The Alpine Resorts Leasing Policy 2026 has been endorsed by the Minister for Environment, marking the finalisation of a comprehensive policy review process led by Alpine Resorts Victoria (ARV) in conjunction with State Government.
This Ministerial policy guides how alpine leasing is administered across Victoria’s six alpine resorts: Falls Creek, Lake Mountain, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Mt Stirling, replacing the previous policy that was over 20 years old. It provides a contemporary, consistent and transparent framework for leasing in alpine resorts, supporting clear decision-making for lessees, investors, resort businesses and communities.
"ARV prioritised the review of the Policy soon after inception, recognising that its finalisation was of critical importance to resort stakeholders,” said Amber Gardner, ARV CEO. “Working in partnership with State Government and stakeholders to bring it to fruition has been a great achievement, and a significant step forward for lease administration in the resorts.”
ARV led the review process in partnership with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and with significant stakeholder input. Formal stakeholder engagement was undertaken through a dedicated Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG), comprising representatives from Stakeholder Consultative Committees (SCCs) and the industry, finance and real estate sectors. Targeted consultation was also undertaken with alpine industry stakeholders, including tourism, legal and ski lift industry representatives. The experience and insights of alpine sector stakeholders have helped to shape and refine the principles within the Policy.
“The Alpine Resorts Leasing Policy 2026 provides a clearer, more consistent and transparent approach to leasing across Victoria’s alpine resorts, giving lessees, investors and resort communities greater certainty for the future,” Ms Gardner said.
“This Policy recognises the unique operating environment of the alpine sector and supports responsible investment while protecting the environmental, social and economic values that make our resorts so important to Victoria.”
The revised Policy supports leasing decisions that balance development opportunities with environmental protection, community expectations and the long-term sustainability of the alpine resorts. It embeds the values of consistency, certainty and transparency across the Policy and related procedures.
The updated framework simplifies requirements for different lease terms and lease periods, making expectations easier to understand and apply. It also responds to the medium- to long-term impacts of climate change and supports leasing decisions that consider the future resilience of alpine resorts.
Now that it has been endorsed, the Policy will apply to all lease applications.
Existing lessees, prospective tenants and investors planning for the future in the resorts.
To view the endorsed document, please visit Alpine Resorts Leasing Policy.
Queries regarding the Policy can be directed to the ARV Property department via property@alpineresorts.vic.gov.au.
Page last updated: 10/07/26