Ski Touring Association of Victoria

The Stirling Files

Government Response to Mount Stirling EES Inquiry.

1. Overall Recommendations

Inquiry Panel's Recommendations

  • Government make a clear statement that Mount Stirling is no longer an option for downhill alpine skiing, and
  • Government make a clear statement that the future vision for Mount Stirling is as an all season nature based recreational and educational resource.

Minister's Initial Response

Endorsed. It is appropriate that such a statement should be prepared and made by the Minister for Conservation and Land Management who is responsible for the Alpine Resorts Act. It is further recommended that the Victorian Government's earlier approval of the Land Conservation Council's Recommendations in relation to downhill skiing at Mount Stirling be revoked.

Final Government Response

Mount Stirling will not be an option for downhill skiing for the next 15 years. Any change to this position beyond 15 years must be the result of a further government review process. In view of this, it is not necessary to revoke the agreed LCC Recommendation for Mount Stirling to be used for downhill skiing: the approved LCC Recommendation will have no force for the next 15 years, nor thereafter unless a further government review leads to a new government decision. The Government's future vision for Mount Stirling is as an all season nature based recreational and educational resource.

2. Committee of management and external reference groups

Inquiry Panel's Recommendations

  • A committee of management be established exclusively for Mount Stirling under the auspices of the Alpine Resorts Commission
  • The ARC establish two external reference groups, one being a user group and the other a liaison committee with members from Tourism Victoria, VicRoads, the relevant Catchment and Land Protection Boards and the Shire of Delatite.

Minister's Initial Response

Endorsed. The final composition of the committee of management and the external reference groups is a matter for the Minister for Conservation and Natural Resources to determine. I have noted that there were many groups and government agencies on the EES consultative committee who provided valuable input to the EES process. Other groups such as the Victorian Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs, Federation of Walking Clubs and Mountain Cattlemen's Association also contributed significantly to the project. It would be desirable to include as many groups as practicable in the external reference group in the external reference groups and in the committee of management given the wide range of people who are interested in Mt Stirling's future and the valuable input they can provide to the future planning and management of the resort.

Final Government Response

The future management arrangements for Mount Stirling are being considered in the context of a the wider review of alpine resorts management initiated by the Government last year.

3. Capital grant for certain works

Inquiry Panel's Recommendations

  • Government provide a one-of capital development grant to assist in the development of Mount Stirling as an all season nature based recreational and educational resource to cover the following items:
    • sealing of the road from Mirimbah to TBJ and gate entry improvements at Mirimbah
    • two shuttle buses for transport between TBJ and King Saddle and Cricket Pitch
    • provision of an unsealed road from King Saddle to a point near, but not visible from, Cricket Pitch for use only by the shuttle buses and rangers
    • deletion of the four wheel drive track across the summit and upgrading of the South, East and West Summit Trails for four wheel drivers
    • improvements to the King Saddle interpretation centre and provision of a small day centre with no accommodation at Cricket Pitch (subject to EPA works approval)
    • signage and interpretive materials in particular around Circuit Road as the main point of access/egress.

Minister's Initial Response

Endorsed. It is generally acknowledged that the two major obstacle to increased winter visitation to Mt Stirling are the poor condition of the access road and the location of the day centre at Telephone Box Junction, which is well below the reliable snow line on the mountain. A capital injection for the above works would eliminate these two impediments and improve the resort's prospects of being self funding in the future. The track works near the summit would overcome a recognised environmental problem in the fragile summit area, while the interpretive signage would enhance the mountain's important educational values. The decision on the type of shuttle vehicle and whether to clear the road in winter between Telephone Box Junction and Cricket Pitch is a management decision which should be left to the ARC. Apart from this one-off capital injection, further improvements to ski trails, development of snow play areas and operational costs should be funded from the usual resort revenue sources.

Final Government Response

Although the works above are acknowledged to be desirable, the Government is not in a position at present to fund the sealing of the access road from Mirimbah to TBJ. The consequences of this are that, unless other sources of funds become available, the road will remainm unsealed. The closure of the summit track and upgrading of the alternative route for four wheel drivers is supported in principle.

4. Restrictions on Development

Inquiry Panel's Recommendations

  • development including commercial activities and other facilities (apart from a small day centre at Cricket Pitch and the King Saddle interpretation centre) be restricted to the TBJ location.

Minister's Initial Response

Endorsed. Any attempt to increase development beyond that recommended by the panel could jeopardise the nature-based tourism and educational values that are the very reason for people wanting to visit the mountain.

Final Government Response

The recommendation to restrict commercial activities is supported.

5. ARC planning and management activities

Inquiry Panel's Recommendations

  • Government direct, and set time limits for, the ARC to undertake the following tasks as a matter of urgency:-
    • preparation of a plan for the future development of Mount Stirling as an all season nature based tourism, recreation and educational resource
    • preparation of a detailed environment management plan including provision for trail construction and maintenance
    • preparation of a marketing and promotion plan for Mount Stirling in conjunction with Tourism Victoria
    • establishment of safety and emergency procedures
    • preparation of operational plans for managing access, trail and track network extensions and maintenance
    • preparation of a leasing policy with realistic lease periods
    • procedures for regular consultation with external reference groups establishment of an appropriate fee structure to cover ongoing operational costs

Minister's Initial Response

Endorsed. The ARC should immediately commence the preparation of a plan of management for the Mt Stirling Alpine Resort. Section 8 of the EES provides an outline of the content needed for such a plan of management; this includes the matters specifically identified by the panel. It is essential that the plan of management is prepared in an open and transparent manner with all interest groups given the opportunity to comment at key stages of the planning process.

Final Government Response

The details of future management responsibilities is being considered in the context of a the wider review of alpine resorts management initiated by the Government last year.
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Last updated 28 May 1997.