NEW and upgraded snowmaking infrastructure is at the forefront of Dinner Plain's $3 million Gateway to Alpine Adventure Project, with the design contract awarded at last week's Alpine Shire Council meeting.

Councillors awarded the contract for design services to Foresight Engineering Pty Ltd for the lump sum of $225,334.86.

On April 2, 2021, council sought funding of $3 million from the State Government's 'Regional Infrastructure Fund' to deliver the Gateway to Alpine Adventure – Dinner Plain Snowmaking project, comprising of new and upgraded snowmaking infrastructure.

Infrastructure includes:

l regrading of the existing toboggan run (Australia's longest on the Cobungra Platter slope) to allow for a consistent and level snow depth;

l new automatic and mobile snow guns;

l light towers for night lighting;

l new snowmaking infrastructure including pits, water supply, electrical and communications network;

l a covered magic carpet conveyor for transportation to the top of the run; and

l a water storage tank for snowmaking.

On June 15, 2021, council was notified that its funding application had been successful, and funding of $3 million had been allocated to the project with no council co–contribution required.

Councillor Charlie Vincent, who moved the motion at last week's council meeting, said this project was a "unique" one.

"There aren't many councils who get to sign off on snow making facilities so it's pretty unique and super exciting," she said.

"A big thanks to the State Government for awarding us that $3m; what that can do for the Dinner Plain community and the whole shire visitation will be great.

"We've got to get the design right; it's the first step in something I think will carry over many generations so I'm thrilled, congratulations."

You can find more information on this project at https://www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/council/major–projects/current–projects/dinner–plain–activation–project.