On this page:

Types of work that require a planning permit:

  • building and demolition
  • earthworks
  • vegetation modification or removal
  • signage and liquor licencing.

Planning responsibilities

The Minister for Planning is the responsible and planning authority for the 6 designated alpine resorts in Victoria:

  • Falls Creek
  • Lake Mountain
  • Mt Baw Baw
  • Mt Buller
  • Mt Stirling
  • Mt Hotham

Planning in the alpine resorts is governed by the Alpine Resorts planning scheme.

The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) administer the planning scheme on behalf of the Minister. The planning scheme contains:

  • policies
  • provisions
  • zoning
  • overlays.

These controls ensure public safety, the protection and management of significant environmental and ecological values, alongside sustainable use and development.

Public land management

On Crown land within the alpine resorts:

  • the Minister for Environment is the Public Land Manager
  • Alpine Resorts Victoria (ARV) is the Committee of Management.

For information on how to apply for a permit, visit the Department of Transport and Planning’s page on applications for projects in alpine resorts.

ARV's role

Alpine Resorts Victoria is a referral authority under section 55 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

Depending on the type of planning permit application, ARV may also be notified under clause 66.06 of the Alpine Resorts Planning Scheme and provide comments as the committee of management.

We do not have the power to provide planning approval.

The approval process

The approval process also involves other mandatory referral authorities such as the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Country Fire Authority, and water, electricity or gas suppliers. These referral authorities comment on issues such as:

  • native vegetation
  • geo-technical matters
  • the provision of services
  • and fire protection.

The referral authorities have the power to place conditions on planning permits or object to planning permit applications.

Our Property and Planning team work closely with DTP to ensure that Government policy and the strategic vision for each resort is reflected and implemented through planning scheme controls. We welcome early discussion with proponents on their proposed projects within the resorts and can provide guidance on proposals and application requirements.

We encourage applicants to also book a pre-application meeting with DTP to enable the early identification of potential problems and a smoother approval process.

Contact us

You can contact our team by email at planning@alpineresorts.vic.gov.au.

To report a fault within an alpine resort, use our online fault reporting form.

Page last updated: 21/04/26