP Lodge created in Victoria due to the very onerous requirements of the matrix elements.   This was of great concern to the FCSCC. 

ARV will address unintended consequences.  

It was also highlighted that baseline expenditure was not fairly balanced / considered here.  NFP do not receive any tax advantage via depreciation for CAPEX.  

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July 2024 - Meeting #10

The Minister has released an Economic impact report.  It shows the value of the Alpine industry.    To see the summary of the report, click  here

DEECA has provided written confirmation that the standard alpine lease can accommodate non-traditional bushfire insurance options. ARV will now liaise with ARIAG about pursuing alternate  insurance models (like mutual funds), which must be driven by stakeholders rather than ARV as a Govt entity. ARIAG will take carriage of this. 

The current state of Medical Centre services across all Resorts was advised.  Earlier this year, ARV initiated a project to explore a sustainable medical centre model that could be implemented across all resorts. This exploration yielded a range of options, with the primary focus on pursuing a request to classify these centres as urgent care centres associated with local hospitals.  There will be anotehr meeting on this in August to address a pathway. 

ARV Board appointments are up  for some.  Currently, there are nine board members, with five appointed for four years and four appointed for two years. This decision was made by the government at the board's inception to allow for continuity while potentially introducing new members who would need to familiarise themselves with the sector. 

Winter 2025 Oversnow Policy

Falls Creek had distributed the oversnow vehicle policy transition update and the draft oversnow vehicle policy documentation via email prior to the meeting.   The document outlines the program for this year. 

There was a feeling that guests are expected to walk around in their ski boots to get around the resort too much.  A suggestion was to have transport options is crucial for enhancing the guest experience at Falls Creek.  A suggestion was personalised welcomes, door-to-door service, luggage assistance, and flexible scheduling for a positive guest experience.

Some questioned the oversnow contractor's ability to expand adequately by next year to meet demand.   There was also concern about guest safety with over-snow vehicles and skiers/boarders on the roads.  

Snow ertention on the road was raised, with a suggestion that transport times be limited to a specific time of the day.  

Alpine Lease policy

A general overview of the status of the lease policy stakeholder group discussions was provided.

More on this in the FCAA Members only area.  

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May 2024 - meeting #9

Telstra 3G to 4G;  There is an upgrade in the Resort Village next week (commencing 13 May) for a few days that will see Telstra coverage within the Village temporarily disturbed. 

Road to Falls Creek  - Bogong village road quality should be satisfactory with 2 lanes by next week (13 May onwards).  There are still more works going on along the road, closer to Mt Beauty.   

Tenders:  4 Site have been retained as provider of ATS.  New Medical services provider to be announced in May.

Community Resilience Fund - this applies to local businesses, impacted by the road closure of 2022 and 2023.  Contact Lisa Logan at FCARM.  

Car parking - 200 new spots near Ropers.  We will request a Map for distribution to members.

Car season passes - lower uptake than 2023.  

Marketing Membership - FCAA to look at this for future years.  

Child Care - a Full time Kinder teacher has been engaged. 

Regional Infrastructure fund  - Nordic Bowl works are delayed 

Lakeside development - there is a legal related issue here that will delay progress.  

Works tickets have increased and there a many new jobs - please be patient. 

Presentation by Tourism North East - New focus #turnadayintoastay;  first priority visitors are families, 2nd priority are CALD (Asian and SubContinent). Commences now and continues through July and less in Aug.   FCAA to work with TNE to develop more meaningful longer term resort stays - i.e. joining a lodge. 

Southern Resorts report from ARV - new ARV report .  Highlights the mix of where Lake Mountain and Baw Baw fit into the scheme of things.  Data supports that the southern resorts do provide  amenity - but usually for snow play and first time exposure to snow.  However,  they are NOT material in this in an overall sense.  If we are able to release the report in the Members section, we will. 

Kangaroo Hoppet - the Hoppet has been included in the Classic Ski races of the world.  This will attract more International competitors.  A very good thing for the Hoppet.

March 2024

Bushfire Insurance

ARV and KPMG have presented across Government departments on the proposed bushfire insurance solution as propsoed by KPMG with a view to the needs of Alpine site Lease agreements and operational feasibility. 

Traditional Owner Strategy

ARV is currently in market to secure a specialist consultant to deliver a Traditional Owner Engagement and Self-Determination Strategy.

Integrated Water Management Plans

ARV is also currently in-market for a supplier to deliver the Integrated Water Management Plans across the resorts.

Climate Change Adaptation Strategy

There is a long term need for specialist expertise to develop a climate change adaptation strategy for the resorts, emphasising its importance in mitigating impacts of climate change. Stakeholders will be engaged with as part of the strategy development.

Ministerial engagement

ARV senior management met with Minister Dimopoulos. addressing the priorities for ARV and facilitate the Minister's visit to the region.

Resort Capacity Framework

There was a presentation on Alpine Resorts Victoria's new Resort Capacity Framework, a project which aims to achieve optimal operational balance in the resorts by maintaining comfortable carrying capacity.

Alpine Leasing Policy Update

The Stakeholder group for the review of Alpine Leases has been established.   FCAA is represented on this Special stakeholder group.   The project addresses ways to standardise leasing and planning, focusing on updating the Alpine Leasing Policy (NOT Legislation or Regulations).  It is possible that changes will streamline processes while aligning building standards and occupancy reporting. It is hoped that there will be better engagement processes addressing stakeholder engagement and transparency. There is much by way of data to be collected,  more so from Mt Buller, for capacity analysis and asset management.  Overall, the goal is to create a more robust framework for property management, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and stakeholder engagement.

Falls Creek Resort Child Care Review

A strategic review is underway for childcare. Staff shortages, exacerbated by increased government support, pose challenges in meeting demand. The resort is exploring solutions to ensure sufficient staffing levels for the upcoming winter season, which is both crucial for the local community and visitors. 

January 2024

Alpine Resorts Vic Strategic Plan

A draft plan will be sent to stakeholders shortly for review and feedback.  More on this in February 2024.

Leasing - Standardization across resorts.

A stakeholder Reference Group will be established in Feb / Mar 2024 for stakeholders to form part of the consultative process.

FCAA is part of the SRG. 

Major Roads  - Road to Falls Creek Landslip and other road quality issues

The contractor is working hard to repair the road in time for Peaks in March.  It is hoped that this will occur in time.  

Bookings at FC commercial properties have been well down over summer due to poor quality road access.

Key worker Housing:

Works will be required at Bogong village to allow for the expected population to be accommodated from a services perspective, in particular Water supply. 

Nordic Bowl development funding is on track. 

Lakeside / ANAR development appears to be on track  although delayed. due to redesign work occurring now.