MEMBER for Eildon Cindy McLeish addressed parliament on September 10, looking to secure government commitment the 2025 snow season will not repeat this year’s early closure, snow shortages forcing resort management to call it quits at the end of August.
“This year Mt Buller had to close five weeks earlier than expected due to the lack of access to water for the village and snow-making,” said Ms McLeish.
“The limitations on pumping rights led to a loss of revenue and jobs and impacted trade by small businesses in regional Victoria.”
Completed in June 2020 the 100 megalitre Boggy Creek Reservoir was a huge investment aimed at providing water during fire prone summers, and then in winter, for use in the Mt Buller village and for snowmaking purposes.
But limited access has caused concern for those on the mountain.
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Stakeholders fear the reduction in water when they needed it for snowmaking this year has had a detrimental impact on visitation to Mt Buller and the livelihoods of several operators.
A government access licence was granted originally for four months but was increased from May to September.
The problem arises from the resort needing enough potable water in the village during that period and then using whatever is available for snowmaking.
Alpine Resorts Victoria noted a dry autumn contributed to the problem with no top up rains to fill the reservoir prior to May.
June and July then offered ideal conditions for snowmaking but this did not happen, the lack of access to water for snowmaking both “frustrating and disappointing” according to the general manager of Buller Ski Lifts Noel Landry.
“There were 150 hours of potential snowmaking that our team was unable to jump on due to insufficient water,” Mr Landry said.
“If we had that water, major runs such as Little Buller Spur and Standard would have been open weeks earlier – boosting visitation for the resort and all operators.
“We are working closely with government to address this critical resource challenge which negatively impacts every business in resort and down the valley."
However, Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish queried what work is currently being undertaken by the Minister for Water to resolve this issue so the 2025 season does not suffer a similar fate.
“Despite an $11.3 million investment to secure water and optimal temperatures for snow-making, the current Goulburn–Murray Water licence is not flexible and does not allow 12-month pumping,” Ms McLeish said.
“This means opportunities to make the most of the spring and summer rains, particularly when Lake Eildon is full, are lost.
“Alpine resorts in Victoria contribute $2.14 billion annually to the state economy, largely during the snow season.
“Mt Buller needs a reliable supply of water to underpin the survival of the village and the ski area."
