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THE Victorian Alpine Resorts are governed by regulations covering things like entry fees, parking, tobogganing, camping, aircraft, horses and wheel chains.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) undertook a review of these regulations in 2019/20, which resulted in changes to wheel chains.

The previous regulations stated that wheel chains had to be “suitable to be properly fitted to that vehicle”.

From November 2020, the new regulations state that wheel chains must be “chains in a diamond pattern that are designed to be fitted to wheels of a motor vehicle to increase the directional stability and traction of the wheels of that vehicle on a road affected by snow or ice.”

However, these changes are not yet being enforced, as Mt Buller & Mt Stirling CEO Mark Bennetts explained.

“We met with DELWP and Victoria Police in early 2021 to discuss how this new regulation could be implemented in an orderly manner, suggesting that a notice period of 2-3 years would provide hire outlets, retailers and individuals with time to arrange supplies and make the change.

“This was agreed, and ladder chains continued to be acceptable during the COVID impacted 2021 snow season.

“We understand that since then, DELWP, Victoria Police and Road Safety Victoria have learned about the widespread use of ladder chains, and of non-diamond pattern and hybrid pattern solutions emerging from Europe and North America which also provide superior grip to ladder chains.

“We’ve had calls from importers and hire outlets seeking clarity on the rules so that they can ensure their future purchases will be compliant with the regulations,” Mark said.

“So it will be very helpful to everyone in the alpine sector to have this resolved soon, because hire outlets and retailers are already planning orders for delivery before the 2023 snow season”.

At this stage the Department of Transport has advised there are no immediate plans to amend the Road Safety Road Rules 2017 to deal with wheel chains, meaning the implementation of a prohibition on ladder chains may be delayed past the commencement of the 2023 snow season.

SNOW TIME: Out enjoying the Mt Buller snow last week were (from left ) Binky Kfouri, Noel Landry, Richard Leder, Joel Dixon, Helen Haines, Mark Bennetts and Nick Whitby.

Haines visits Buller for better views

INDEPENDENT Helen Haines (MHR, Indi) visited Mount Buller on Friday, July 8, speaking to representatives as part of her advocacy for all the alpine resorts in North East Victoria.

In 2019 alone, the alpine resorts had a total economic output of $2.5 billion and more than 10,000 jobs, making them a signifi cant industry in the electorate.

“The last two years have been incredibly tough for the alpine resorts,” Dr Haines said.

“Aft er the Black Summer bushfi res came COVID, and two interrupted seasons of basically no business at all.

“But this year is a diff erent story.

“It is fantastic to see that the snow has been falling and people have arrived in droves.”

Dr Haines consulted with locals, hearing about the issues with worker shortages, as well as issues with staff accommodation and the higher costs associated with doing business.

“While it is great to see the slopes are busy, I know this season has its own challenges and I want everyone involved with mountain tourism to know I appreciate everything you are doing and the complexities you are dealing with,” Dr Haines said.

Dr Haines met with Mark Bennetts, chief executive offi cer at Mount Buller and Mount Stirling Alpine Resort; Richard Leder, deputy chair of the Mount Buller Resort Management Board; Nick Whitby, managing director of Buller Ski Lift s and president of the Alpine Resort Industry Group; Noel Landry, general manager of Buller Ski Lift s; Joel Dixon, president of the Mount Buller Ratepayers Association; and Binky Kfouri, member of the Mount Buller Ratepayers Association and Marketing Committee.

“We discussed issues they are tackling, like phone and NBN connectivity, insurance, maintaining medical services, and the support needed to expand the opportunities for the businesses that form this important industry,” Dr Haines said.

“It was insightful and I’m looking forward to taking the ideas we discussed to the government.

“I am advocating for investment in the alpine resorts, to make it easier and safer to do business and to expand opportunities for green season tourism.”

Dr Haines also dusted off her ski gear and hopped on the slopes, joining with thousands of tourists enjoying what Buller has to off er.

“It was so wonderful to see people enjoying the great outdoors and the diverse range of families, many of who were there for the fi rst time,” Dr Haines said.

“I am committed to working with the alpine resorts and all the businesses that are part of this industry to represent your interests in Canberra.”

Driving in fog is like driving blind