The New South Wales government have decided not to offer a head lease to any proponent for Perisher Range at this time. This doesn’t bode well for future plans for Perisher and the Australian ski industry.
As posted on the New South Wales Office of Environment and Heritage website and further reported in depth today by Snowy Mountains Magazine (worth a read), there is no definitive offer of a head lease for Perisher at this time or near future, though the new Charlotte Pass head lease is still being negotiated.
Read the full official announcement below.
Perisher Range and Charlotte Pass Management Review – Update
The Perisher Range and Charlotte Pass Management Review has concluded for Perisher Range. The Review remains ongoing for Charlotte Pass.
It is confirmed that the stakeholder engagement, market engagement and expression of interest (EOI) revealed that a head lease is the preferred management model for resorts within Kosciuszko National Park however implementation is dependent upon a sustainable model, genuine participation by the private sector and concluding negotiations successfully.
Perisher Range
The expression of interest responses were evaluated for Perisher Range. On the advice of the tender panel, the NSW Government will not be offering a head lease to any proponent for Perisher Range at this time.
A sustainable service delivery model for Perisher Range is important for the future of the resort. The NSW Government is investigating better cost recovery options for providing services at Perisher Range Resorts and will progress this in consultation with stakeholders.
Charlotte Pass
The expression of interest responses have been evaluated by the tender panel for Charlotte Pass. The panel resolved that the proposed request for tender (RFT) stage of the review can be better progressed through direct negotiations with successful proponents from the EOI. These negotiations are confidential. Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) advises that no final decisions have been made.
Parties currently negotiating with the NSW Government for the head lease at Charlotte Pass have confirmed that existing sub-lessees will be offered first right of refusal for new leases. This will be contingent on a successful conclusion of negotiations.
OEH is aware of concerns from stakeholders including lodge lessees, sub-lessees and club members at Charlotte Pass about the ability to take future bookings and recommends that sub-lessees may take waitlist bookings for the 2018 ski season. If negotiations conclude positively then sub-lessees may be able to confirm waitlist bookings subject to negotiation and confirmation of sub-leases.
OEH anticipates that a further announcement on the progress of negotiations will be made early in the ski season. The current head lessee maintains its commitment to the successful operation of Charlotte Pass.
Steve Cuff of Snowy Mountains Magazine has written an in depth review of the current status with an official quote from Vail Resorts (Perisher owners) and an update on future meetings in the hope of a reversal of decision. Read what Cuff has to say.
Without a head lease it is nigh on impossible for Perisher to move forward with extensive development plans including the much and long talked about 800 bed village.
….does that mean that any person/entity can apply for a lease in the P. range without any financial/environmental obligation????