ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
At Falls Creek the mountains, clean air and pristine environment are our greatest asset. Resort Management is committed to protecting the alpine region's unique biodiversity and ensuring the natural environment is as beautiful as it is today for generations to come.
We are extremely proud of Falls Creek’s reputation as an industry leader in the field of sustainable alpine tourism and development. Our dedicated environmental programs reduce our impact on the local environment and acknowledge the importance of maintaining a healthy world beyond our boundary.
STAKEHOLDER RESOURCES
INVASIVE ANIMAL MANAGEMENT
Invasive species threaten biodiversity with their ability to change and destroy habitats and ecosystems. Wildlife cameras are deployed throughout the year, distinguishing the types of invasive animals present at Falls Creek, as well as estimated numbers and their locations. This is important for understanding the impacts and pressure they place on native species and for planning and implementing management actions such as control programs, and prioritising investments of species. Cameras also capture footage of native species, illuminating which threatened species are present.
Under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994, it is a general duty of land owners to prevent the spread of, and as far as possible eradicate, established pest animals.
It’s important we reduce the number of pest animals at Falls Creek to help save native species like the Mountain Pygmy Possum and Guthega Skink from extinction and preserve rare ecosystems that are found nowhere else in the world.
You can help by reporting feral animals in the resort by logging where you sighted them here:
Across the High Country, there are now four species of deer present and wreaking havoc on our sensitive ecosystems, samba (the most prolific species present), hog, red and fallow deer. Without any natural predators and the ability to adapt to most habitats deer are quickly emerging as one of Australia’s most serious environmental threats.
Deer destroy fragile alpine ecosystems such as “Alpine Sphagnam Bogs and Associated Fens”, which are listed under the federal Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC) and the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG). They compact the soil with their hoofs, resulting in a loss of soil structure, effecting root structures and minimising water and air penetration, erosion and sedimentation. Deer destroy native vegetation through creating clearings and tracks, stags fighting, repeated urination, bedding and grazing. In some cases, there can be an overgrowth of a single native plant species due to feeding preference of deer, leading to a loss of biodiversity in the area. Deer spread weeds through propagules and seeds attaching to their fur and being deposited in faeces, which can contaminate and impact water quality.
Deer create ‘wallows’ (muddy depressions in the soft ground) in waterways and catchments. This contaminates waterways and damages the plants that filter the water such as Sphagnum moss. Sphagnum moss has an incredibly slow growth rate of around 2mm a year, in just one night a single deer can ravage 80 years’ worth of growth. Once Sphagnum moss cover is lost in peatlands, alpine soils and peat becomes susceptible to desiccation, incision and erosion. Without healthy peatlands several threatened species including Alpine Bog Skinks, Alpine Water Skinks and Bright-Eyed Brown Butterflies are at a high risk of extinction.
Ringbarking is the removal of bark from the circumference of trees and shrubs. It can be caused by deer rubbing their antlers to mark their territory, and results in a reduction of the tree canopy and understory. After bushfires deer eat new growth and halt natural regeneration of vegetation, threatening native species survival.
FCAR conducts control programs in the spring and autumn. During these periods some MTB trails and walking tracks may be closed to the public.
Sambar Deer in wallow- Bogong High Plains. Photo: Parks Victoria
The recent La Nina weather influence has delivered consistent rainfall providing favourable conditions for rabbits, particularly in the Village area where there is abundant highly palatable non-native grass (a result of ‘alpine seed mix’, introduced grasses used to revegetate ski slopes in the past). These conditions allow for rabbits to rapidly multiply, as they have few natural predators. They are great weed spreaders, carrying seeds in their fur and scats. Rabbits in alpine areas tend to rely on above ground refuges such as logs, rocks, dense vegetation, debris, and human made infrastructure for shelter rather than warrens due to the soil type and water permeability. They reduce native vegetation regeneration by eating seedlings and cause soil to erode through exposure from digging. When rabbit populations increase, other pest populations such as foxes and feral cats who prey on rabbits can also increase, having detrimental effects on native wildlife. FCAR conducts control programs during spring and autumn to reduce pest animal numbers.
Feral cats pose a significant threat to native wildlife as they prey on a broad range of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. They may also have an indirect adverse impact on wildlife through the transmission of diseases such as toxoplasmosis and sarcosporidiosis. Since the arrival of feral cats in Australia, they have attributed to one of the highest levels of mammal extinctions in modern times. In Victoria alone, 43 species have been declared as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1998 (FFG) as a result of feral cat predation. Vic gov declared feral cats as an established pest on crown land, which under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP) require land managers to prevent the spread of and as far as possible eradicate established pest animals on their land.
FCAR collects and analyses data captured by pest animal cameras deployed across the resort to gauge numbers, locations and hotspots when planning for and implementing cage trapping and ground shooting programs in spring and autumn.
In Victoria, under the Catchment and Land protection Act foxes are a declared pest species. Predation by the Red Fox is listed as a key threatening process under the EPBC and FFG Acts. Foxes consume small-medium sized mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and birds, including threatened species such as the Mountain Pygmy Possum and Bogong Moth. They also eat fruits such as blackberries, contributing to the spread of weeds.
A strategy foxes use to ensure they have enough food in times of poor hunting success, foxes kill a surplus of animals to bury as a cache of food to eat later, sometimes never needing to rely on their cache.
Foxes harbour a number of parasites such as worms, mites, bacteria and fungi that can be passed onto other animals. They can also spread diseases including sarcoptic mange, hydatids and leptospirosis.
Data from wildlife cameras is used to gauge the locations and numbers of foxes in the resort and helps for the planning of control programs.
Most of the small mammals found around the resort that look like rodents are native! This area is inhabited by Antechinus, Broad Toothed Rats, Southern Bush Rats and more. Please do not poison or use snap trapping on any small mammals, as they are important in our ecosystems. If you have a problem with them, please contact FCAR by emailing [email protected] to organise use of a non-killing trap for capture and release. Please try to keep your living/working space free of food or rubbish left out to reduce the chances of attracting them and making them sick.
Poster about small mammals: Small-Mammal-Poster-for-stakeholders.pdf
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT
Weeds have a negative impact on the alpine environment. They out-compete native species reducing the biodiversity of an area, impact water and soil quality, contribute to habitat loss and food sources of native animals, alter ecosystems and can increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.
Weeds have entered the resort by different means. Many were initially introduced as ornamental plants throughout the village, or to help stabilise modified ski slopes. The large number of people, vehicles, bikes and machinery entering the resort that may carry seed contaminated soil continue to pose a risk of new weeds being introduced. Weeds such as apple, plum and cherry trees commonly grow from people throwing pips on the ground.
Today only locally indigenous species are permitted to be planted in the resort. Many gardens within the village still harbour non-native ornamentals that are spreading and contributing to the weed problem. If you would like assistance with sourcing and planting natives, please get in touch with FCAR and the environment team will be happy to help.
Resort Management implement weed control programs to protect our native ecosystems. A lot of time, money and resources are poured into reducing weeds. A dedicated environment team keep weeds at bay through hand pulling, poisoning and steaming. Contractors are also employed to undertake larger works, including blackberry spraying.
You can help stop the spread of weeds by cleaning your tread before entering the resort, washing your bikes at the bike stations, putting food waste in the green bins or packing it out with you, and swapping out any residual non-native species in your garden for natives.
Please report weed sightings to Falls Creek Alpine Resorts office or email: [email protected] and include details on the location, number of plants and any photos you have.
Resources:
Stop the Spread, Clean Your Tread! - Falls Creek Alpine Resort
A campaign to encourage you to clean your shoes, tires and equipment before you head out for a day in nature to avoid transporting weeds and seeds.
FCAR is working with Parks Victoria and Agriculture Victoria to eradicate Hawkweed in the high country.
Report invasive Hawkweed: Report a State prohibited weed | Stop the sale, stop the spread | Weeds | Biosecurity | Agriculture Victoria
See our Hawkweed Works Practice: HW Work Practice
In Victoria, a permit is required to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation. Revegetation removal is regulated by the Victoria Planning Provisions, and referred to as the native vegetation permitted clearing regulations. Any application to remove native vegetation considers the potential impacts on Victoria’s biodiversity in accordance with the Permitted clearing of native vegetation Biodiversity assessment guidelines. The guidelines also outline any offset requirements that apply if the permit is approved.
If you are planning a resort development project that requires the removal and offsetting of native vegetation, please contact FCAR to discuss in more detail.
Note that vegetation removal may trigger additional requirements under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Please complete and return the form below to [email protected]
The type, quantity and condition of vegetation fuel near buildings has an important effect on bushfire behaviour. Clause 52.48 of the Alpine Resorts Planning Scheme allows the removal, destruction, or lopping of vegetation to reduce the fuel load around existing buildings used for accommodation without requiring a planning permit. These permit exemptions only apply to buildings existing or approved before 10 September 2009. More information on landscaping for bushfire management is available through the CFA.
Approval for vegetation removal in the Falls Creek Alpine Resort which is Crown land must be obtained from the public land manager which is the Falls Creek Alpine Resort Management Board. Please complete the online form below.
The objective of the Falls Creek Vegetation and Weed Management Policy is to maintain and enhance the environment for flora and fauna through appropriate species and habitat protection and the management of threatening processes. The policy is applicable to all lease-holders within the resort.
A Landscape Management Plan in accordance with the Vegetation and Weed Management Policy is required as part of all new lease applications. The report is required to identify and outline removal procedures for any exotic species on the site and replacement with local provenance native species where appropriate and to ensure appropriate management of the existing native vegetation. Due to the environmental sensitivity of the Falls Creek Resort, effective weed control and revegetation programs are key steps in ensuring effective vegetation management within the Resort. The Landscape Management Plan should include the following:
- The existing site condition including a list of the native and exotic vegetation, and any areas of bare ground or erosion.
- The proposed vegetation management plan for the next 5 years, such as how any exotic species will be managed, any vegetation fuel reduction measures and a schedule of revegetation planting if required (i.e., what species will be planted and when).
- A map (at either 1:100, 1:200 or 1:400) that identifies the location of existing vegetation and the proposed management actions such as planting, or fuel reduction.
Depending on your site and the current condition of vegetation, the Landscape Management Plan may be something you can develop yourself, or may require the services of a consultant. Whoever is developing the plan will need to be competent in identifying native plants from exotic weed species.
Hawkweeds are perennial herbs from the very large Northern Hemisphere Asteraceae genus Pilosella (previously Hieracium). Due to the demonstrated ability of hawkweeds to form a monoculture, and the large area of suitable habitat available in the High Country they are seen as a high potential threat to environmental and agricultural values in Australia.
Hawkweed species are listed as State Prohibited Weeds in Victoria, the highest category of declared noxious weeds. While they pose a large threat, populations are relatively small and contained and it is believed that with appropriate resources the species can be eradicated from the Victorian Alps. Early detection and treatment is essential and Parks Victoria manages an intensive annual control program.
The Falls Creek village is a contaminated area and care must be taken not to spread seeds through soil and machinery movement. All Site Environmental Management Plans for contaminated sites will require a works practice to be prepared in accordance with the Works in Hawkweed Sites Procedures
Please report all hawkweed sighting to Falls Creek Alpine Resort by emailing [email protected] or directly to Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) immediately by calling 136 186 or emailing [email protected]. Please do not attempt to control or dispose of hawkweed yourself.
RUBBISH & RECYCLING RESOURCES
Falls Creek Resort Management has worked with our North East Waste Resource Recovery Group partners to create an education series about alpine biodiversity and how you can help protect our alpine environment through the decisions you make about food waste.
There are three videos in the series:
Help protect the Falls Creek Wastewater System from unwanted grease & fats.
Please view the below flyer to help take part in keeping our water and environment clean.
Please use the below form to order free waste and recycling resources.
From 1 February 2023, a variety of single-use plastic items will be banned in Victoria. This includes:
- Single-use plastic drinking straws
- Single-use plastic drink stirrers
- Single-use plastic cutlery
- Single-use plastic plates
- Single-use plastic cotton buds
- Foodware and cups made from expanded polystyrene
From 1 January 2026, these items are also banned when they are pre-packaged into a food or beverage product by a mechanical process (e.g. straw attached to juice box, plate in a frozen meal). Compostable plastic alternatives are also banned. The ban applies where the items are sold or supplied for free, and where they are provided individually or in packets.
For information about what to do with excess stock and what is covered in the ban go to:
https://www.vic.gov.au/single-use-plastics-ban-resources
Please see the below flyer for more information and for alternative products that may be useful in place of the single-use plastics ban.
ARTS & CULTURE DEVELOPMENT
DEVELOPMENT
A Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) must be submitted with all planning permit applications within the resort. The SEMP should document the environmental impacts of the proposed use or development of the site and the ways in which these impacts will be reduced by management strategies and practices. This will include management processes prior to and during construction, and if required the actions that will be undertaken to rehabilitate the site on the completion of works.
The SEMP should consider;
- storage of construction materials, equipment and machinery;
- waste management and litter;
- water run-off and sediment control;
- direct and indirect damage to vegetation and habitat;
- site access by work crews and vehicles;
- proliferation of existing weeds or the potential introduction of additional weed species (e.g. Hawkweed); and
- site rehabilitation.
A Construction Management Plan is required to be submitted as part of the SEMP and should include a map of the site including the location of potential impacts and management strategies such as sediment controls, materials storage, etc.
Resort management is happy to provide assistance and information to aid the development and implementation of your SEMP including a preliminary site visit.
AUTHORITY TO KEEP A DOG
Dogs are not permitted in Falls Creek without an authority from the Falls Creek Resort Management Board. The Alpine Resort (Management) Regulations 2020 provide the regulatory framework for the control of dogs within Falls Creek Alpine Resort and non-compliance can result in a significant fine.
All authority holders must comply with the Falls Creek Dog Policy which sets restrictions on where and when dogs are permitted in the resort. Unfettered access by dogs can result in risks to the public, hygiene risks, adverse aesthetics, danger to wildlife and the disruption of native ecosystems. Fox baiting also occurs in the resort and the policy assists to reduce any threats to domestic dogs.
Registered owners are expected to understand and abide by the policy and all dogs must be under immediate control at all times.
In response to feedback received, FCRM have created an online form for Dog Permit Applications to reduce time spent completing unnecessary paperwork. We thank you for your patience over the last few years whilst we have worked to refine the process. Please follow the application or renewal form link below.
CARING FOR WILDLIFE
Light pollution harms whole ecological communities as it impacts reproduction, movement of nocturnal species, plant growth, fruit production and soil nutrients. Artificial light repels, distracts and kills pollinating insects and restricts the movement of seed dispersing animals. Prey species reduce their activity on light nights, which used to only occur during a fuller moon. Light pollution can aid invasive predator species catch native prey. Food availability for fauna changes as timing and amount of plant reproduction can be altered with excessive light.
A study conducted by researcher Anne Aulsebrook highlights that lights on at night can significantly reduce the amount of REM sleep birds can get.
Read more here: Reducing the effect of light pollution on wildlife - Ecological communities - DCCEEW
Bogong Moths are a keystone species for the health of alpine ecosystems in Australia. They are a crucial food source for critically endangered Mountain Pygmy Possums and many other species. They are the second highest energy input into the alpine ecosystem, after the sun.
Every year the moths fly as far as 1,000km, from southern Queensland to the mountains of Victoria, including the Bogong High Plains and Falls Creek. They shelter in cool caves and crevices, getting respite from the warmer temperatures further north. The influx of billions of the fat-rich Bogong Moths in spring is relied upon by hungry Mountain Pygmy Possums that have woken from their hibernation or survived the winter with minimal food.
There has been a steady decline in Bogong Moth numbers since the 1980s. Between 2018 and 2021 there was a catastrophic crash in the population, reducing it by about 99.5%. The sudden crash is thought to be because of the severe droughts and fires exacerbated by climate change, the use of pesticides, and light pollution.
Bogong Moths navigate to the alps each summer by using the earth’s magnetic field, the stars and the moon. The milky way is brighter in the south than in the north, so they head for the brightest part on their way south to the mountains.
Turning off any unnecessary lights (including sensor lights) will help the Bogong Moths find their way, especially during September and October in their peak migratory period. The Mountain Pygmy Possum and alpine ecosystems depends on them!
Link short youtube clip: Light pollution and bogong moths - Google Search
On the road or in the village if you encounter an injured animal, please call a wildlife helpline such as Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300 for assistance. Take care when driving between dusk and dawn as this is when wildlife is most active.
A moment's pleasure for you may result in future problems for animals and people.
- Processed seeds, bread, dairy and other foods that are not part of an animal's natural diet can make them very sick or die
- Animals that expect to be fed by people can become aggressive, harassing people for food when they are hungry
- Hand-feeding can result in the transfer of illness or disease: both to and from the animal
- Animals that are fed by people may lose their ability to forage for natural foods
If you want to attract wildlife to your property, you can plant native plants in your garden, providing them a safe place for shelter and food. This can create more wildlife spotting moments, without harming the wildlife.
RESIDENTIAL NOISE
It is part of life that we all make noise, whether we are talking to others, playing music, entertaining, working around the house or just going about our daily business. What is enjoyable to one person may be noise to another. Excessive noise can affect a person's quality of life. Wildlife is also impacted by noise. Please be considerate with your noise and avoid excessive noise pollution.
Police and Authorised Officers can require offenders to cease unreasonable noise. Police are best placed to respond to late night noise such as parties, or issues where alcohol or threatening behaviour is involved. Authorised officers, such as Public Health Officers and Authorised Resort Management Officers are most suited to address long-term issues, involving prescribed items, plant and equipment, machine and animal noise. Investigations of complex issues may require a collaborative approach between both Resort Management staff and police officers.
Information about residential noise and what you can do about it can be found at EPA - Residential Noise information and the EPA publication - Annoyed by noise?
More information can also be found on the EPA website.
WATER QUALITY
Waterways are home to an abundance of invertebrates. Favourable conditions for waterways are usually cool, unpolluted and flowing water where sensitive invertebrates can thrive. Difficult conditions include warm, still water with high nutrients. Only the most tolerant invertebrates can survive here. Looking at the types of invertebrates present, and their level of sensitivity can give an indication of how healthy a waterway is.
Seasonal monitoring of invertebrates, and abiotic factors such as turbidity, flow, width, and nutrient levels of the waterways downstream of the village are measured by FCAR to assess waterway conditions. Locations for potential water pollution include the releases from the wastewater treatment plant and storm water/run off from the village. Models are made comparing expected invertebrates in these zones with the invertebrates found in collected samples.
You can learn more about types of water bugs here: Water bugs education kit