The Draft Alpine Resorts Leasing Policy 2025 sets out a consistent, transparent framework for leasing Crown land across Victoria’s 6 alpine resorts. The policy ensures leasing decisions to protect the unique environmental, cultural, and economic values of the resorts while supporting sustainable tourism and climate resilient development.
The draft policy guides how leases are assessed, granted and managed, aligning with the Alpine Resorts (Management) Act 1997 and broader Crown land leasing principles. It applies to all new lease applications and land releases, with existing leases only transitioning when they expire, are surrendered or renegotiated.
5 core principles underpin the policy:
- delivering public benefit
- ensuring transparency
- offering existing tenants a first right to negotiate
- promoting environmentally sustainable operations
- setting appropriate lease terms and conditions.
Lease proposals must demonstrate community benefit, environmental stewardship, and alignment with resort planning schemes.
Standard leases start at 15 years, with longer terms available where substantial investment, improved energy efficiency or exceptional public value is demonstrated. Site rents are based on independent valuations, with discounts available for defined community use organisations.
Overall, the draft policy strengthens accountability, sustainability and investment certainty across Victoria’s alpine resorts.
To update the policy, we worked in partnership with DEECA and undertook a coordinated program of sector engagement. A Stakeholder Reference Group was established with representatives from resort Stakeholder Consultative Committees, the alpine real estate sector and the Alpine Resorts Industry Advisory Group. Their input informed the refinement of the draft policy and procedures to ensure alignment with Crown land requirements and the future needs of alpine communities and operators.
The draft policy was released for public consultation in late 2025, with finalisation expected in early 2026. Key updates include the introduction of a lease term matrix and strengthened principles of consistency, certainty, and transparency. These improvements provide clearer and more predictable leasing pathways to support long term planning and investment across the alpine resorts.
To read more information about the engagement process visit Alpine Resorts Leasing Policy.
Page last updated: 21/04/26