Mt Buller News

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Friday, July 6, 2018

Mt Buller & Mt Stirling’s Newspaper PH: (03) 5775 2115

E: sales.mcourier@nemedia.com.au

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Free ski-in hut opens - Page 4

XTREME: Snowboarder Ryan Tiene goes for broke at Buller X. On the back of last year’s successful event, in 2018 we will see the challenge opened up to the international elite. See page 3 for the full story. PHOTO: Tony Harrington

Mountain memories - Page 6

Social pictures Pages 10-11

INDEX Skier profile...............P6 Real Estate ..............P15

Season’s car pass was “unsustainably lowâ€? MOUNT Buller Mt Stirling Resort Management Board chief executive ofďŹ cer, Mark Bennetts, has responded to community concern that the mountain does not consider local families when setting winter prices. It was revealed last month that the price of a 2018 season car pass has risen more than 100 per cent. In 2017, the pass cost $240 – the same product this year will set mountain-goers back $500.

Mark Bennetts responds to why a more than 100 per cent rise in cost of pass

“The board undertook an extensive review of resort entry and parking prices after the 2017 snow season,� Mr Bennetts said. “This focused on boosting the number of mid-week and overnight visitors to the mountains and the broader region - it also sought to implement a fair and equitable approach across the breadth of local, intrastate,

interstate and international visitors.â€? Mr Bennetts said the 2017 season car pass was “unsustainably lowâ€? and “signiďŹ cantly less than other Victorian alpine resortsâ€?. “We understand these changes do result in a signiďŹ cant increase compared to the price that season pass holders paid in recent years, and hope they will appreciate

the recent investment of approximately $2m in visitor infrastructure including resealed roads and car parks, pedestrian safety, waste water treatment, an improved bus and taxi service, and the soon to be launched Buller Air Zone,â€? Mr Bennetts said. However, 100 per cent of the comments received on the MansďŹ eld Courier Facebook page were against

the price hike, saying there should be a special pass for local residents. “It is very disappointing,â€? Laura Buckley wrote. “I was going to buy one, but re-considered after seeing the price - I love the mountain and skiing but they are making it an only millionaires sport by doing this.â€? Sam Milic said it was a ďŹ ne example of the operation of the mountain, “favouring wealthy tourists and disadvantaging the localsâ€?. „ Continued page 2

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