Why is chalet left to ruin?

Source: Wangaratta Chonicle 22.08.08

THE State Government has apparently abandoned Mt Buffalo as a major tourism asset, according to Ken Jasper (MLA, Murray Valley).

"It is hard to believe that the facility which took out the Victorian Tourism Association Best Victorian Resort award in 1995 and Best Motoring Accommodation in 1996 has been left in mothballs for 20 months," he said.

Mr Jasper said a critical situation had now developed with reports the historic chalet had been fenced off and day support services reduced.

"The latest developments suggest ongoing negotiations between Parks Victoria and incumbent lessees, the Burbank Group, have broken down and the chalet, closed for some 20 months, will be simply locked up and fenced off," he said.

"It is time the Environment Minister, Gavin Jennings, stepped in, and the State Government made a long term commitment to the future viability of this tourism icon.

"Perhaps the minister could begin by releasing the two consultants’ reports regarding infrastructure facilities and the development of a concept plan for the resort, supposed to have been completed by September 2007," Mr Jasper said.

He said that connecting the mountain to the electricity grid and upgrading infrastructure were crucial to the on-going viability of the chalet.

"Unofficial estimates suggest this could cost around $10 million; together with a long-term lease.

"The government could start by re-investing the millions of dollars received in an insurance payout following the loss of the Cresta Lodge facilities in the 2006/07 bushfires on upgrading facilities on the mountain.

"In addition to the total lack of accommodation currently available, it is disappointing that Parks Victoria is actually reducing its support for services to visitors wanting to participate in snow play activities and cross country skiing," Mr Jasper said.

"At a time when we are enjoying one of our best snow seasons in 20 years, you would expect Parks Victoria would be doing all it could to encourage winter visitors back to the mountain instead of withdrawing funding from the operators of the tobogganing and snow tubing areas."