Open chalet up or get out: minister

Source: Wangaratta Chronicle - 17.09.08

Written by CLARE QUIRK.

THE State Government has urged the Mt Buffalo Chalet’s lessee to commit to reopening the historic building or allow the government to offer the lease to an operator who will.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Gavin Jennings, said the chalet should be opened or the opportunity to develop it should be offered to other tourism operators.

Mr Jennings said the Burbank Group holds an exclusive lease until 2015, and as leaseholders they are responsible for the maintenance of the site.

The chalet has been closed for 18 months, with negotiations between Parks Victoria and Burbank making little headway.

Mr Jennings said the government’s position remained the same.

"We are committed to a longer lease and further investment in the chalet if there is a realistic and detailed plan on the table," he said.

"It is now time for the leaseholder to commit to opening the chalet or allow the government to offer the lease to another operator who is able to demonstrate they will invest to open the chalet.

"I understand that with a very old building, a competitive tourism market and high petrol prices, there are significant challenges in making the chalet a commercial success.

"However, it is not good enough for staff to be withdrawn and fences put up."