Annual Report 2024: Governance

*joined committee of 6 September 2024

ARV is at a ‘Developing’ maturity state for asset management across the organisation. A detailed Asset Management Accountability Framework Maturity Assessment (AMAF) was undertaken by ARV in October 2024 using the standard compliance tool. This highlighted considerable variability for levels of compliance across the organisation.

Falls Creek had the greatest number of Complies at 19 (40%) while Mt Baw Baw and Lake Mountain Alpine Resorts were found to have the least compliance with nine (19%) rated Complies.

Generally higher levels of compliance occurred for the larger resorts, Mt Buller and Mt Stirling, Falls Creek and Mt Hotham, which was largely attributed to availability of resources to focus effort on asset management objectives.

Despite recent pandemic and natural disaster challenges, ARV has been focussing on implementing real and lasting asset management improvements to provide benefits to the organisation.

The following improvement projects have been undertaken in recent times and will elevate compliance with the mandatory requirements of the AMAF as they become more fully implemented and the maturity of the application of the systems becomes embedded:

• asset data collection and improvement projects, such as asset verification and condition projects
• roll-out and implementation of an Asset Information Management System (AIMS), via the Maintenance Connection software platform
• preventative maintenance program roll-out and
• asset management strategy and framework development.

The assessment found there is an embedded culture that recognises the asset management objectives being the primary driver of ensuring each resort’s ability to provide a unique alpine landscape experience and supporting regional communities by attracting visitors and sustaining jobs.

There is a requirement for an uplift in systems, policies and documentation to address several compliance gaps across the resorts.

However ARV resorts demonstrated a shared vision and understanding of asset management principles. What was most evident was the desire to improve the way of working across all resorts, with leadership driving asset management principles and provision of framework tools and resources for consistent application.

Streamlining operations across the resorts and coordinating their response to challenges will be imperative to enabling the resorts to achieve their corporate and asset management objectives.

The Local Jobs First Act 2003 brings together the Victorian Industry Participation Policy and Major Project Skills Guarantee Policy, which were previously administered separately.

As an Agency of the Victorian Government, ARV under the Local Jobs Act 2003 is required to apply the Local Job First policy to all projects valued $1 million or more. In the 12-month reporting period, there were 4 projects above $1 million where the Local Job First Policy applied.

The Local Jobs First Act 2003 leverages purchasing power to help develop local industries, create jobs and boost economic activity across Victoria.

ARV remains committed to supporting the Victorian Government’s Social Procurement Framework (SPF), recognising the critical role it plays in promoting social and sustainable outcomes for Victorians.

In 2024, ARV integrated its Procurement Strategy and the Procurement Policy and Guidelines into the procurement process to ensure compliance and to incorporate ARV’s ‘priority’ social and sustainable procurement objectives and outcomes into regular procurement planning for regional procurements ranging from $1 to $20 million.

ARV’s priority social procurement objectives are:

• opportunities for the Victorian Aboriginal sector
• Victorian social enterprises and Aboriginal business sectors and
• sustainable development in Victorian regions.

ARV’s priority sustainable procurement objectives are:

• environmentally sustainable outputs and
• implementation if the Climate Change Policy.

Complaints relating to ARV procurement are handled in accordance with the Victorian Government Purchasing Board (VGPB) policy requirements and in a consistent, fair and transparent manner.

ARV ensures complaints are treated fairly and any investigation is undertaken by an independent party to the original tender process.

The process for complaint handling is outlined in ARV’s Procurement Policy and Guidelines and for external entities access to the complaint handling process is through ARV’s Procurement Page on the ARV website. In 2024 there were no reportable complaints regarding procurement.

The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the Act) allows the public a right of access to documents held by ARV.

Freedom of Information (FOI) requests are made in writing describing the documents requested and including payment of the $32.70 application fee.

Further charges may be payable. FOI fees and charges are not subject to GST. During the reporting period no FOI requests were made.

Further information regarding the operation and scope of FOI can be obtained from the Act, regulations made under the Act and www.foi.vic.gov.au.

ARV Freedom of Information Officer
Melanie Kay
General Manager, Corporate Services
Alpine Resorts Victoria
19 Highett Street
Mansfield Victoria 3722

ARV continues to comply with the requirements of the Competitive Neutrality Policy. Competitive neutrality requires government businesses to ensure where services compete, or potentially compete with the private sector, any advantage arising solely from their government ownership be removed if it is not in the public interest.

Government businesses are required to cost and price these services as if they were privately owned. Competitive neutrality policy supports fair competition between public and private businesses and provides government businesses with a tool to enhance decisions on resource allocation.

This policy does not override other policy objectives of government and focuses on efficiency in the provision of service.

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2012 (the Act) enables people to make a disclosure about corrupt or improper conduct by a public officer or a public body. ARV is a public body for the purposes of the Act.

What is a public interest disclosure?

A public interest disclosure is a complaint of corrupt or improper conduct or detrimental action by a public officer or a public body. ‘Improper or corrupt conduct’ involves substantial mismanagement of public resources, risk to public health or safety or the environment, or corruption. ‘Detrimental action’ is action taken against a person in reprisal for making a public interest disclosure.

How to make a public interest disclosure?

A public interest disclosure about ARV or its Board members, officers or employees can be made by contacting the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) www.ibac.vic.gov.au.

ARV is not able to receive public interest disclosures.

ARV has established procedures for the protection of persons from detrimental action in reprisal for making a public interest disclosure about the organisation or its Board members, officers or employees. ARV resort procedures are available on the resort corporate websites and an ARV-wide procedure is currently being developed.

Independent Broad-based
Anti-corruption Commission Victoria
Level 1, North Tower
459 Collins Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000

GPO Box 24234
Melbourne Victoria 3001
www.ibac.vic.gov.au
1300 735 13

ARV did not undertake any emergency procurement during 2024.

Falls Creek Child Care (FCCC) is a small centre licensed to care for a maximum of 16 children at any given time, catering for children from 12 weeks to school age in a family grouping (mixed-age) setting.

FCCC is accredited under the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority’s National Standards and Framework and underwent an Assessment and Rating Audit in 2023.

This resulted in the centre receiving a rating of ‘Meeting’, meaning that Falls Creek Child Care 'provides quality education and care in all the 7 quality areas of the National Quality Standards for Early Childhood Education and Care'.

In the years since 2020, the service has been impacted by a bushfire, pandemic, landslide and change of Approved Provider due to the ARV transition. Not only has the team successfully navigated each event, but they have maintained an essential service for the families and staff in the local area by providing a safe, welcoming place of community and learning.

This rating reflects the hard work of the leadership and educational teams in maintaining compliance, providing best practice care and educational opportunities, and participating in an ongoing continuous improvement process to further develop and better the service for the benefit of the children, families and the Falls Creek community.

Policy and compliance are in accordance with the following legislation:

• Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005
• Children Youth and Families Act 2005
• Child Wellbeing and Safety Amendment (Child Safe Standards) Act 2015
• Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010.

ARV undertook no major contracts exceeding the disclosure threshold of $10 million in 2024

ARV did not undertake any government campaign advertising expenditure in the 2024 reporting period.

The following information is available on request, subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982:

• a statement that declarations of pecuniary interests have been duly completed by all relevant officers
• details of shares held by a senior officer as nominee or held beneficially in a statutory authority or subsidiary
• details of publications produced by the entity about itself, and how these can be obtained > details of changes in prices, fees, charges, rates and levies charged by the entity
• details of any major external reviews carried out on the entity
• details of major research and development activities undertaken by the entity
• details of overseas visits undertaken including a summary of the objectives and outcomes of each visit
• details of major promotional, public relations and marketing activities undertaken by the entity
• details of assessments and measures undertaken to improve the occupational health and safety of employees
• a general statement on industrial relations within the entity and details of time lost through industrial accidents and disputes
• a list of major committees sponsored by the entity, the purposes of each committee and the extent to which the purposes have been achieved.

The contact person for information requests is:

Melanie Kay
General Manager, Corporate Services
Alpine Resorts Victoria
19 Highett Street
Mansfield Victoria 3722

For the 2024 reporting period, ARV had total ICT expenditure of $2,108,076 with the details shown below.

Of the non-BAU ICT expenditure, $152,718 is funded by external grant monies.

Individual consultancies valued at $10,000 or greater

During the reporting period there were 23 consultancies engaged where the total fee payable to the consultant was $10,000 or greater.

The total expenditure incurred during the period was $1,870,146, of which $1,215,526 was funded by government grants. Details of the individual consultancies are outlined below.

Individual consultancies valued at less than $10,000

During the reporting period there were 43 consultancies engaged where the total fee payable to the consultant was less than $10,000. The total expenditure incurred during the period was $139,860.

Consistent with the Victorian Government’s DataVic Access Policy (2012), ARV made nine data sets available on the DataVic website in 2023–24.

Information included in this Annual Report will also be made available at http://www.data.vic.gov.au/ in electronic readable format.

Since the policy was introduced, ARV has made available to the public:

• visitation statistics and
• snow depth data.

ARV publishes datasets under the DataVic Access Policy to enable public access to government data to support research and education, promote innovation, support improvements in productivity, stimulate growth in the Victorian economy and support evidence-based decision-making in the public sector.

The Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 protects the privacy of personal information and data when it is handled by Victorian Public Sector (VPS) organisations, and by private or community sector organisations who are carrying out functions for or on behalf of VPS organisations.

ARV complies with the strict data and information obligations required under this Act

Under the Building Act 1993 s212, ARV has a legislative obligation to administer the provisions of the Act, the Building Regulations 2018 and the Building Code of Australia within its area of jurisdiction.

These services are carried out by Three Peaks Building Permits and Consultants for Falls Creek and Mt Hotham, and BSGM Essential Safety Measures for Mt Buller, Mt Stirling, Lake Mountain and Mt Baw Baw.

These companies fulfil the role of Municipal Building Surveyor and undertake legislated responsibilities on behalf of ARV. ARV owns or controls government buildings located throughout the 6 resorts and in Bright, Merrijig and Mansfield. ARV is required to include a statement on its compliance with the building and maintenance provisions of the Building Act in relation to those buildings.

ARV requires that appropriately qualified consultants and contractors are engaged for all proposed works on land controlled by ARV and that their work and services comply with current building standards.

All consultants and contractors are expected to have appropriate mechanisms in place to ensure compliance with the building and maintenance provisions of the Building Act, Building Regulations 2018 and the National Construction Code.

In relation to existing buildings, ARV is responsible for ensuring mandatory testing of emergency and exit lighting and lift equipment in accordance with relevant standards; monthly, quarterly and bi-annual inspection and preventive maintenance of mechanical services; and monthly and annual fire service audits.

This reporting period saw no significant changes to any ARV-owned or controlled buildings. All buildings continue to comply with the Building Act.

The Disability Act 2006 reaffirms and strengthens the rights of people with a disability and recognises that this requires support across the government sector and within the community.

Alpine Resorts Victoria is working to comply with its obligations under the Disability Act to prepare a Disability Action Plan for the purpose of reducing barriers to access goods, services and facilities; reducing barriers to a person with a disability obtaining and maintaining employment; and promoting inclusion and participation in the community and achieving tangible changes in attitudes and practices that discriminate against people with a disability as outlined below.

ARV is reducing barriers to accessing goods, services and facilities through the following:

• Alpine Gateway now has wheelchair accessible facilities at Mt Hotham and direct access to the slopes for winter sports enthusiasts with disabilities
• the Lakeside Precinct, when developed, will include a Changing Places compliant facility for highly disabled users (a first in the alpine areas)
• the Wire Plain Snow Play Hub at Mt Hotham will include compliant disabled access to these new facilities and
• all areas of Lake Mountain are now fully wheelchair accessible.

ARV is reducing barriers to persons with a disability obtaining and maintaining employment:

• Alpine Resorts Victoria values and respects its team members with disabilities, providing them with equal opportunities to succeed in their roles
• We adapt to the changing needs and circumstances of our team members and applicants with disabilities. We offer our staff flexible work arrangements, reasonable adjustments, and learning and development opportunities and
• Alpine Resorts Victoria fosters a culture of diversity and inclusion by applying substantive equality principles in its policies and practices for employees and candidates.

As required by the Disability Act, ARV will report annually on the implementation of its Disability Action Plan in its annual report.

Over the past year, the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) function has made significant strides in creating consistency and clarity across all locations through the development and implementation of a standardised set of safety guidelines.

This consistent framework ensures that all ARV sites are aligned in their approach to safety, reinforcing our commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees.

The rollout of these streamlined expectations and procedures in 2025, will continue to strengthen our safety culture and empower leaders and teams to better understand and meet their responsibilities.

Another key development this year has been the consultation and development of a unified Incident Management System (IMS), which will bring all ARV sites and teams onto a single platform for reporting and managing incidents and hazards.

A key issue that has challenged the OHS analytics since the amalgamation in October 2022, has been the accessibility and accuracy of data. While implementation is still underway for the new unified IMS, we are already seeing the benefits of a more cohesive system.

In 2025, the IMS will support improved data accuracy, visibility of trends, and a clearer understanding of common safety themes across ARV.

These insights will enable the OHS team to better prioritise training, tailor initiatives to emerging risks, and take a more proactive, data-informed approach to health and safety.

Reported Hazards

Since the introduction of consistent safety guidelines and increased education across all locations, we’ve seen a notable rise in hazard reporting.

This positive trend reflects a growing safety awareness and a stronger reporting culture among staff.

The amalgamation of ARV and centralised management of OHS has helped normalise and encourage proactive identification of hazards, allowing the OHS team to address risks earlier and contribute to a safer working environment across ARV.

Incidents

Incident reporting has also increased from 2023 to 2024, which we view as a positive indicator of an improving safety culture. As staff become more familiar with consistent processes and feel more confident in reporting, we expect this trend to continue in the coming years.

Greater visibility of incidents—particularly lowerlevel and near-miss events—provides the OHS team with valuable data to identify patterns, mitigate risks early, and continuously improve safety practices across all sites.

Long-time injuries (standard claims)

In 2023, Lost Time Injury (LTI) data was not consistently recorded across the organisation, limiting our ability to accurately analyse trends for the year.

With the introduction of a unified reporting system and standardised processes, we are now positioned to accurately track LTIs moving forward.

As data collection becomes more robust in 2024 and beyond, we will be able to establish clearer benchmarks, identify contributing factors, and implement targeted strategies to reduce the occurrence and severity of LTIs across ARV.

Our workforce is the foundation of our success, and we are committed to building an inclusive, diverse, and capable team that reflects the communities we serve.

We prioritise equitable and consistent recruitment practices that ensure every role is filled based on merit, with a clear focus on aligning skills and capabilities to organisational needs.

By fostering a culture of inclusion and accountability, we aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to contribute.

Our people strategy is underpinned by fair processes and continuous improvement to attract, retain, and grow the talent we need now and into the future.

Headcount

Alpine Resorts Victoria is committed to applying merit and equity principles when appointing staff.

Processes ensure applicants are assessed and evaluated fairly and equitably on the basis of key selection criteria and other accountabilities without discrimination.

Employees have been correctly classified in workforce data collections.

The following is retained by the principal officer and is available to the relevant Minister, Members of Parliament and the public on request:

• statement declaring pecuniary interests completed by all relevant officers
• details of publications produced and where available
• details of changes in prices, fees, charges, rates and levies
• details of any major external reviews
• details of major research and development activities
• details of major promotional public relations and marketing activities
• details of assessments and measures undertaken to improve occupational health and safety of employees
• general statement on industrial relations and details of time lost through industrial accidents and disputes
• major committees sponsored, purposes of committees and achievements and
• details of all consultancies and contractors, including consultants/contractors engaged, services provided, and expenditure committed for each engagement.

I, Ali Wastie, on behalf of the Responsible Body certify that Alpine Resorts Victoria has no Material Compliance Deficiency with respect to the applicable Standing Directions under the Financial Management Act 1994 and Instructions.

Ali Wastie
Chair
Melbourne
1 December 2025