THE Victorian Government has established a new body, Alpine Resorts Victoria, to champion Victoria’s $1.1 billion alpine economy and ensure a sustainable future for the state’s alpine resorts.

The body is to start work by July 2022 and is the result of government reforms to make alpine boards more efficient.

Created by merging Victoria’s four alpine resort management boards, Alpine Resorts Victoria will govern Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller, Mt Stirling, Lake Mountain and Mt Baw Baw resorts.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, said existing leases with alpine resort management boards will be transferred to the new Alpine Resorts Victoria with no changes to their terms and conditions.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning will take on the strategic policy functions of the former Alpine Resorts Coordinating Council.

Minister D’Ambrosio said the change follows consultation with a range of stakeholders, including industry, local government and the resort management boards.

“There is broad support for the creation of a single entity to ensure long term sustainability of the alpine industry and tourism while making sure the resorts are operating in a financially sustainable way,” she said.

“A stakeholder reference group will also be established to ensure key interests including industry representatives, Traditional Owners and local government have input in the transition to the new body.”

The alpine resorts, in winter alone, contribute nearly $1.1 billion to the Victorian economy, attracting one million visitors and sustaining nearly 10,000 jobs.