Members Appointed to Falls Creek Alpine Resort Management Board

MEDIA RELEASE

Minister for Environment, Lily D’Ambrosio, has appointed members to the Falls Creek Alpine Resorts Management Board for a term of two years that will enable the Board to continue to draw on members’ strong understanding of the entity’s operations and financial situation during the transition in 2021-22 to Alpine Resorts Victoria.  To balance the need for ongoing direction through corporate knowledge and expertise against the benefits of minimising operational expenses, a smaller, more dynamic and agile Board of five members was considered the best outcome.

Jo Shannon has been reappointed Chairperson, recognising her significant experience in financial management and corporate governance and her contribution and commitment as a Chairperson of the Board since 2018.  She is currently the Director of Community and Corporate Services with Federation Council.

Ms Helen Moran, Mr Jason Alexandra, Ms Lindy Allen and Mr Peter Valerio have also been reappointed as members. Ms Sue Lebish, a member since 2016, did not apply for reappointment. The Board thanks Sue for her ongoing commitment to the alpine region. The Board also thanks Ms Michelle Croughan who has been appointed to Mt Hotham Alpine Resort Management Board.

Ms Shannon expressed her appreciation for recent work by the board members. “As chair, I would like to thank the departing board members for their extensive contribution. The board has worked with stakeholders and the community through what has been a most challenging 18 months and the involvement from the departing directors has contributed significantly to the recovery planning for the resort.”

Achievements made by the Board in the last three years include:

• Tourism Award Winner at the RACV Victorian Tourism Awards – Gold and Silver in the Major Tourism Destination Category
• Continued growth in all seasons visitation and investment into green season diversification
• Commitment to sustainable practices with reductions in energy usage and increased waste recovery diverted from landfill
• Full statutory compliance with EPA and Safe Water Drinking Act
• Strong investment in lease renewals and investment, along with solid growth in property sales and capital appreciation
• Ongoing recognition that Falls Creek continues to be the epicentre for climate change and alpine environmental research for Australia’s leading universities
• Successful grant applications for Mountain bike expansion and the Lakeside Trailhead project to compliment the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing project with Parks Victoria and Mt Hotham Alpine resort
• Undertaking an extensive bushfire risk assessment and mitigation program in collaboration with stakeholders and the CFA

The members have been reappointed for a two-year term although that term may be impacted by the timing of legislation to enable reform and may result in a shorter term than approved. Any existing arrangements will be revoked with formalising board appointments for Alpine Resorts Victoria.

Ms Shannon noted that “With the transition to Alpine Resorts Victoria, the new Board will work with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to the new entity and continue to promote Falls Creek as a unique all seasons alpine resort”.

The appointment process continues to deliver on the Government’s goal of achieving 50 per cent female representation on boards with three women appointed to the Board. Two members live in rural Victoria and one member lives in regional Albury/Wodonga ensuring local issues are represented and diverse perspectives are considered.

 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sarah Watt
Director of Marketing and Communications
Falls Creek Resort Management
e: [email protected]
m: 0468 971 633