Friday, July 25, 2014
Mt Buller & Mt Stirling’s Newspaper PH: (03) 5775 2115
E: sales.mcourier@nenews.com.au
FREE
INSIDE
Ash to perform at Kooroora - Page 6
ALL SMILES
Winter Olympic champion and Mt Buller ambassador Katya Crema was all smiles last weekend after some early morning skiing off the Summit at Mt Buller. Katya loves Mt Buller for easy, relaxing and fun skiing. PHOTO: Andrew Railton
Social Focus Pages 10-11
Minister clears path for new Buller - Stirling link By RICHARD JAGO
Hot buys on Mt Buller - Page 16
INDEX Skier profile ...........P6 Snowboard profile..P8 Haley’s Views ......P14
PLANNING Minister, Matthew Guy, has used ministerial privilege to decide on a proposed $5 million road from Mt Buller to Mt Stirling, rather than allowing the issue to be heard by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). Although there is no current application to develop Mt Stirling as a resort, there are already objections to the proposal, fearing unconstrained development will follow its approval.
Attentive Staff
VNPA concerned by $5m road project, but resorts say it’s no precursor to development The Victorian National Parks Association (VPNA) has damned the minister’s decision, saying it has effectively cut down public scrutiny of the controversial road development. VNPA executive director, Matt Ruchel, said late last year the organisation met with the Mt Buller Mt Stirling Alpine Resort Management Board (ARMB), asking why a road
Convenient Location
was thought necessary and what the business case was. “The VNPA has asked repeatedly for some sort of justification as to what value the road would serve in the case of emergency, but has heard nothing substantive from the road’s proponents,” Mr Ruchel said. “We are deeply concerned the road is just the forerunner of a much broader commercial
Competitive Rates
development, further fragmenting the bush.” The proposed road application described a three kilometre, all-weather sealed road to connect Mt Buller and Mt Stirling, providing emergency access and egress in the event of a fire or natural disaster. Minister Guy’s office said determination of the proceeding raises major issues of policy that
may have a substantial effect on the achievement or development of planning objectives. In October 2010 the Buller Master Plan Report forecast the construction of such a road subject to additional government funding and planning approval. A statement from ARMB said it plans to construct a road between the existing Corn Hill Road on Mt Buller and the Circuit Road at Howqua Gap on Mt Stirling, linking the two resorts. Continued page 2
Long Opening Hours
Excellent Equipment
Long opening hours, competitive rates, fast professional fitting and quality hire equipment are the cornerstones of the service provided by the Grimus Ski Centre. Forgotten your hat, gloves, goggles, sunscreen or just need a souvenir? Take a browse in the boutique.
Need your own skis or snow board repaired or tuned? The Wintersteiger Microjet Disc and our service technicians are on hand to bring your skis back to perfection either over lunch or overnight.
Whether beginner or expert, skier or snowboarder, the Grimus Ski Centre has the right equipment for your needs. Experienced fitting staff offer excellent advice and friendly service to ensure you have the most suitable gear.
Located at the end of Breathtaker Road right next to the Holden 6-seat chairlift on Bourke Street. Take the free village shuttle from your lodge right to the door. Convenient carry bags are available to easily transport your hire gear back to your lodge.
224 Breathtaker Road
HIRE ON MOUNTAIN FOR HASSLE-FREE CONVENIENCE
Tel: 5777 6990 or 5777 6396
D/51d00857/mbn23-11
GRIMUS SKI CENTRE
www.pensiongrimus.com.au