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New Eco-Friendly Visitor Hub Opens At Mt Stirling

18 July 2017

Mt Stirling will be home to Australia’s first alpine hub, wholly powered year-round by renewable energy, thanks to a $210,000 grant from the Andrews Labor Government.

Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green was today joined by representatives of local businesses and the Mt Buller and Mt Stirling Alpine Resort Management Board to open the completed project.

The Visitor Hub is now powered by a contemporary micro-hydroelectricity system designed to have minimal impact on the environment. It has replaced a large diesel generator, which was at odds with the natural environment.

In-depth research was undertaken to identify the best and most cost-effective form of renewable energy generation for the hub. Prior to construction, full flora, fauna and native vegetation assessments were completed, as well as a cultural heritage management plan in order to protect the alpine environment.

It has delivered new community shelters and information boards at Howqua Gap and the Machinery Shed, new public toilets at the Machinery Shed, and an all-weather access track from King Saddle to the Machinery Shed.

Importantly, the project supported 14 jobs during construction and is expected to create additional jobs within coming years.

An estimated 200,000 AWD and 4WD vehicles pass Telephone Box Junction on the way to the high country each year, many of which pass through without stopping. The updated features at the Visitor Hub will encourage people to stop and learn about what the region has to offer.

Results from the recent Victorian Alpine Resorts Economic Contribution Studies report show the alpine industry is delivering unprecedented growth for Victoria’s economy and jobs sector.

The report, commissioned by the Alpine Resorts Co-ordinating Council shows Victorian alpine resorts contributed $911 million of Gross State Profit to the state’s economy in the 2016/2017 winter and summer months.

The Labor Government is investing in this project through its $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, which aims to invest in projects that make regional Victoria a better place to live, work, and do business.

Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green

“Visitors and locals alike are set to benefit from this innovative development that supports the growing Alpine tourism industry while also protecting the environment.”

“Mt Stirling is a vital attraction within Victoria’s internationally popular High Country region – the Labor Government is pleased to support this project making the region a better place to live, work and visit.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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