Alpine Resorts Victoria (ARV) is delivering long-term environmental benefits for Mt Stirling Alpine Resort and supporting sustainable development, through the successful implementation of two Offset Management Plans (OMPs).
OMPs recognise sites within alpine resorts’ boundaries where native vegetation exists, which can be used to support and ‘offset’ development in other alpine resorts in the future. These plans ensure that when a vegetation area is disturbed to enable development in an alpine resort, it is offset by the protection a vegetation area of similar size and the same environmental value. Not only does this support sustainable development but also ensures the native vegetation offset site is formally protected and actively managed in perpetuity.
This initiative aligns with ARV’s strategic objective to protect and enhance the alpine environment through a commitment to responsible land management, regulatory compliance, and lasting environmental benefits for the alpine region. Reinforcing the effectiveness of the program, ARV have received positive feedback from regulatory agencies.
“Our ongoing work at Mt Stirling demonstrates how environmental protection and essential infrastructure can be delivered together responsibly,” Amber Gardner, ARV CEO said. “The Offset Management Plans guide on ground conservation actions while ensuring we meet our obligations as the responsible land managers.”
ARV’s Mt Stirling team is committed to comprehensive, long-term environmental management actions to enhance and protect the offset area, including control of woody and herbaceous weeds, pest animal management, rehabilitation of fire affected areas, and the restoration of vegetation damaged by off track vehicle access. The OMPs are formal planning controls requiring annual compliance reporting and supported by independent ecological audits, for a minimum of 10 years and ongoing management in perpetuity.
“The Mt Stirling environmental offset program has been a win-win outcome,” said Ms. Gardner. “It strengthens conservation outcomes for sensitive alpine ecosystems while enabling critical infrastructure development elsewhere.”
Page last updated: 13/02/26