New draft policy for alpine leases out soon

A DRAFT policy for leases within Victoria's alpine resorts is expected to be released shortly for public consultation.

Alpine Resorts Victoria (ARV) has been reviewing the Alpine Leasing Policy at resorts, in partnership with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), and supported by a stakeholder reference group.

The review aims to develop a contemporary policy that provides "prudent and flexible" options for leases within Victoria's alpine resorts.

An ARV spokesperson said the new policy will also help protect the environmental, social and economic values of the resorts while acknowledging the likely impacts of climate change in the medium to long term.

The review builds on work started in 2019 by the former Alpine Resorts Coordinating Council, including a survey of around 400 stakeholders that identified valuable insights into the issues and opportunities relating to leasing within the resorts.

ARV said it is working with DEECA and the stakeholder reference group to refine a draft policy expected to be released shortly on the Engage Victoria website.

Interim GM at Hotham resort

ELISE Armitage is ARV's new interim general manager at Mt Hotham resort, following the departure of Lyndsey Jackman.

Ms Armitage has extensive experience of the operating environment of the major resorts, most recently as ARV's head of property and planning.

In this role she oversaw implementation of a new streamlined approach to alpine leasing approvals through positive relationship-building with Surveyor General Victoria.

She is also well known to the Falls Creek team as a former director of economic development and land management.