nsw alpine resorts environment report 2010-11 · pollution prevention and incident management: •...

NSW Alpine Resorts Environment Report 2010–11

The preparation of this report has been a collaboration between the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the four main ski resort operators: Perisher Blue Pty Ltd (Perisher), Kosciuszko Thredbo Pty Ltd (Thredbo), Charlotte Pass Village Pty Ltd (Charlotte Pass) and Selwyn Snowfields Pty Ltd (Selwyn). Stakeholders of the Perisher Range Resorts Environmental Management System (PRREMS) have also contributed including Perisher lodges (SLOPES), Perisher Range Chamber of Commerce, Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA), Essential Energy and Elgas.

The information contained in this report covers the period from 1 March 2010 to the 28 February 2011 unless otherwise stated.

© Copyright State of NSW and Office of Environment and Heritage

The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) has compiled this document in good faith, exercising all due care and attention. No representation is made about the accuracy, completeness or suitability of the information in this publication for any particular purpose. OEH shall not be liable for any damage which may occur to any person or organisation taking action or not on the basis of this publication. Readers should seek appropriate advice when applying the information to their specific needs.

Published by: Office of Environment and Heritage NSW

59 Goulburn Street, Sydney NSW 2000PO Box A290, Sydney South NSW 1232Phone: (02) 9995 5000 (switchboard)Phone: 131 555 (environment information and publications requests)Phone: 1300 361 967 (national parks, climate change and energy efficiency information, and publications requests)Fax: (02) 9995 5999TTY: (02) 9211 4723Email: [email protected]: www.environment.nsw.gov.au

Report pollution and environmental incidents Environment Line: 131 555 (NSW only) or [email protected] See also www.environment.nsw.gov.au

ISBN 978 1 74293 299 6OEH 2011/0630August 2011

Printed on environmentally sustainable paper: Tudor RP High White. Australian made 100% recycled. Certified carbon neutral. If you have finished with this report please pass it on to other interested readers or dispose of it in your recycled paper waste.

Cover Photos: Main Photo: snow gums at Perisher (NPWS collection). From top right: snowboarders at Perisher (Shannon Pawsey) , Charlotte Pass Chalet (Courtesy of Charlotte Pass Village Pty Ltd), Plum Pine ski run, Selwyn (Jen Emersen), lunch at Thredbo (Courtesy of Kosciuszko Thredbo Pty Ltd)

Contents

Executive summary

Introduction 1

Protecting biodiversity 5

Protecting water quality and aquatic ecosystems 13

Pollution prevention and incident management 19

Energy conservation 23

Waste management 29

Water conservation 35

Cultural heritage 39

Protecting visual quality 43

Environmental awareness and stewardship 45

References 49

Contents

Executive summary

All NSW alpine resorts have an Environmental Management System (EMS) to help understand, monitor and manage environmental impacts. They report annually against their EMS to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH). A compilation of environmental performance and initiatives is summarised in this report.

Major achievements of the 2010-11 reporting period include:

Biodiversity:• a coordinated riparian zone rehabilitation program commenced on the Thredbo River and

Perisher Creek including weed control and the planting of over 3000 trees, shrubs and grasses

• 366 person hours were devoted to weed control across the resorts including milfoil, mullein, thistle, vipers bugloss, St Johns wort, Yorkshire fog and blackberry

• a soft jaw trapping program for vertebrate pest was successfully undertaken in Charlotte Pass and Perisher, removing 12 cats and 14 foxes from the area

• digitised weed mapping has been completed for all resort areas, which will help guide the on-going control and management of weeds

• the small mammal management program continued with NPWS lending over 70 Elliott traps to lodges and businesses for the capture and release of natives found in buildings

• 400 plum pines were planted at Mt Blue cow to enhance the Mountain Pygmy possum habitat impacted by fire, drought and habitat modification

• a review of wildlife crossings, under roads and on ski slopes was undertaken for their effectiveness and to establish maintenance requirements

Water conservation: • a review and update of the Operational Environmental Management Plans (OEMP) for the

Perisher water supply and Sewage Treatment Plant was completed

• Thredbo and Perisher have replaced on-mountain urinals with waterless systems saving several hundred thousand litres of water a year

• A ‘Waterwise Resorts’ education program was promoted throughout resort public toilets and accommodation facilities displaying the ‘Go slow on the H2O’ slogan

• Thredbo and Selwyn have installed water meters to better monitor and manage supply

• Perisher lodges reduced their water consumption per visitor night by 7.7% over the last three years (240 litres/VN to 221.7 litres/VN)

Executive summary

Pollution prevention and incident management:• 58 reported incidents have been managed and closed after follow up actions implemented

• comprehensive assessments for hydrocarbon storage and contamination were undertaken by Perisher, Thredbo and Selwyn resorts at diesel powered lifts and workshop areas

• Perisher undertook testing for soil contamination from hydrocarbons at seven lift sites. Two T-bars were converted from diesel to electric.

• Thredbo installed a new diesel refuelling facility at Valley Terminal and decommisioned the old underground storage facility, and removed any contamination

• 60% of South Perisher roads have been concreted to reduce sediment runoff in stormwater. 100% of Smiggin Holes and Guthega Roads were previously completed

• ‘Genuine Green’ cleaning chemicals have been introduced to the Charlotte Pass resort across all areas of operation

Energy conservation: • the Thredbo Leisure Centre upgraded an existing electric heat pump system that heats

the main swimming pool, reducing energy consumption and gas use by 47% (Nov 2010 to Feb 2011)

• Charlotte Pass replaced their resort transportation with a fuel injected Kässbohrer resulting in a 25% reduction in fuel consumption

• Perisher purchased 5% GreenPower against all operations

• Thredbo lifts were powered by 10% GreenPower. Two central T-bars were powered by 100% GreenPower

• NPWS undertook a level two energy audit on the Perisher Sewage Treatment Plant

• Perisher rolled out automated snow making facilities that are nine times more efficient than the manual systems

• Selwyn installed two power factor correction units on snow making machines to help monitor and effectively reduce power consumption

• 49% of Perisher lodges reported undertaking their own energy audits

• 20 Perisher lodges signed up to the ‘Energy Efficiency for Small Business’ Sustainability program

CO2 offsets:• Perisher partnered with ‘Climate Positive’ to offset approximately 1000 tonnes of emissions

from vehicle fleet and snow grooming including funding a United Nations accredited wind farm in China and rehabilitation of Victorian farmlands by ‘Trust for Nature’

• Thredbo partnered with Greenfleet to offset Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. 913.64 tonnes of emissions were offset against the planting of 3409 native trees and shrubs in the Snowy Mountains region


Executive summary

Waste management:• the kerbside recycling system at Thredbo achieved recycling of 29.1% of total waste

generated including, aluminium cans, glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles, steel cans, paper and cardboard

• Perisher significantly expanded their resort-wide recycling system, including co-mingled waste and electronic waste

• Selwyn introduced recycling streams to office and staff accommodation

• plastic bags were removed from Perisher retail outlets

• biosolids from Perisher and Thredbo sewage treatment plants were transported to Cooma landfill for composting trials

Cultural heritage:• an Indigenous interpretation panel was installed at Stillwell Lookout at Charlotte Pass

• renovations of the historic Charlotte Pass Chalet have been undertaken consistent with the 1939 heritage aspects of the building

• the Thredbo and Perisher Historical Societies have both successfully maintained large memberships, produced newsletters, catalogued and displayed donated items, held commemorative dinners and presentations and contributed to history projects

• resorts celebrated 150 years of skiing in Australia

Environmental stewardship:• environmental awareness training for staff was undertaken by all resort operators.

• NPWS and resort operators worked collaboratively to deliver a number of environmental community awareness programs including: ‘Litter Reduction’, ‘Small Mammals in Resorts’, ‘Waterwise Resorts’, ‘Keep Winter Cool’, ‘Resort Recycling’, and ‘Snowsafe’

• Thredbo achieved environmental benchmark status under the EC3 Global ‘GreenGlobe’ program.

• Perisher introduced ‘ Environmental Alerts’ for staff into their EMS

1

Introduction

Welcome to the first New South Wales (NSW) Alpine Resorts Environment Report. This report presents the 2010-2011 environmental performance and initiatives of the NSW alpine resorts: • CharlottePass• Thredbo• Selwyn• Perisher

The four NSW alpine resorts are located within Kosciuszko National Park (KNP), which encompasses 673,542 hectares and is the largest national park in NSW. Many of the natural and cultural values that make the park special are located in the alpine resorts: the continent’s highest mountains; unique glacial landscapes; and unusual and rare plants and animals such as the Anemone buttercup and Mountain Pygmy-possum. The park also has a rich Aboriginal and European history, including ski history and the first ski club lodges. The park is perhaps best known as a recreational destination and is one of the most popular national parks in NSW.

The Kosciuszko National Park Plan of Management (2006) provides a framework of objectives, principles and policies to guide the management of values contained in the park. The Plan of Management requires the alpine resorts to operate under an Environmental Management System (EMS) and report on environmental performance annually.

Introduction

Kosciuszko

National

Park

Location map of NSW alpine resorts in Kosciuszko National Park.


Charlotte Pass Charlotte Pass, with the exception of one independent ski club lodge, is operated by Charlotte Pass Village Pty Ltd (Charlotte Pass). The company provides ski lifting, oversnow transport, accommodation, municipal service and other facilities and services for day skiers and overnight guests. The company leases nine lodges to sub-lessees for overnight accommodation. The head lease commenced on 20 December 1974 and expires on 30 June 2015. Charlotte Pass lease area covers 165 hectares and has accommodation for 607 guests and staff. Presently Charlotte Pass operates primarily in winter and holiday periods (Easter and Christmas) during the rest of the year.

Thredbo Thredbo resort is operated by Kosciuszko Thredbo Pty Ltd (Thredbo) and provides a wide range of winter and non-winter facilities and services. Under the head lease which runs from 29 June 1962 to 28 June 2057, Thredbo is to conduct a year-round resort including municipal services. Over 700 sub-lessees provide accommodation and guest services. The lease covers an area of 960 hectares and has accommodation for 4448 guests and staff.

Selwyn Selwyn resort is operated by Mount Selwyn Snowfields Pty Ltd (Selwyn) under a lease which expires in 2028. Under the lease the operator provides ski and snow play facilities for day visitors only. The lease covers an area of 203 hectares.

Perisher The Perisher Range Resorts (PRR) cover an area of 1598 hectares including Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Blue Cow, Guthega and the Bullocks Flat Skitube Terminal. Through several agreements the resort operator, Perisher Blue Pty Ltd provides ski lifting facilities, the Skitube, guest accommodation and staff housing. Perisher also has one sub-lease and 27 sub-licenses for the provision of guest services. Ski club and commercial lodges are managed by a system of 121 leases. In total PRR accommodates 4937 guests and staff. NPWS provides all municipal services in the PRR including: water, sewerage, waste management and roads.

Phot

o: V

irgin

ia L

ogan

3Introduction

Significance of the alpine resortsMore than one million people visit the alpine resorts each year making them the most popular and intensely used parts of the park and an important tourism destination in NSW, providing significant economic, employment and social benefits at state regional and local levels. The resorts contain natural values that are recognised as having international and national significance including:

• restrictedhabitatsofthreatenedspecies

• subalpineandalpineplantcommunities

• geologicalandgeomorphologicalfeatures

• alpineriversandstreams

• alpinehumussoils.

What is an Environmental Management System (EMS)?An Environmental Management System is a tool to understand, monitor and manage environmental impacts. The ISO14000 series of international standards describe system elements including: commitment; identifying environmental risks; complying with legislation and other regulatory requirements; reducing impacts, setting objectives, developing procedures and monitoring and reporting on performance. Essentially an EMS is based on a continuous improvement cycle and adaptive management principles of:

Plan Do Check Act

Environmental values and issues The following are the environmental values and issues that are protected or addressed through the resort Environmental Management Systems. This report demonstrates how each resort is implementing the plan-do-check-act cycle to manage the impact of their operations on these values.

Biodiversity The clearing of vegetation in alpine resorts for infrastructure and ski slope development has reduced habitat available for native species and removed linkages. Some of these species are restricted to the alpine areas. In certain disturbed areas introduced plants have replaced native vegetation communities and continue to spread into neighbouring areas. Vertebrate pests such as the rabbit compete with native mammals for resources whilst predator pests the fox and feral cat prey on native species.

Water quality and aquatic ecosystemsThe alpine and subalpine waterways in Kosciuszko National Park are an important natural and economic resource for south eastern Australia providing water for use in hydro-electricity generation and irrigation on the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers. The streams themselves are also important biologically as they contain an array of endemic biotic species including platypus and Mountain galaxias. Waterways in proximity to the alpine resorts can be affected by various activities including construction, road and track usage, treated sewage effluent disposal, water extraction and snow clearing from roads and villages. These activities have the potential to alter the physical, chemical and biological parameters of the streams which in turn result in impacts on the aquatic ecosystem. Changes to ground cover as a result of development have also contributed to increased water flow and velocity, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and rapid snow thaw.


Pollution prevention and incident managementSewage and hydrocarbons are the main but not the only sources of pollution in alpine resorts. All resorts are committed to pollution prevention and management including preventing leaks, spills and unlicensed discharges of potentially harmful substances to the environment. The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) issues discharge licences for the sewage treatment plants (STPs) at Perisher, Charlotte Pass and Thredbo. These licences set limits for the physical, chemical and nutrient content so that the treated water meets acceptable standards for discharge. All resorts have management procedures for incidents including recording and reporting. Staff are trained in the implementation of the procedures and spill kits are provided in high risk areas such as workshops.

Energy Alpine resorts share the challenge of developing strategies to minimise energy consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and seek out and invest in sustainable alternatives. Electricity is the main source of energy to all resort areas of operation other than transport. The purchase of ‘GreenPower’, at an additional cost guarantees electricity from a renewable source such as hydro, solar and/or wind. Other sources of energy around the resorts include liquid petroleum gas, diesel, unleaded petrol, heating oil and wood. There has also been a small investment in solar. Operators have endeavoured to effectively measure consumption, identify ways of minimising usage, make sustainable choices in sourcing energy options and wherever possible offsetting greenhouse gas emissions. Disturbance to the environment can also result from the installation of energy infrastructure including cables, lines, trenches, maintenance tracks, gas and hydrocarbon storage tanks.

Waste Waste management in the alpine resorts focuses on avoidance, minimisation of environmental harm and wherever possible conservation and efficient use of resources. All resorts have four main waste collection streams including: general garbage and kitchen waste to landfill, paper and cardboard recycling, glass bottles, cans and plastic recycling and recycling of cooking oil. Other waste generated in resorts and removed from the Park includes biosolids from the Sewage Treatment Plants, the content of grease traps, construction waste, hazardous waste and e-waste. All waste is disposed of outside the National Park at Jindabyne and Cooma landfills and the recycling recovery facility in Cooma.

Cultural heritage Alpine resorts encompass two main themes of cultural heritage; European and Indigenous. These can be expressed through tangible and non-tangible elements such as buildings, artefacts, oral histories and places of connection. Although the history of skiing in Australia dates back 150 years, the genesis of most resorts is commensurate with the influx of European migrants working on the Snowy Hydro Scheme. Many clubs and hotels in Thredbo and Perisher took shape in the 1950s and early 1960s. All the alpine resorts espouse a proud connection with their history and often celebrate historical milestones and anniversaries.

Visual quality The Plan of Management identifies visual quality as a key value of the park. The NPWS aims to preserve and protect the high quality landscape values and scenic features through a range of objectives prescribed in the Plan. It is important that activities within alpine resorts are sympathetic to these park values and management objectives as well as contribute to a pleasing and special aesthetic appearance within the resorts themselves. Visual impacts can arise in natural areas outside the alpine resorts where the visibility of resort structures and light spill at night detracts from the natural experience desired by many users of these areas. While within resorts a range of factors exist which can influence the overall visual appeal of the resort in winter and summer.

5Protecting biodiversity

Protecting biodiversity

Plan Rehabilitation programsA rehabilitation manual has been prepared by NPWS to guide rehabilitation programs in the alpine resort areas. Many of the rehabilitation programs are undertaken on very disturbed sites requiring substantial replanting with native species. A seed bank has been collected for the Thredbo, Charlotte Pass and Perisher areas. This seed is being used for the propagation of plants and direct seeding for rehabilitation programs.

All resort areas are to prepare rehabilitation plans for their lease areas as defined in the Kosciuszko National Park Plan of Management. NPWS is to prepare a rehabilitation plan for the Park including resort areas. The plans will include remediation of previously contaminated sites and works that will assist with stabilisation of previously disturbed areas.

Do Plan Table 1.1: A summary of rehabilitation work undertaken in alpine resorts 2010-11

Resort Rehabilitation activities

Thredbo Revegetation programs were undertaken throughout the ski slopes and village. 2500 trees and shrubs have been planted since 2009.

A coordinated riparian revegetation program was undertaken by Thredbo and NPWS which involved the planting of 1800 trees and shrubs on the Thredbo River.

Rehabilitation plan is to be completed by June 2012.

Perisher In 2010 planting of over 1500 plants was undertaken at Mt Perisher, adjacent to Tubetown, Bullocks Flat, Happy Valley and at the end of the fauna crossings at Goats Gully and Bullwheel Run.

An Environmental Rehabilitation Plan was developed, that identifies and prioritises rehabilitation works. A rehabilitation work schedule will be developed in 2011 and review of the plan undertaken in August 2011.

NPWS: • planted 400 Plum pine plants at Mt Blue Cow/Guthega to enhance Mountain

Pygmy-possum habitat• maintained Smiggin Holes revegetation project sites including follow-up weed

control, mulching and planting an additional 200 plants• implemented Perisher Creek riparian zone rehabilitation works including weed

control and planting 1800 tubestock along Perisher Creek• trialled the extraction and translocation of wetland plant sods from a

construction site at the sewage treatment plant to a disturbed site alongside Perisher Creek

• planted 500 native plants along Tate Road at Guthega as part of the road upgrade and landscaping program

• undertook additional planting on the roundabout at Plum Pine Road

Maranatha Lodge rehabilitation/landscape plan was completed. Weed control and planting of native species was undertaken.

Tiobunga Lodge at Guthega participated in the NPWS native shrub planting along Tate Road.


Plan Weed control programsWeed control programs are consistent across all resort areas and priorities are developed within a regional and park-wide context. NPWS has provided the resort areas with weed mapping (refer to case study) to assist in the identification of weed infestations and to develop priorities for control.

Do Table 1.2: A summary of weed management activities in alpine resorts 2010-11

Resort Actions taken to manage weeds

Thredbo Spent 150 person hours both within the village and on the slopes controlling milfoil, vipers bugloss, mullein, thistle and blackberry. Milfoil abundance appears to be decreasing on the ski slopes.

Regrowth of willows and silver birch noted along riparian zone of the Thredbo River. Follow up is planned for Spring 2011.

Selwyn Control programs targeted the Township Run, carpark and Telstra access road. Species targeted included scotch broom, scotch thistle, St Johns wort, yorkshire fog, blackberry and milfoil.

The increased spread of the grass, yorkshire fog was identified as an emerging weed.

Perisher Spent 110 person hours controlling weeds was undertaken around the Perisher lease areas, Perisher, Mt Blue Cow, Smiggins and Bullocks Flat. Weeds targeted included mullein, St Johns wort, Barbarea, thistle and milfoil.

An increase in Barbarea as a result of wet conditions was noted.

NPWS: • spent 106 person hours controlling weeds throughout the Perisher, Smiggins and

Guthega area roadways. Control targets were long term weed issues such as milfoil and new incursions such as mullein, St Johns wort and goats beard

• recorded all weed control activities on Geographical Information System (GIS) maps

• targeted large woody weeds, birch and willow along Guthega Link Road

Four hundred Plum Pine plants on the Summit Chairlift at Blue Cow. Photo: Mel Schroder


Do Vertebrate pest controlVertebrate pest programs in the alpine resort areas focus on predators such as the fox and feral cat and herbivores including rabbits and hares. This is because they pose the most immediate threats to the biodiversity values of these areas including threatened species. The larger introduced herbivores who occasionally venture into lease areas including horses and deer are generally managed as part of park wide or regional strategies and management programs including the road safety aspects that can affect visitors to the alpine resorts.

Do Table 1.3: A summary of vertebrate pest management activities in alpine resorts 2010-11

Resort Actions taken to manage vertebrate pests

Charlotte Pass

Cat trapping following sightings. One animal was trapped.

Winter fox baiting undertaken in vicinity of Mountain Pygmy-possum (MPP) population.

Thredbo Seven cats were trapped within the village and an additional two on Crackenback Ridge. This program was assisted by NPWS.

Increased reports of feral deer along the Alpine Way.

Selwyn No programs undertaken.

Indicated that there was an increase in cat sightings.

Seven feral horses were reported moving through the resort area.

Perisher Reported seven sightings of feral predator pests (cats and foxes). A report of increased rabbit activity and more frequent deer sightings.

Cat traps were set over 56 nights at four locations. However no animals were trapped.

During this reporting period NPWS undertook:• rabbit control programs in Perisher using fumigation, harbour destruction/

blocking and baiting. A shooting program was also trialled in May. An outbreak of Myxomatosis in June 2010 resulted in a further reduction of the population

• winter fox baiting of the Perisher Range, Charlotte Pass and the Rams Head area near Thredbo. Cage trapping was also undertaken throughout the year in response to feral cat sightings, three cats were removed from the Perisher area using this technique

• a soft-jaw trapping program targeting fox and feral cats was undertaken in Charlotte Pass and Blue Cow/Guthega areas in December 2010 and March 2011. 12 cats and 14 foxes were trapped


Act Small mammal managementThe use of poison baits or snap traps is not permitted in KNP. This is because most small mammals that make their way into ski lodges are native species. All resort areas are provided with information to identify species caught and follow alternative methods of management or control. All resort areas have an education program with staff or sub lessees with regards to the appropriate management of small mammals. Live traps called ‘Elliott traps’ are lent to lessees by NPWS to assist with capture and removal of small mammals.

Do Table 1.4: A summary of small mammal management activities in alpine resorts 2010-11

Resort Actions taken to manage small mammals in buildings

Thredbo A couple of incidents with mice in lodges, approval was provided by NPWS to use different control techniques once the presence of mice (non-native mammals) was established.

Perisher All staff are inducted on protocols for managing small mammals .

Elliot traps used to contain small mammals inside buildings. However in extreme circumstances and following approval by NPWS a pest contractor is used if non native pests such as house mice are detected.

NPWS NPWS coordinates a small mammal trap program in the Perisher Valley. Over 50 traps are on rotation throughout the village. Lodge owners return trapped animals for identification. Most of the animals trapped have been native Bush Rat or Antechinus.

Check Table 1.5: The status and management of wildlife crossings in alpine resorts 2010-11

Resort Status of wildlife crossings

Charlotte Pass

Two crossings pass under the roadway to link MPP habitat. These crossings were reviewed in 2010. Maintenance on the crossings is scheduled for Spring 2011.

Thredbo Maintenance of wildlife crossings around the village was undertaken.

Perisher There are 15 wildlife crossings throughout the Perisher lease areas. Maintenance of wildlife crossings at Blue Cow Road and on Zali’s ski slope was undertaken in Autumn 2010. A new crossing was built on Lower Roller Coaster ski slope.

Crossings at Happy Valley, Goats Gully and Lower Mt Perisher have drainage issues which need to be rectified. They currently fill with water during rainfall events. This will be addressed in the next works program.

Three crossings occur under roadways. The new crossing built in 2009 at Candle Heath Road demonstrated it was being used by native fauna with Bush Rats detected.

Act Wildlife crossings Wildlife crossings have been installed throughout the alpine resorts to enable movement of native fauna between habitats dissected by development. The crossings located on ski slopes are essentially rock filled trenches which allow small mammals and reptiles to move between patches of intact vegetation or rocky habitat. In Perisher Range a number of crossings have also been built under roadways as rock filled trenches linked with concrete pipes. Eleven of the crossings were surveyed in 2009 to determine if native animals were using them. Antechinus, Bush Rat and Broad-toothed Rat were all identified from hair samples.



Check Biodiversity monitoring projectsAn Environmental Monitoring Plan has been developed for the NSW alpine resorts. This plan guides monitoring programs for a number of key management areas, including pest management, aquatic ecosystems, recreational management and biodiversity. The plan encapsulates the past, present and proposed research and monitoring programs across the resorts. The programs below are identified as key biodiversity priorities for monitoring in the plan.

Check Monitoring of threatened faunaThe resort areas provide habitat for a number of threatened fauna species. Many of these species are endemic to the Australian Alps and their populations are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, predation and climate change.

The Mountain Pygmy-possum (MPP) is an endemic marsupial confined to small isolated populations above 1300 metres. The MPP is a species listed as endangered in NSW and National Threatened species legislation. Two significant habitat areas in the boulder fields and surrounding heathland habitat at Mt Blue Cow and Charlotte Pass have twenty five years of population monitoring data which demonstrates a decline in population numbers.

The Broad-toothed Rat is a medium-sized, herbivorous native rodent. It is restricted in its distribution to cool, wet climates. The species has experienced a reduction in its distribution and in NSW is primarily in montane, subalpine and alpine areas. It is listed as a vulnerable (Schedule 2) species under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act). Two known population sites are located within proximity to the Perisher Valley at Pipers and Perisher Creek. Monitoring at these sites provides an indicator to the health of populations in adjoining areas. Results from 2010 and 2011 indicate small numbers within the monitoring sites.

Plan The Alpine skink is a nationally listed threatened species and the Guthega skink is currently nominated for inclusion on the list. These lizards have a distribution limited to the sub-alpine and alpine environments however little is known about their ecology. The Glenn Sanecki PhD Alpine Scholarship recipient, Chloe Sato commenced studying alpine skinks in 2010. The project so far has provided information on 4 alpine skinks the Alpine She-oak skink ( Cyclodomorphus praealtus), the Guthega Skink ( Liopholis Guthega), the Tussock Skink (Pseudemoia pagenstecheri) and the Southern Grass Skink (Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii). The information gained from this research project will help NPWS protect these species and improve current management of reptiles in the alpine resorts.

Plan Vegetation community mapping of all resort areas has been completed over the past ten years. This information is available on the NPWS geographic information system (GIS) and used for resort planning. As new threatened flora species are located this information is entered on the GIS. A monitoring program has also been established at Guthega to develop strategies for the control of milfoil within native vegetation communities.

Pest management monitoringAs part of the feral predator pest management program, gut samples have been collected to determine the diet of predator pests during the non-snow periods. Broad-toothed Rat and Antechinus were found to be the most abundant prey items found in cat and fox.

Check Monitoring of mountain bike impacts at ThredboThe downhill mountain bike trail at Thredbo traverses 3.5 kilometres, from the top of the Kosciuszko Express quad chair to the Valley Terminal. A coordinated biannual monitoring program (before the season commences and after) commenced in May 2009. Monitoring includes walking the trail and measuring and recording soil erosion and vegetation damage. This information along with assistance from the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) guidelines is contributing to improved management of the trail to reduce impacts on surrounding vegetation communities and improve erosion control. The work is being undertaken by NPWS in close consultation with Thredbo and South East MTB Co.


Plan Case study: Weed mappingSince the 1950s there has been a significant increase in weed species recorded in the alpine and subalpine areas. Six species were recorded in 1954 (Costin et al 2000), 68 species of weeds in 1986 (Mallen-Cooper 1990) and in 2005 an exotic plants inventory was completed which identified 175 species of weeds, 100 of these were located in and around resorts many of these in lodge gardens (Johnston 2005).

The potential for weed expansion into surrounding less disturbed areas is high. With climate change predictions leading to increased temperatures, a reduction in snowpack duration and a rise in the snow line (Hennessey et al 2003), conditions may become more suited for increased dispersal of existing weeds or new species to establish (Pickering et al 2004). These predictions highlight the need for a greater understanding of current threats from weeds and to ensure management strategies are in place to reduce their impacts on key values (Steffen et al 2009).

Successful weed control often relies on identifying species which have the greatest potential to impact on ecosystems. Distribution and density mapping was undertaken at the peak of the flowering season in January and February 2009 for the Perisher Range, March 2010 for Charlotte Pass and Selwyn March 2011.

The objectives of the mapping project included:

1. Collect accurate point locality information of less common weed incursions or weeds which are known to cause impacts in natural systems.

2. Map the density of weed infestations and

3. Establish a geographic baseline data set to measure the effectiveness of weed control management programs over time.

The mapping has provided information to develop strategies and to gauge the effect of long term weed control programs. The mapping project has also identified a number of weed species not previously recorded at high altitudes in Australia but known to be weeds in other mountainous areas. The mapping data will be regularly updated.

The Mt Selwyn lease area weed map displaying weed species and densities.

Protecting biodiversity

Check Act Case study: Mt Blue Cow Mountain Pygmy-possum population - monitoring, habitat rehabilitation and predator controlMountain Pygmy-possum (MPP) populations within resort areas have declined since 1999. At Mt Blue Cow the population has fallen from an annual average of 42 individuals being recorded between 1986 - 1999 to five in 2008 and 2009 (refer to figure 1). A slight recovery occurred in 2010 with eight individuals recorded, many of whom had pouch young. It is uncertain what caused the sudden population decline in 2000 however this trend continued after the 2003 bushfires burnt a large area of the animal’s habitat.

Ski run development and snow making infrastructure has resulted in some habitat loss and fragmentation of the Mt Blue Cow population. Perisher closed an area of significant habitat to all ski and snowboard traffic in response to concerns for the declining possum numbers and given the uncertainty of the effects of skiing activity on hibernating possum populations. This closure has been on-going since 2002 with signs, fencing and regular staff patrols ensuring that impacts of resort activities are minimised.

In 2010, 400 native plum pines were planted at Mt Blue Cow in an effort to further enhance habitat. This work targeted areas affected by habitat modification, fires and drought where natural regeneration had not occurred.

While some vertebrate pest control work has been on-going in resorts since the early nineties the recent introduction of remote camera monitoring highlighted the need for a more intensive control program targeting cats and foxes. The cameras recorded predators in and adjacent to the known MPP sites. A soft jaw trapping program was commenced in 2010 during the summer months to try and reduce this threat. Over 514 trap nights 12 cats and 14 foxes were removed from resort areas in Perisher and Charlotte Pass. Many of these animals were in close proximity to MPP habitat.

Year Female Male1986 27 41987 26 181988 29 171989 35 141990 19 71991 23 81992 21 131993 32 171994 16 71995 35 181996 30 141997 37 151998 29 121999 25 32000 12 22001 12 42002 8 22003 5 22004 2 12005 4 42006 10 42007 4 62008 1 52009 3 12010 7 1

0 2 4 6 8

10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40

1985

1986

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Num

bers

Year

Mountain Pygmy-possum population monitoring Blue Cow 1986-2010

Female Male

11

Figure 1: Mountain Pygmy-possums recorded at Mt Blue Cow during the annual population surveys, 1986-2010.

Mountain Pygmy-possum. Photo: Virginia Logan


Act Case study: Riparian restoration projectsRiparian restoration projects commenced in the Perisher Valley, along Perisher Creek and at Thredbo Village along the Thredbo River in 2010. The Perisher project is funded through an Environmental Trust grant of $98,000. The Thredbo project is a requirement of an enforceable undertaking issued to Kosciuszko Thredbo Pty Ltd (Thredbo) following a diesel spill in August 2008.

The Perisher Valley site traverses four kilometres of the Perisher Creek. The project aims to reduce the density and distribution of environmental weeds and restore riparian vegetation to subalpine wetlands along sections of Rock and Perisher Creeks. The ‘valley bog complex’ wetlands within this area are listed as an Endangered Ecological Community under both state and federal legislation and provide habitat for a number of endemic species. The implementation of this project will minimise the movement of weeds downstream into less disturbed native vegetation communities and restore habitat connectivity for the threatened Broad-toothed rat. The initial works completed in 2010/11 included weed control along 1.4km of the upper catchment and three hectares of revegetation, which included the planting of 1800 tubestock in the midst of the most disturbed areas of the Perisher Valley.

The Thredbo River Rehabilitation Plan was prepared in 2010 and provides information on the existing catchment condition and direction for the implementation of rehabilitation of the riparian zones. The catchment condition information was used to develop a strategic approach which addresses streambank erosion, revegetation needs, weed distribution, density and control priorities, feral animal issues and the management of easements.

The works at Thredbo commenced in 2010 with planting of 1800 tubestock along three sections of disturbed riparian areas within the Thredbo resort precinct. Another weed control project targeted isolated occurrences of the noxious weed scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) and willow (Salix sp.) along a 14 kilometre length of the river system between Thredbo and Bullocks Flat.

Revegetation works adjacent to Rock Creek in Perisher Valley. Photo: Rob Naisby.

Riparian vegetation survey, Rock Creek, Perisher. Photo: Mel Schroder.

Plan Sewage treatment plants (STPs)All alpine resort STPs are regulated under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) to meet guidelines set for effluent discharge. The conditions and discharge limits for each licence varies according to resort size. All licence holders must report annually and include incidents or times when the STP may have exceeded the discharge limits. A copy of the licences can be found at http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/prpoeoapp/searchregister.aspx

All potential incidents and non-compliance which may cause environmental harm must be reported as soon as practicable.

Check Do Table 2.1: Information on alpine resorts STP licences and improvement actions 2010-11

Resort STP licences information and improvement actions

Charlotte Pass

CP Village Pty Ltd operate the STP within the Charlotte Pass village.

The EPA licence requires collection of samples and monthly reporting from 1 July to 31 October and quarterly from 1 November to 30 June.

The system has undergone upgrades to three major infiltration points.

Consent has been obtained to construct a roof over the plant which will improve treatment process control.

Thredbo Kosciuszko Thredbo Pty Ltd operate the STP in Thredbo Village sampling and reporting fortnightly from 1 June to 30 September and monthly from 1 October to 31 May.

Perisher Perisher Blue Pty Ltd operate the STP at Bullocks Flat and maintain an EPA licence.

Reporting is required once a month from 1 June to 30 September and then once every three months for the remainder of the year.

NPWS Maintain licences for the STPs at Sawpit Creek and Perisher Valley.

The licences require monthly reporting from November to July then fortnightly from July to October.

Protecting water quality and aquatic ecosystems

13Protecting water quality and aquatic ecosystems

Phot

o: M

el S

chro

der


Do Table 2.2: A summary of stormwater management activities in alpine resorts 2010-11

Resort Actions to reduce stormwater impacts

Charlotte Pass

Short term ameliorative measures were undertaken to reduce the turbidity from unsealed surfaces by the clearing of drains.

Thredbo Thredbo has a stormwater management plan and has installed a number of stormwater management devices throughout the village.

Proposed review of Stormwater Management Plan to be completed by June 2012.

Perisher A report was prepared in 2009 regarding snow clearing practices in the Perisher carpark. This report has lead to a change in the current snow clearing practices to reduce impacts on water quality in Perisher Creek.

NPWS A stormwater management strategy has been prepared for the Perisher Village (1999). Priorities identified in the plan are currently being implemented with the sealing of roads and deployment of sediment retention devices.

Wheatley Road concreted - this is an on-going program. 60% of South Perisher and 100% of Smiggin Holes and Guthega completed.

Runoff control structures are installed at Perisher carpark and Smiggin Holes and are maintained according to the annual schedule.

Stormwater managementStormwater management continues to impact on waterways and is slowly being addressed at the alpine resorts. The following actions were undertaken in this reporting period.

Check De-icing practicesDe-icing materials, predominantly rock salt (sodium chloride) and wet salt (calcium chloride) are applied to roads, carparks and pathways to reduce hazardous ice formation. These salts can enter ground and surface waters and flow into waterways. Salt levels are measured by monitoring electrical conductivity in waterways. These levels within the resort streams along Kosciuszko Road in the Perisher Valley often exceed water quality guideline levels during winter and spring.

Investigations are currently being undertaken to explore alternative methods of application of salt and or products which may reduce impacts on waterways. New technology to improve the application rates are also being considered by the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA).

Act Stream bank erosionMapping of areas of stream bank erosion along Perisher Creek has been undertaken by NPWS. Revegetation programs are underway along disturbed sections of Perisher Creek and Thredbo River replacing weed species with endemic species (see case study in Protecting biodiversity section).

Do Table 2.3: A summary of miscellaneous actions to protect water quality in alpine resorts 2010-11

Resort Water quality protection actions

Thredbo Adoption of an environmentally friendly degreaser ‘CT 14’ which is non toxic, water soluble and non flammable

Selwyn Developing a policy to regulate vehicle use, restrictions on travelling in wet conditions.

Developing a policy for skidoo drivers to restrict travel on thin snow cover.

Perisher Additional water quality monitoring of snowmaking water to assess any public health risk. All samples met relevant standards.


Check Case study: The impact of de-icing salts on the Montane BogsHonours project completed by Richard Hocking, Australian National University

Several major roads in Kosciuszko National Park (KNP) are kept open each winter by clearing snow and applying de-icing salts. These salts are granular sodium chloride (NaCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) in solution. Water quality monitoring indicates high electrical conductivity in creek lines draining salted areas. Potential also exists for runoff of these de-icing salts to affect adjacent wetland communities. Alpine sphagnum bogs and associated fens are an endangered ecological community at state and national level and are found in the vicinity of de-iced roads in a number of locations.

De-icing salts which contain chloride raise the osmotic potential of soil water, salts which contain sodium degrade soil physical properties and both chloride and sodium ions are toxic to alpine flora. However, whilst de-icing salts have been recognised as a cause of environmental damage in the Northern Hemisphere, their impact on Australian alpine environments has not been previously studied. The NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) and NPWS have both contributed financial assistance to this project as well as providing field and logistic support.

To investigate salt concentrations and their residence times in alpine bogs ground water electrical conductivity (EC) was measured during winter and spring 2010. A network of sixteen piezometers, installed at two depths (70 centimetres and 100 centimetres) in five roadside bogs were used to take the weekly measurements. The data collected revealed a significant flux of salt through roadside bogs. ECs were raised significantly in the bogs which receive runoff with de-icing salt. EC levels were highest closest to the road, 3.52 millisiemens per centimetre (mS/cm), dropping to 0.1 mS/cm at a distance of 120 metres from the road. An experimental injection of salt (NaCl) with Tritium (a tracer) into two bogs suggests that NaCl moves more slowly through the bog than groundwater itself thus increasing bog exposure to NaCl. The results also suggest that salts have a shorter residence time in wetter bogs.

A pot trial was also undertaken on salt tolerance of a common plant species in alpine bogs, Carex gaudichaudiana. The plants displayed severe burning on their blades within three weeks of treatment at salt levels that can be found in bogs receiving de-icing salt runoff.

The results of this study are being used to inform the management of roads in winter, guide further study into the ecological effects of de-icing salts and the development of possible impact mitigation measures.

Honours student, Richard Hocking measuring electrical conductivity of water in roadside bogs. Photo: Mel Schroder


Check Case study: Environmental water quality monitoringConcerns associated with the impact of resorts on water quality led to the development of a monitoring program in 1989 on the Thredbo River. This was expanded in 1993 to include Spencers, Perisher, Pipers and Sawpit Creeks. Farm Creek at Guthega was added to the program in 2002. Physical, chemical and biological data is collected from the 21 monitoring sites located above and below resort infrastructure twice a year from all waterways except Thredbo River which is sampled four times a year.

The physical and chemical measurements are compared with the trigger levels in the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality 2000. Parameters include nitrogen, phosphorus, ammonia, nitrate/nitrite, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, water flow, conductivity and turbidity.

Biological monitoring involves the collection and identification of aquatic macroinvertebrate fauna. Monitoring macroinvertebrate has the advantage of providing a more meaningful measure of stream health over a longer time period. Whereas the chemical and physical data only provides an indicator for the moment of testing.

The macroinvertebrate data is entered into a predictive model called AUSRIVAS – KNP developed for assessing water quality in alpine waters in Kosciuszko National park. The model predicts the type of invertebrate fauna which are likely to be present if the water has no impacts and compares them with those found at each sampling site. The environmental impacts are assessed based on how much the observed community deviates from what is expected, that is the reference condition. This information is then ranked in a band (A-D) for the biological condition of a stream. The bands are:

BAND X - more biologically diverse than reference condition

BAND A - similar to reference condition

BAND B - significantly impaired

BAND C - severely impacted

Results and trends in biological condition for Spencers Creek near Charlotte Pass are shown in figure 2. The trend line for the reference site, which is upstream of the village shows continual good condition. Whilst the trend line for the two downstream sites displays an improvement from significantly impaired to a condition approaching the reference condition. The results indicate an ongoing impaired condition at the site below the STP and the site below the village has a variable condition which fluctuates between Band A and Band B.

Dr Jan Miller and team, OEH Rivers and Wetlands Unit, taking stream measurements as part of the water quality monitoring program. Photo: Mel schroder


Figure 2: The results of biological monitoring of Spencers Creek, near Charlotte Pass Village 1994-2010

At other alpine resorts long term biological monitoring data is indicating ongoing impacts on stream condition below developed areas.

In Perisher Creek the level of impairment fluctuates between sites. However the trend indicates a decline in biological condition from Band A to Band B. The two sites below the Perisher STP (immediately and 700 metres downstream) show no significant trends remaining in Band B (significantly impaired) and Band A (same as reference site) respectively.

Lower Pipers Creek was significantly impaired at the commencement of the project and this has continued whilst the reference site has maintained Band A, similar to reference condition.

The Thredbo river sites show similar fluctuations in biological condition with the site directly below the STP discharge exhibiting impaired conditions, however stream condition at the site 500 metres downstream shows recovery to a healthy condition.

Throughout 2010 NPWS undertook weekly monitoring of conductivity, turbidity, temperature, total dissolved solids, pH at pollution source points at eight sites in Perisher and Pipers Creeks. This monitoring has demonstrated the fluctuations in water quality throughout the seasons with an increase in conductivity and turbidity over the winter and spring periods.

Long term water quality monitoring has identified some areas of improvement however it also highlights the need for further measures to protect the aquatic health of the alpine streams from resort activity including: ongoing improvements in mitigation measures through erosion control, rehabilitation of disturbed sites, the sealing of roads, the building of stormwater management devices and refinement of road salting practices.

0.40

0.45

0.50

0.55

0.60

0.65

0.70

0.75

0.80

0.85

0.90

0.95

1.00

1.05

1.10

1.15

1.20

1.25

1.30

Bio

logi

cal C

ondi

tion

Date

Trends in biological Condition Spencers Creek 1994 - 2010

Band X

Band A

Band B

Band C

Reference Site above CP Village Site Below CP Village Site Below the CP STP outflow

Phot

o: M

el S

chro

der

19Pollution prevention and incident management

Check Table 3.1: Recorded pollution incidents in alpine resorts, March 2010 - February 2011

Type of incident Number Significance IncidentClosed

Description/Comment Act Management action

Sewer overflow 1 Majorreported to Appropriate Regulatory Authority (ARA)

YES − Sewer overflow to Perisher Creek from pump station 2 at Perisher resort.

− Quantity of discharge unknown.

− Caused by partially blocked pipe after major rainfall and flooding event (525mm in 2.5 weeks).

− Water quality in the creek was monitored and no significant impact was detected.

STP Licence breaches.Exceedances of physical and chemical load limits on waste water discharge into water courses.

5 Minorreported to ARA

YES − 1x total nitrogen limit exceedance occurred during peak use time resulting from an increased load on STP at the commencement of the ski season.

− 1x total phosphorous limit exceedance with unknown cause.

− 1x grease and oil limit exceedance with unknown cause.

− 2 x nitrogen (ammonia) exceedances of 90 percentile concentration limit believed to be caused by the addition of artificial nutrients to accelerate plant feed program leading into the winter ski season.

− Extensive biological monitoring of creeks and rivers continues. No significance increase in parameters as a result of incidents.

STP licence exceedances of discharge volumes.

10 Minorreported to ARA

YES − Increased water volumes (no pollutants) released into ck/rivers from STPs.

− Nearly all exceedances occurred during peak visitation - between June and Sept 2010 (with 1 exception).

− Well within allowable exceedance numbers.

− Improvements underway in all resorts to reduce water ingress into sewer systems.

Liquid effluent discharge from holding tank.

1 Minorreported to ARA investigated

YES − Tank contained liquid overflow from Clivus Multrum toilets (mixture of urine and grey water). The tap on the tank was tampered with by a member of the public thinking it was fresh water.

− Tamper proof fittings, lock and signage now fitted to tank to prevent incident reoccurring.

− Investigations underway to replace total sewage system.

Hydrocarbon spills outside workshop containment areas.

1 Majorinvestigated by ARA and several cleanup and improvement notices issued

NO − Several fuel handling, storage, procedural, infrastructure and maintenance problems resulted in hydrocarbon pollution outside bunded workshop area.

− The ARA issued several notices to address contamination and prepare a fuel management plan.

− Remediation activities and on-going preventative procedural changes and systems still to be fully implemented.

− Further monitoring required.

Minor diesel spills.

3 Minor YES − Spills from vehicles including shuttle bus and 1 from disused container being prepared for disposal.

− Small quantities spilt.

− Incidents contained using spill kits and absorbent material and disposed of through oil separators.

Pollution prevention and incident management


Type of incident Number Significance IncidentClosed

Description/Comment Act Management action

Hydraulic fluid and oil spills on snow from groomers and ski lifts.

23 Minor YES − Spills range from 0.5 to 30 litres.

− Incidents contained, contaminated snow collected and put through workshop oil separators. S200 Oil Gone applied to residual petroleum product.

− Significantly reduced number of incidents on snow groomers in 2010-11 as compared with previous year. This is as a result of process control implementation of hydraulic hose tracking at Thredbo.

Minor oil spills within workshops.

9 Minor YES − Oil separators and bunding capture any spills inside workshops.

− Spill kits located in workshops.

− Work is carried out on machinery inside workshops in the event of spills.

− Drums stored within bunded areas.

Disturbance to creek and significant wetlands from construction activities during power upgrade.

2 MajorARA investigationpreventative

YES − Heavy machinery caused damage to wetland by driving across creek to access work on ski lift and upgrading of power supply.

− Damage to wetland and increased turbidity in creek.

− Directed by ARA to prevent further damage by implementing several recommendations.

− Identified need for strategically located bridge crossings and creek protection measures for ongoing maintenance access to ski lift.

− Works to be considered as part of rehabilitation plan.

Small paint and turpentine spills.

2 Minor YES − Minor incidents with only small quantities of paint and turps reported through the PRREMS.

− All materials were picked up wherever possible and disposed of appropriately.

Gas cylinder leak. 1 Minor YES − Icicles fell on a gas cylinder outside a lodge releasing all the gas to the air.

− The impact to the environment was negligible.

− Placement and protection of cylinders is now being considered.

Sewage and/or grey water discharged from caravan in resort car park.

1 Minor YES − A small amount of grey water released by a member of the public from a recreational vehicle.

− Diluted using fresh water.

− Minimal impact to the environment.

TOTAL 59 98.3%closed

SUMMARY: Majority of incidents are now closed. They have been acted upon, cleaned up, and/or used to inform procedural changes to reduce the likelihood of them occurring again. One incident is still outstanding and requires further monitoring and follow up review to ensure preventative actions have been fully implemented.The increase in the number of incidents compared to previous years reflects the “improved reporting culture”. Many of the incidents reported were minor incidents. The grouping together of similar incidents demonstrates regularity of occurrence. This can highlight areas for further investigation on pollution prevention measures.


21Pollution prevention and incident management 21

Do Table 3.2: Pollution prevention initiatives undertaken by alpine resorts 2010-11

Resort Pollution prevention initiatives

Charlotte Pass

Stormwater pipes at bottom of T-bar cleaned and a rock drainage system built.

Installed above ground hydrocarbon storage tank to better monitor and manage diesel refuelling processes and to prevent and manage fuel loss and spillage.

The introduction of exclusively ‘Genuine green’ triple seven environmental cleaning chemicals across the resort including kitchen, laundry, chalet, bar, lodges, staff quarters, STP plant and workshop.

Filtration system installed in water supply inlet. On-line pager system established to provide alerts of sewer infiltration problems and help manage STP process.

Thredbo As an outcome of a Risk assessment of all mountain fuel supply and storage systems a new fuel system and oily waste separator has been installed. This exceeds current legislative requirements and codes of practice. This includes decommissioning of four underground tanks previously used at the base of lifts.

Development of a ‘High Risk Maintenance Item Data Base’ as an outcome of a root cause analysis of hydraulic hose failures on snowcats. Implementation of this process control has resulted in the virtual elimination of hose failures. Hoses are replaced prior to failure.

A new stormwater system installed at Valley Terminal including gross pollutant trap and new discharge into the Thredbo River.

Diesel refuelling facility installed at Valley Terminal. The former underground storage tank decommissioned and removed. The new system includes a fuelling apron and a ‘Pureceptor’ hydrocarbon interceptor system.

Selwyn Soil testing around underground fuel storage system. All tests came out clean for contaminants. Originally planned to decommission tanks however they are in good condition so may now remain in situ and install monitoring equipment.

Padlocks and tamper proof fittings put on grey-water tank as a follow up control action on the spill incident that occurred.

Implemented logbook systems to better track and manage maintenance and repair for the snow blower and snow groomer.

Fuel bowsers at Perisher freight shed. Snow contains dirt, grit and contaminants from snow clearing activities. Photo: Virginia Logan

Inside the Perisher Sewage Treatment Plant. Photo: Virginia Logan


Resort Pollution prevention initiatives

Perisher Comprehensive assessments for hydrocarbon contamination were undertaken at seven ski lift sites where diesel motors have been previously decommissioned. Five sites require no further action. Two sites have minor residual contamination. Further work is planned to validate one site by removing tank and contaminated soil and testing three remaining legacy sites.

Two more t-bars (Leichardt and Wentworth) converted from diesel to electric power – eliminating diesel fuel consumption and reducing local air emissions. This has also eliminated environmental risk from oversnow transport of diesel.

Ceased oversnow transport of used cooking oil from Guthega to reduce risk of spills. Now deposited in skip bins along with other Guthega lodges and transported by Municipal Services in trucks.

NPWS: • completed revision of Operational Environmental Management Plans (OEMP) for

STP and PRR water supply• completed ground well monitoring of decommissioned UPSS under Perisher

NPWS building• reviewed UPSS system to ensure compliance with new regulation. Installed

monitoring wells on main hydrocarbon fuel supply tanks at the freight shed• implemented staged concreting of internal road system at Perisher to reduce

sediment runoff to creeks as identified in stormwater management plan 2000. 100% of roads in Guthega and Smiggin Holes have now been concreted and 60% of roads in South Perisher

• implemented a comprehensive condition assessment and notification system for grease traps at accommodation facilities. Increased education and awareness

• maintained all drains on internal road systems• flow equalisation tanks installed at the Perisher STP to better regulate in flow

throughout the day

Sediments washed off unsurfaced roads and carparks can increase turbidity in streams. Photo: Mel Schroder


Check Table 4.1: Energy consumption by alpine resorts, March 2010- February 2011. Note: Does not include all the subleases in Thredbo or Perisher lodges.

Resort Electricity (Mega Watt Hours)

LPG Gas (Mega Joules) (Litres)

Diesel Fuel (Litres)

Unleaded Fuel (Litres)

Heating Oil(Litres)

Charlotte Pass (including 7 lodges)

2,289.2 18,088 (MJ)

Not provided

Not provided Not provided

Selwyn 343.73 40,988 (Litres)

16,169 5,400 NA

Thredbo(July 2009-June 2010)

8,728 692,351(Litres)

289,798 55,247 NA

Perisher 14,457.41 113,054.80(Litres)

12,243,691.4 (MJ)

406,526 99,900 57,530

Energy conservation

Diesel-gas injection system fitted to snowcat, Thredbo. Photo: Euan Diver

V8 Express chair powered by GreenPower, Perisher. Photo: Tanya Bishop

23Energy conservation

Snow

mak

ing

at S

elw

yn.

Phot

o: Je

n Em

erse

n


Do Table 4.2: Energy conservation initiatives and achievements in alpine resorts 2010-11

Resort Energy conservation initiatives and achievements

Charlotte Pass

Planning consent for roofing on the STP to reduce heat loss.

Pumps upgraded in the boiler room of The Chalet resulting in reduced energy consumption of heaters.

Resort transportation vehicle replaced with a fuel injected Kässbohrer resulting in a 25% decrease in fuel consumption.

Thredbo 10% of total electricity consumption comes from accredited GreenPower sources including wind and solar.

All ski lifts in Thredbo powered by 10% GreenPower.

The two central spur t-bars namely Antons and Sponars are 100% GreenPower.

Power factor correction equipment installed on the Kosciuszko Express chairlift.

Timer switches and motion sensors installed on lights in 20 locations. Committed to further roll out in other locations.

Basin, Karel’s and Easy Rider T-bars now fitted with variable speed drives reducing electricity consumption.

Maximising use of smaller more energy efficient shuttle buses around the village.

Staff bus provided to transport staff to and from Jindabyne reducing car use.

Installation of double glazed windows in Alpine Hotel continues as rooms are gradually upgraded.

Energy to heat leisure centre pool is by heat pumps from nearby lake. Gas is used to augment heat pumps.

Control systems on water pumps at pool are being upgraded with variable speed drives. Anticipated saving on energy consumed 50%.

Renewed partnership with ‘Greenfleet’ to Offset GHG emissions. 3409 native plants were planted in the snowy mountain region to offset 913.65 tonnes of emissions.

Completed diesel gas injections system trial on Kassbohrer Pistenbully 300 snow-grooming machine to reduce energy consumption and emissions, plan to install further systems throughout fleet.

Implemented several energy reduction initiatives in the Alpine Hotel including: power saving signage, a lighting replacement program, a building management control system for the electronic operation of heating and air-conditioning, fitting power factor rectification on electricity supply, installing air curtains, VSD on hot water pumps, system pipe work re-lagged and eliminating standby modes on gas boilers.

Selwyn Two power factor correction units installed on snow making machines to help monitor and effectively reduce power consumption and GHG emissions.

Replaced 33% of heaters with energy efficient upgrades. Will replace remaining heaters over the next five years.

Energy efficient bulbs fitted in staff accommodation.

Committed to a Target of 10% of energy consumption to come from GreenPower by 2012.

Five speed control devices to be installed on high pressure pumps to limit energy consumption during marginal snow making periods.

3% of total energy bills are offset to federal renewable energy, NSW Greenhouse reduction scheme and NSW energy saving scheme.


Resort Energy conservation initiatives and achievements

Perisher Energy policy aims to reduce GHG emissions.

Principles of responsible use in energy strategy include: measure and continually monitor, minimise energy use, transfer energy to renewable sources or lower carbon emission sources if sustainable and offset GHG emissions.

Purchased 5% GreenPower: 694 Megawatts.

Retained the services of an energy consultant to assist with energy reduction strategies.

Installation of Variable Speed drives (VSD) on lifts.

Roll out of automated snowmaking facilities (nine times more efficient than manually operated equipment).

Reduced building electricity consumption by 12% from previous year by making changes to heating, lighting and energy management systems.

Partnered with ‘Climate positive’ to offset carbon emissions generated by snow grooming and bus fleet.

100% of CO2 emissions from diesel fleet offset (approximately 1000 tonnes) against Shandong Province wind farm in China. This is a renewable energy project accredited by the UN under the Kyoto agreement. In addition 4m2 of native vegetation is restored within Australia for every tonne emitted. This has resulted in 6580m2 of land being restored in Victorian farmland by the ‘Trust for Nature’.

115 lodges reported against energy efficiency aspects of PRREMS.

90 lodges provided energy consumption information as part of the ‘Earthcheck’ annual reporting for the PRREMS.

10 Lodges reported purchasing between 5-20% of GreenPower.

Many lodges reported replacement of old appliances with energy efficient ones including fridges, freezers, heaters, washing machines and dryers.

Sundeck hotel installed a 10KW solar system and Clancy Alpine club lodge installed a 5KW solar system.

5 lodges Re-clad their buildings to reduce heat loss.

Most lodges displayed energy efficiency behavioural information provided by NPWS in their facilities.

49% of lodges reported undertaking their own energy audits.

Twenty lodges have signed up to the Energy Efficiency for Small Business program (EESB) and have had energy audits undertaken by an energy assessor.

Many lodges reported installing sensors for lighting and heating, replacing windows with double glazed ones, fitting solar backed drapes with pelmets to windows as well as planning for future upgrades to improve efficiencies.

Less than 10% of lodges now rely on open wood fireplaces for heating.

NPWS:• generated 859Kwh of energy via solar panels installed on pump stations 1 and 2

in Perisher• purchased 6% GreenPower on all electricity accounts• undertook a Level 2 plus energy audit on Perisher STP through the OEH

Sustainable Advantage Program


Plan Do Check Case Study: Pygmy Possum Lodge, Charlotte Pass Village Pygmy Possum club lodge at Charlotte Pass has achieved some outstanding energy savings by methodically going through every component of their operation and identifying and implementing upgrades to fittings, adopting new technology and changing operating procedures.

Pygmy Possum lodge is a 54 bed lodge of masonry and timber construction. Most of the lodge running expenses (rent, rates, insurance and depreciation) are fixed costs. The only costs that are controllable are energy and maintenance. With these factors in mind they set about monitoring and gradually upgrading the operations of the lodge.

The first change to operations was the introduction of thermo-syphon systems for the hot water to eliminate the need to drain water pipes or have continuous water bleeds to prevent water freezing in the pipes. This also had the added advantage of reducing wastage of water.

The lodge was one of the first to introduce compact fluorescent lights. They are used in the dining and lounge areas which are in continuous use. As fluorescent lamps are slow to start in cold conditions the kitchen and games room fittings were rewired using electronic ballasts and fitted with 36W tubes (expected life of 60,000 to 80,000 hours). Bed lamps have gone back to the conventional incandescent or tungsten globes as these produce less glare for reading, and are easier to clean up in the case of breakage.

The lodge has 21 illuminated exit signs which are required to be on continuously which is about 8000 hours per annum with an energy consumption of 2MW hours per annum. Under a current trial project they have been replacing fittings as they fail with either Pierlite LED or Stanlite cold cathode tube types. They estimate a saving of 1MWh/a plus extended life expectancy of the tubes and LEDs of seven to ten years. In addition, both of these fittings are plug-in types, which removes the need for a qualified electrician to make the change. They are also more convenient to remove for maintenance and repairs.

In 2002 the Lodge switched over to time-of-use electricity metering, doing most heating between 10pm and 7am to get the benefit of the cheaper and more efficiently generated power. Extra hot water services were added (now totalling 14 x 315L tanks). To reduce the shock to the local power grid all tanks were fitted with 2.4kW elements and scheduled to come on at different times, (nine hours is nearly long enough to bring tanks to top temperature from cold). The tanks are in a series parallel configuration with the final tanks fitted with dual elements for a quicker start up convenience.

The lodge heating is electrical with gas backup. The electricity is used to warm up heat banks which have fans that deliver the heat. The fans are controlled by two-stage thermostats set at a top temperature of 20°C. This temperature is maintained as long as a scanner detects movement. When movement ceases for more than 20 minutes the temperature is allowed to drop to 15°C where it is maintained until movement triggers the fans to bring the temperature back to 20°C.



A recent addition on a trial basis is the installation of two heat pump air-conditioners which work remarkably well. The heat pumps provide about two and a half times more heat per kilo watt than direct electrical heaters.

Originally gas (LPG) was to be a heating option. However, gas heaters use up oxygen which has to be replaced with supplies from outside. This air from outside also has to be heated, which consumes more energy especially if the outside temperature is around zero or lower.

In addition, gas heaters do not seem to operate very efficiently at high altitudes reducing the overall efficiency of gas to about 20%. Thus gas becomes less greenhouse gas efficient (about 1kg/kWh CO2 equivalent) than electricity (0.89kg/kWh). In the case of Pygmy Possum Lodge this means the overall price of gas would be about eight times the price of electricity per kWh of electrical heat.

Using the controls now installed, all that is required to operate the lodge is a push of a button. If inside temperature drops below 5°C when the lodge is unoccupied, thermostats switch on the heating and hot water systems and keep them on until the threat of freezing has passed.

At present energy consumption is around17kWh per person per night. This is an outstanding achievement for an accommodation facility of this type in this extreme environment.

Pygmy Possum lodge, Charlotte Pass Village. Photo: courtesy of Eloura ski club collection

29

Check Table 5.1: Waste produced by alpine resorts, March 2010 - February 2011 Note: Does not include construction and e-waste

Resort Garbage To landfill

Recycling paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and cans

Recycled tyres

Recycled Cooking oil

Liquid waste

Biosolids

Thredbo 595 tonnes 244 tonnes (29%)

200 16 tonnes NA 672.22 tonnes

PRRPerisher and CPV (Blue Cow and Bullocks Flat not included)

791.06 tonnes

229.89 tonnes (22.5%)

63 6400 Litres

NA 288 tonnesAnd 1 truckload from Charlotte Pass

Selwyn 59 tonnes includes construction waste

3850 kg(6%)

480 Litres 18 Kilolitres

7 cubic metres (not dewatered)

TOTALS 1445.06 tonnes

477.74 tonnes (24.8%)

263 18Kl

Waste management performanceOverall garbage for 2010-11 (landfill and recycling) compared to 2009-10:

• PRR (including CPV) increased by 3.5% (34.45 tonnes)

• Thredbo increased by 3.9%. (32 tonnes)

Percentage of recycling for 2010-11 compared to 2009-10:

• PRR (including CPV) declined by 7.5% (30% in 2009-10). Charlotte Pass Village was not recycling for the later part of the 2010 winter season due to operational issues

• Thredbo increased by 3.9% (25.2% in 2009-10)

The 24.8% recycling figure achieved across resorts is way below the state wide target. (‘Reducing Waste: Implementation Strategy 2011-15’). The municipal and commercial sectors in NSW are achieving 44% and 52% of materials to recycling respectively (2008-09 figures). The state target is 63% (Commercial and Industry) and 66% (residential) of waste to be recycled by 2014.

Some of the actions that are scheduled to be implemented over the next two years should see a further improvement in recycling in the alpine resorts including the:

• introduction of a kerbside collection system for PRR lodges (winter 2011)

• construction of a waste transfer station at Perisher (2011/12)

• full implementation of the recycling streams in Charlotte Pass and Selwyn

• increase in recycling facilities across more outlets

• further development of the composting stream of waste for all resorts and

• relaunch of the litter reduction awareness campaign

Waste management

Waste management


Do Table 5.2: Waste management actions undertaken by alpine resorts 2010-11

Resort Waste management actions

Charlotte Pass

Liquid and solid waste from workshops including grease and oil is transported out of the village for disposal .

Sludge from the sewage treatment plant is removed annually following the ski season by a licensed operator and taken to Cooma landfill.

All garbage is transported by oversnow vehicle to Perisher and then taken to Cooma landfill by NPWS.

Annual resort cleanup including cleanup of Spencers Creek.

Thredbo Kerb side collection system in place for all areas of the village.

24 recycling stations in public areas around the resort.

29% of total garbage was recycled during this period.

Thredbo staff conduct daily litter patrols of main use areas.

Old rubber tyres shredded by recycler and used in road material.

Thredbo Sports sold over 300 pairs of second hand skis to an overseas customer.

Recycled plastic bollards are used for traffic management.

Re-usable gear bags introduced in 2010 for rentals to reduce the use of throw away plastic bags.

All workshop oil goes through a separation process and is recycled by a contractor.

All steel, copper and aluminium is recycled.

All green waste from native prunings is chipped and reused in resort landscaping.

111.3 tonnes of construction material taken to tip as well as 11.3 tonnes of contaminated soil.

Fluorescent tubes and globes recycling – mercury recovery through accredited operators ‘CMA Ecocycle’.

Biosolids are processed by aerobic digestion and stored for a minimum of 12 months in lagoons then dewatered and sent to Cooma tip for composting trial (contaminant grade C and stabilisation grade B).

Staff and village businesses participated in Clean-up Australia Day.

Distributed 4000 personal ashtrays with logo as part of ‘Bin your Butts’ campaign.

Wheeled bin enclosures, Thredbo. Photo: Euan Diver

31Waste management

Resort Waste management actions

Selwyn Annual removal of grease from garage workshop.

Introduced staff composting system in 2011.

Printer cartridges recycled.

Investigating the implementation of a micro filtration sewerage system.

Increase in waste in 2010 due to construction activities including re-cladding of buildings.

6% of waste recycled in 2010 (office and staff accommodation 3850 kg).

Introduced plastic and glass recycling for staff accommodation in 2010 and will be extended to all other mountain facilities in 2011.

Perisher Recycling bins installed in the Perisher centre in 2010.

Small batteries recycled through Battery world.

Printer cartridges recycled through cartridges for Planet Ark.

Installed paper-recycling bins targeted for collection of newspapers.

48 bags of ex-hire gear donated to charity.

0.18 tonnes of asbestos were removed to Jindabyne tip.

Perisher IT developed an E-waste report which outlined the types and quantities produced and looked at cost effective disposal.

205 E-waste items and associated cabling were recycled.

Scrap metal recycled at Jindabyne landfill.

Recycling skip bins introduced to Bullocks Flat to collect recyclable material from Blue Cow.

Over 30 recycling bins located around the resort provided by resort sponsor Coca-Cola Amatil.

60 waste bins were retrofitted with dual lids to accommodate recycling throughout Perisher resort.

Plastic bags were removed from Perisher retail outlets.

Orders for retail outlets requested ‘no packaging’ from suppliers.

Trial of reusable rags in workshop rather then disposable paper product.

Staff year book produced electronically rather then hard copy.

Electronic scanners used for stock takes instead of a paper based system.

Electronic budget assessment and approval system used significantly reducing paper waste generation.


Resort Waste Management actions

Perisher NPWS initiatives included:• reusable polypropylene recycling bags have been provided to lessees, all

branded with the relevant coloured recycling logos• extensive planning and consultation undertaken to construct a waste transfer

facility in the Perisher Range Resort• winter recycling and garbage collection calendars produced• commercial grade recycling transfers were distributed to lodges to help

streamline the branding (and identity) of appropriate lodge receptacles • laminated posters (A2 and A3) have been distributed to lodges and commercial

premises to clarify the types of acceptable recyclables and how they are to be prepared

• waste information provided through the lodge environment manual and the PRREMS Press newsletter

• 24 ski max recycling bins provided to the smaller subleases to encourage the implementation of recycling

• PRREMS lodges:• 92% of lodges reported recycling all products able to be recycled• 60 % of lodges used the oversnow pick up service • are nearly all providing recycling facilities, some larger commercial operators are

providing facilities in accommodation areas but not in the day use areas, restaurants and bars

Common actions

Recycling and waste reduction campaign material displayed throughout the resorts.

Bins labelled throughout resorts to assist patrons to participate in recycling.

‘Bin your Butt’ personal ashtrays distributed in resorts and available at all points of sale locations.

Litter patrols by staff throughout the busy winter period across all resorts.

33Waste management

Do Case study: Perisher clean-up dayIn November each year Perisher and NPWS combine resources for a clean up day at the end of the snow season. About 120 people each year systematically scour the resort for litter. In the first few years, figures were generally in excess of 3-5 tonnes of litter collected. However, since 2005, litter collected from the same areas by approximately the same number of people is now averaging 1.5 tonnes per annum.

Act To try and reduce the amount of litter in future years, the following initiatives have been identified:

• overhaul of the waste collection system which will include a revised collection service to all accommodation facilities and provision of a new waste transfer station thereby reducing the opportunities for escape of waste during handling and transfer

• additional waste and recycling bins near retail outlets including the trialling of new styles and additional signage

• review and relaunch of a new litter reduction awareness campaign that will include a greater use of electronic and social media and collaboration with adjacent shires to address littering across the region

• promotion and greater use of cornstarch-based biodegradable products for disposable items such as cups, cutlery and food containers

• a reduction in the availability of plastic bags in the Snowy Mountains area

Clean up Perisher day. Photo: Dave Woods

Phot

o:

Tany

a Bi

shop


Capping the Sawpit Creek landfill site. Photo: Dave Woods

Do Case Study: Management of redundant landfills in KosciuszkoIn 2010 the Sawpit Creek landfill, the last of the landfills in Kosciuszko National Park, was finally closed. It had serviced the Perisher Range Resorts (PRR) since the mid -1960s. Its closure involved laying a high density polyethylene (HDPE) membrane over the surface. There was an existing underlying HDPE layer under the waste material and these two layers were welded at the edges to seal all the waste inside – forming a large ‘rubbish pastie’. The rehabilitated area has been mulched and maintained in preparation for use as a nursery to grow stocks of Poa grass for rehabilitation projects within KNP. This may incorporate the reuse of treated effluent to provide water and nutrients to the plants.

The Waste Point landfill, a former quarry site associated with the Snowy Hydro scheme, received waste from the PRR and Waste Point Village for nearly 30 years. It was closed in 2001 when its licence expired. It has required ongoing management and monitoring as part of the closure plan regulated by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA). In March 2010, 10,000 trees and shrubs were planted on the site.

Land filling of garbage ceased in Thredbo village in 1994 having received waste since the village commenced in the mid-1950s. The Cabramurra and Khancoban landfills which serviced the Snowy Hydro Scheme were closed some time ago thereby bringing an end to waste disposal within KNP after sixty years. The Thredbo site continues as a waste storage and parking area while the other sites are being fully rehabilitated so that they blend back into their surroundings.

35

Winter on Perisher Creek. Photo: Mel Schroder

Check Table 6.1: Water consumption in alpine resorts March 2010 - February 2011

Resort ConsumptionKilolitres (KL)

Source Comment

Charlotte Pass

Not metered Spencers Creek − Water stored in dam and checked weekly during summer.

− Plans are in place to install water meters on buildings and lodges.

Thredbo 354,000 Thredbo River − Water consumption figures are calculated from meter readings at the two disinfection plants.

− Individual properties are not metered .

− This figure includes all pipe network losses and use by construction activities and fire fighting maintenance.

− Water for snow making not included.

Selwyn Not measured Water meters installed Dec

2010.

Three Mile Dam

− Figures will be available for the building infrastructure water usage following the next reporting period.

− Plans are in place to benchmark water consumption now that meters have been installed as part of the Green Globe accreditation process.

Perisher Range Resorts (NPWS)

171,403(Dec 2009-Nov 2010)

Farm CreekPipers CreekRock Creek

− Figures are taken from the total readings of the individual facilities meters and do not capture water lost in the pipe network system.

− Nine recorded water loss incidents occurred in PRR during this period including: pre winter scouring of water supplies, and chlorination of reservoirs, rising main at Smiggin Holes, hydrant repair, pipe breaks at Candle Heath road and Guthega. Total estimated losses 1135 KL.

− Water for snow making is managed through separate water extraction licences held by Perisher Blue Pty Ltd. Figures are not included here.

Bullocks Flat (Perisher)

12,587 Thredbo River − Metered at source for use in Bullocks Flat operations.

Water conservation

Water conservation


Do Table 6.2: Water conservation measures undertaken by alpine resorts 2010-11

Resort Water conservation initiatives

Charlotte Pass

Installation of mini systems stop taps at all commercial outlets providing better control of water pressure and reducing propensity for water leaks.

Upgrade of intake at the weir to provide better filtration and water control including an on-line pager system.

Installation of an automotive fire protection system that maintains water pressure and no longer requires pumping. Purging the system is no longer required.

Addressed water infiltration problems to the sewerage system including fixing sewer main, installing agricultural drains to divert water away from the wall of the sewer pit and patching inside of pit which reduced water entering the system by 10,000 litres.

Thredbo Water meters have now been installed on the main water supply intakes to allow Thredbo to more accurately measure water demand and benchmark overall use.

Over a dozen urinals have been converted to the desert waterless urinal system where no water is used for flushing and only a small amount (less then 10 litres per day per urinal) is used for cleaning, saving over 500 000 litres of water a year.

All rooms and showers in Thredbo Alpine Hotel fitted with water efficient / restrictor devices.

‘Waterwise’ signage placed in all hotels rooms at the Thredbo Alpine Hotel.

‘Waterwise’ education program implemented in public toilets and various accommodation facilities.

Water efficient washing machine installed in the Thredbo Alpine Hotel.

Selwyn Installed water meter on staff accommodation and ski hire and Selwyn building in December 2010.

Installed ‘Waterwise’ signage around the resort.

Developing policy to measure and record water usage.

All water saving efficient shower heads along with dual flush cistern to be installed in accommodation by 2013.

37

Resort Water conservation initiatives

Perisher In 2010 Arid Enviroclean waterless urinals were trialled in the Perisher Valley ski tube building. The success of this trial saw the conversion of all on-mountain urinals to waterless, with the exception of Bullocks Flat which requires water throughput for the effective operation of the STP.

99% of on-mountain guest and staff accommodation have had water saving / restrictor shower heads fitted.

Perisher register of fixtures that consume water (e.g showers and toilet basins) is regularly updated to track retrofitting activities.

115 lodges reported against the water consumption target in the ‘Earthcheck’ annual lodge reporting.

Over the last three years the PRR lodges have reduced their collective water consumption per visitor night from 240/visitor night to 221.7 litres/visitor night. Reduction in consumption by 7.7%. The industry standard for hotel accommodation is 220 litres/visitor night.

Over 50 lodges are now exceeding the PRREMS target. They are all achieving less than 200 litres/visitor night.

15 lodges have impressively reduced their water consumption to less than 150 litres/visitor night.

Lodges continued to retrofit their shower heads with water efficient ones and install dual flush toilets. Gradual upgrades and retrofits of lodges are contributing to the improvements in water consumption.

CSIRO lodge roof water harvesting pilot project continued with some on-going pump pressure problems with the system.

Planning was completed for proposed valving arrangement at pump 1 reservoir to allow direct pumping of water from Rock creek to P2 reservoir via the P1 UV disinfectant unit.

Water conservation


Check Act Case Study: Perisher lodges water reduction achievementsWater consumption in the Perisher Range Resorts (PRR) lodges has fallen significantly since the introduction of the Perisher Range Resorts Environmental Management System (PRREMS), the ‘Waterwise Resorts’ education campaign - ‘Go slow on the H2O’ and consumption based water rates.

The introduction of the PRREMS in 2002 identified water conservation as one of the main environmental management objectives. Initially lodges filled out workbooks that looked at all aspects of operations as they related to environmental impacts both locally and globally. They reported in summer and winter against targets including water that was measured by consumption figures per visitor night.

The ‘Waterwise Resorts’ community education campaign developed by NPWS in collaboration with the resort operators was introduced in 2003. This campaign focused on water conservation, consumption and wastage by resort visitors in an attempt to reduce the amount taken from streams. A range of opportunities were identified in lodge and commercial hotels, and a range of media were used to convey simple messages. A local branding was adopted for the campaign – ‘Go Slow on the H2O’

In 2005 NPWS introduced metered consumption billing for water and waste water services. The charging for consumption provided greater incentive for lodges to closely monitor and manage their water use. This also helped address some of the historical problems of lodges leaving a tap running outside of the ski season to prevent freezing.

The accommodation industry standard for water consumption in hotels is 220 litres per visitor night. Not being content with average, the PRREMS operational committee have set the PRREMS water target even lower at 200 litres/visitor night. Although collectively the PRREMS lodges are yet to reach the target there have been progressive improvements in the results over the last three years:

• 2008-09 240.3 litres/visitor night

• 2009-10 229.7 litres/visitor night

• 2010-11 221.7 litres/visitor night.

These improvements can be attributed to the implementation by lodges of extensive water saving initiatives including regular water audits, retrofitting of showers, toilets and taps and the take up of new technologies including remote monitoring of water meters. There has also been a concerted effort by lodges to educate their members about the importance of conserving water in the resorts.

Fiona and Les Carroll receiving a ‘2011 PRREMS commitment award’ on behalf of the Australian Ski Club, from Bob Conroy, Executive Director of Park Management Division (OEH). The club was recognised for its outstanding water and energy efficiency performance. Photo: Cori Isele

Waratah Ski Lodge, Perisher Valley have achieved outstanding water efficiencies. Photo: Virginia Logan

39

Cultural heritage

Do Table 7.1: A summary of cultural heritage initiatives and achievements in alpine resorts

Resort Cultural heritage initiatives and achievements

Charlotte Pass

An Indigenous interpretation panel about the main range was installed on the recently completed Stillwell Lookout Platform.

Internal renovations of the historic Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel have been carried out to provide a more comfortable environment to guests whilst retaining a number of interior features that have reflected the building’s character since its construction in 1939.

Thredbo The Thredbo Historical Society (THS) was formed in 1995 and is affiliated with the Friends of Thredbo. Current membership exceeds 200 people. Kosciuszko Thredbo Pty Ltd has provided a venue for a museum which the group runs with the help of volunteers; Thredbo sponsors and supports the THS. Some of the projects achieved through the THS in the reporting period include:• production of a bimonthly newsletter and supplementary commemorative issues• refurbishing the museum with new exhibits including sportswear worn by

Australia’s winter Olympic athletes• sale of a number of ski and resort history books, with various publications

pertaining to the history of Thredbo• mid-winter dinner and historic presentations• facilitate research inquiries • catalogue and maintenance of donated items to the THS

Resort history information provided on the main Thredbo resort website and a link to the THS website.

Maintained heritage conservation values when the Valley Terminal and the Thredbo Alpine Hotel were renovated using materials and methods pertaining to the original ski resort vernacular of the 1960s. The same approach was applied when repairing the Valley Terminal Bridge and Creek Station Bridge; the timber used in both projects was shaped to replicate the original styles and as much historic fabric as possible was retained.

A range of cultural heritage aspects including resort heritage, significance to Aboriginal people and recognition of traditional owners were presented as part of staff induction training.

Selwyn Additional historic information has been added to the website.

Cultural heritage values and significance introduced to staff through inductions at the beginning of the snow season, particularly information relating to the former gold mining town of Kiandra which is located in close proximity to Selwyn, and its association with the origins of Australian skiing.

Selwyn has actively participated in promoting the restoration of the Kiandra Courthouse/Chalet. Although not within the resort, the restoration project is culturally connected with the ski industry.

Continue to sell historic publications pertaining to Mt. Selwyn and Kosciuszko National Park in the retail shop.

Investigating the reintroduction of a Kiandra Snow Shoe Carnival that epitomised the first organised snowsports events undertaken over 100 years ago. Aiming to have the event scheduled for the 2012 snow season.

Assessed the opportunity to erect a T-bar tower from the historic Township T-bar (with interpretation) at the main entrance to Selwyn Snowfields.

Cultural heritage


Resort Cultural heritage initiatives and achievements

Perisher The Perisher Historical Society (PHS) was formed on 6 August 2007 (see case study). There were 80 memberships at the end of the reporting period, made up of individuals and club lodges/hotels. The Committee has provided two ex-officio positions for a representative from both Perisher Resort and NPWS. Some key cultural heritage projects have been achieved or initiated in the reporting period. Projects include:• production of a biannual newsletter• scoping of Perisher History Book, financial commitment to the production of the

book and acquisition of an author who commenced writing in early 2011• ongoing Perisher Lodge History Project collating a range of thematic histories for

all club and commercial lodges across the Perisher Range Resorts• construction of a website and interpretive content loaded onto web pages • catalogue and maintenance of donated items to the PHS• facilitation of research inquiries• installation of display cabinet and exhibits including photographs and hand-

made skis • annual dinner and presentation of guest speaker on June long-weekend

Perisher Resort and NPWS promote ski resort heritage on their respective websites and provide links to the PHS newsletters and website.

Perisher Resort and NPWS conducted staff and contractor inductions, emphasising cultural heritage elements at risk to resort operations and construction projects.

NPWS NPWS staff attended Aboriginal Awareness Training workshops. Resort operators have also sent some staff to Aboriginal awareness and cultural heritage appreciation courses.

Resort issues are discussed with the KNP Aboriginal Working Group which was established as part of the development of the 2006 KNP Plan of management.

Resorts and NPWS periodically fly the Aboriginal flag and undertake celebratory and educational activities as part of NAIDOC week.

Historic and Aboriginal heritage articles are often included in the Kosciuszko National Park publications of ‘Resort Round-up’ and ‘Kosciuszko Today’.

In collaboration with the Australian Alps National Parks, sites are being appraised in and adjacent to resorts (amongst other areas in Kosciuszko National Park) for the placement of Indigenous totems.

Remains of Mount Stillwell Lift, Charlotte Pass. Photo: Tom Pinzone

41

Plan Check Case Study: Protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage values in resortsDevelopments in the alpine resorts are required to comply with the National Parks and Wildlife Act (1974) with respect to protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage values. On development sites where there is a reasonable likelihood that undisturbed cultural material may be present, heritage assessment is required. This assessment involves consultation with the respective Aboriginal community to assist with identification of cultural material and the significance of the site.

To assist with assessment there have been a number of broad scale studies across resorts which identify those localities in which cultural material is more likely to be present. These studies, referred to as predictive modelling involve archaeological investigation and consultation with Aboriginal community representatives. They have been developed most recently at Charlotte Pass and Mt Selwyn resorts while the Perisher Range model has been in place and used for some time. The assessment of Aboriginal heritage values is not limited by these models. However they provide assistance to the planners to alert them to the heightened possibility of tangible cultural material being present.

During this reporting period consultation with the Aboriginal community took place in relation to proposed developments in the Blue Cow and Guthega areas and also for a development proposal in the alpine area of the Thredbo ski resort. NPWS also engaged a consultant to undertake an archaeological survey for its proposed municipal services precinct development. This survey was conducted in association with a representative of the Bega Local Aboriginal Land Council.

Cultural heritage

Rocky granite tors overlook the alpine area of Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: Dave Woods

42

Do Case Study: The Perisher Historical Society – a collaboration of volunteers, private industry and governmentThe Perisher Historical Society (PHS)* was formed on 6 August 2007.

The concept of having a Perisher Historical Society had been discussed by many people over the years, particularly after the establishment of the Thredbo Historical Society in 1995. But it wasn’t until three members from Ku-ring-gai Alpine Lodge decided to make it happen and, with encouragement and support from Perisher Blue Pty Ltd and NPWS, began the process to register the PHS as an incorporated body. The group then forged a constitution and charter, canvassed for memberships and identified a number of special projects for the newly formed PHS.

Perhaps the most important ingredient for the success of the PHS to date has been the provision and subsequent invitation for representatives from Perisher Blue Pty Ltd and NPWS to ex-officio committee positions. This tripartite association established a balanced working relationship amongst passionate volunteers, private industry and government – all with vested interests in snowsports and resort heritage in Kosciuszko National Park. But it’s more than just official committee business that binds this group, with the collaborative effort to participate in projects and share the workload making the relationship a positive one. The sharing of resources and a complimentary blend of varying experiences and expertise has also been a recipe for successful outcomes.

PHS projects and activities have so far included: a lodge history project; establishing a website; production of a bi-annual newsletter; annual celebratory dinners with guest speakers; display cabinet in the Skitube building; collection of oral histories; archiving and storage of donated photographs, ski equipment and other memorabilia; facilitating heritage inquiries; canvassing the production of stamps to celebrate 150 years of skiing; supporting projects and programs managed by other historical groups and agencies (e.g. Kosciuszko Huts Association and NPWS Kiandra 150 Years Celebration); and coordinating the publication of a history book about the Perisher Range Resorts and other establishments along the Kosciuszko Road.

The PHS has helped establish and preserve a cultural identity for those people involved in snowsports, as well as given opportunity for three community sectors to collaboratively foster a very significant aspect of Kosciuszko National Park’s cultural heritage.

*Includes the localities of Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega, Blue Cow, Charlotte Pass, Sponars Chalet, Ski Rider and Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat.

Perisher Ski School instuctors, 1967. Photo: NPWS collection.


43

Protecting visual quality

Do Table 8.1: Actions taken to improve visual quality within resorts and minimise visual impacts from other locations within Kosciuszko National Park

Resort Actions taken to improve visual quality

Charlotte Pass

Removed redundant construction materials from around the resort including two transport carriages and commenced general cleanup around the workshop area.

Repainted all lift huts and chairlift boxes in colours sympathetic to the natural setting.

Re-clad the lift hut at the top of Guthries poma.

Painted the Ultra Violet (UV) plant at the STP to blend in with the environment.

Relocated recyclables and waste bins so that they are out of sight.

Completed the viewing platform on Kangaroo Ridge with a finish that will minimise visibility from the main range.

There are no lights on the ski slope at night so light spill is minimal.

Thredbo Tree planting programs continued on ski slopes to improve snow capture and lessen visibility of cleared ski runs.

The Thredbo Valley Trailhead (TVT) was constructed in the resort which established a single properly constructed track and enabled the closure and rehabilitation of a number of superfluous eroding tracks.

Submitted development application to replace the ski patrol hut behind Eagles Nest. The new structure will blend in better with the natural features of the locality.

Continued tree planting program on ski slopes.

Selwyn Reclad Selwyn Centre and accommodation buildings.

Repainted buildings in colours to compliment the environment.

Perisher Undertook revegetation to rehabilitate construction works, reduce visual impact, restore habitat and minimise soil erosion at Mt Perisher, Perisher Valley, Happy Valley, Blue Cow Road, Tubetown, Lawson T-bar, Goats Gully, Bullwheel Run and Bullocks Flat.

Continued development of a resort wide rehabilitation plan.

Repainted Blue Cow Terminal building.

Undertook detailed planning and design for new chairlift at Guthega. Visual impact is a significant component of the proposal.

New entrance signs at Smiggins, Perisher and Guthega.

Rehabilitation of the abandoned sewage ponds, abandoned track and other construction works in Smiggin Holes.

Rehabilitation programs along Perisher Creek were undertaken to improve the natural look of the creek banks.

Development approval of the Perisher Services precinct including waste Transfer Station. Once built the Transfer Station will lead to the removal of the unsightly industrial bins in Perisher and Smiggin Holes.

Rehabilitation works at Maranatha Lodge created a link to adjoining native habitat and improved the building surrounds.

Lodges in Perisher that were reclad or refurbished externally included Warrugang, Australian Golf Club, Blue Cow, Kooloora and Yeti.

Protecting visual quality


KEEP WINTER COOL

10 SIMPLE WAYS TO KEEP WINTER COOL1. REDUCE ENERGY USED FOR TRANSPORT Share a ride or take a bus to the snow and to work

2. TURN OFF LIGHTS AND APPLIANCES WHEN AT HOME OR ON HOLIDAY It is best to turn them off at the powerpoint

3. PURCHASE ENERGY EFFICIENT APPLIANCES Choose the highest energy-efficient star-rating and use compact fluorescent lights

4. INSULATE YOUR HOUSE OR LODGE And turn down the thermostat and use draught stoppers

5. CUT HOT WATER CONSUMPTION Wash clothes in cold water, fit water-efficient shower heads and install a solar water heater

6. ECO-BUY Purchase greenhouse friendly products from local sources

7. SUPPORT RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES Switch to Green Power with your electricity supplier

8. PLANT A TREE Trees take up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere

9. REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE Reducing waste reduces landfill and thus reduces production of the greenhouse gas methane

10. LEAD CHANGE AT YOUR WORKPLACE OR BUSINESS Spread the word - cool global warming and keep winter cool

FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE WINTER’S SHORT ENOUGH ALREADY

www.keepwintercool.com.au

Photo by Lisa Milne DEC

Go SLOW on the H2Owhen on holiday or at home

! Did you know...the water we use in the Snowy Mountains isborrowed from our streams and rivers beforebeing returned, so help our environment byusing less and please report leaking tapsand toilets…

Be Waterwise!Don’t treat the toilet as a garbage bin!

Thank you, and we hope you enjoy your stayhere in Kosciuszko National Park.

small Mammals^

making their home in the Ski Resorts of Kosciuszko National Park

FormoreinformationontheseandotheranimalsfoundinKosciuszkoNationalPark,pleasecontacttheNPWSEnvironmentalLiaisonOfficeron02 6450 5555

Did you know most small mammals in ski resort areas are native ?

do not use poison baits or snap traps

If you have a small mammal you wish to remove...thenlivetraps

(knownasElliottraps),canbeusedandthe

capturedanimalrelocated.Allnativespeciesareprotectedin

KosciuszkoNationalPark.

#Mountain Pygmy-possum(Burramys parvus)

•Tailmuchlongerthanheadandbody.•Darkringaroundeye.

1. Dusky Antechinus(Antechinus swainsonii)•Headcomingtoapointatthenose

2. Agile Antechinus(Antechinus agilis)

•Similartoduskyantechinus,butslightlysmaller

KEY^=excludingbats #=threatenedspecies

*=introducedspeciesNB-imagesarenottoscale

Southern Bush Rat(Rattus fuscipes)

•Tailslightlyshorterthanheadandbody.

*Black Rat(Rattus rattus)

•Tailmuchlongerthanheadandbody.

*House Mouse(Mus musculus)

•SmallanddoesnothaveataperingsnoutlikeAntechinus.

#Broad-toothed Rat(Mastacomys fuscus)

•Tailmuchshorterthanheadandbody.•Shortears.

Illustrations by - Melinda Perrin

070503--3

Jindabyne

Cooma

Berridale

Thredbo

Kosciuszko National Park

PerisherMt. Kosciuszko

Lake Eucumbene

Adaminaby

Khancoban

SelwynSnowfields

save our wildlifeEach year hundreds of kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, possums and birds are

killed or injured on our local roads. As a result many joeys are left as orphans.

Native animals are most active at dawn, dusk and night-time.

Remember that we share the roads with our native wildlife.

You have a responsibility if you collide with or encounter an injured animal.

Coloured crosses on dead road-side fauna indicates that the animal has been

checked by a wildlife carer.Please call LAOKO - the local wildlife rescue and carer’s group for

Kosciuszko National Park and the Snowy Mountains area.

Ring L.A.O.K.O. for help as soon as possible on 6456 1313

You will be asked - The EXACT location of where the animal was found or where it is

currently located. If possible wait for the rescuer to arrive; it is often hard to locate an animal by

the side of the road, particularly at night. Otherwise use road signs, letterboxes and tie a plastic

bag, ribbon or cloth to a post or shrub.Don’t forget - You can’t keep a native animal as a pet and it is illegal

to keep native wildlife without a licence. They must be passed onto a

trained licensed carer or wildlife rescue organisation. Never attempt to

feed or give cow’s milk to a native animal; it will make them ill as they are

lactose intolerant. As cute and cuddly as the animal may appear, it’s unfair

to give them anything but the best possible chance of survival.

L.A.O.K.O. | 6456 1313

Looking after our Kosciuszko orphans

www.laoko.org.au

driving with caution will help prevent

• Injuring or killing wildlife • Injury to drivers and passengers

• Costly vehicle repairs

This project has been assisted by the New South Wales Government through it’s Stormwater Trust

They’re butt ugly.

Littering can incur on-the-spot fines of up to $375.

When in the snow, bins are the go!

For more information on litter reduction, contact the NPWS Environmental Liaison Officer on 02 6450 5555.

Environmental awareness programs

45

Environmental awareness and stewardship

Stewardship as defined by the Kosciuszko National Park Plan of Management (KNPPoM) refers to the responsibility for environmental quality shared by all those whose actions effect the environment. It is reflected in attitudes and commitment toward the environment and measured by the implementation of initiatives above and beyond the responsibility of meeting statutory obligations.

Do Environmental awareness programsA number of environmental community awareness programs have continued during this period. The programs are delivered using a range of media including radio, newspaper (advertising and advertorials), websites and collateral (including posters, flyers, tent-cards, transfers, billboards and banners). All resorts are active participants in the programs working collaboratively with NPWS to refine messages and distributing and displaying materials.

Litter Reduction Campaign: commencing in 2001, the litter reduction campaign has targeted litter in general and in earlier years, cigarette butts specifically. Local branding was generated for these campaigns and the slogans ‘When in the snow, bins are the go’ and ‘Bin Your Butts’ were adopted.

Small Mammals in Resorts: commencing in 2002, this program addressed the perception that small mammals in resort buildings were vermin. Subsequently poison baits and snap-traps were illegally placed. The awareness program and availability of Elliott Traps increased protection for the five native species in resort areas.

Waterwise Resorts: commencing in 2003, this campaign targeted water consumption and wastage in an attempt to reduce the amount taken from streams. A range of opportunities were identified in the lodge and commercial hotels, and a range of media were used to convey simple messages. A local branding was adopted for the campaign – ‘Go Slow on the H2O’

Resort Recycling: commencing in 2005, a more concerted effort was undertaken to promote recyclable items to reduce the amount of waste entering landfill and to assist each resort’s operations to limit the amount of contamination of the recycling stream.

Keep Winter Cool: commencing as a national campaign in 2006, ‘Keep Winter Cool’ was adopted from a North American initiative that aims to raise awareness of climate change impacts on the snowsports industry. A range of carbon-reducing choices were at the centre of the campaign and communicated through different media.

Snowsafe: originating in the 1990s, Snowsafe has evolved to address a wide range of winter safety messages including alpine responsibility code, back-country safety and driving in the snow.

LAOKO: all resorts and NPWS have supported LAOKO (Looking After Our Kosciuszko Orphans) – the local wildlife rescue and rehabilitation group for the Snowy Mountains Region, licensed by NPWS. Support has been achieved through the provision of funding, information tent-cards, flyers, newspaper and radio advertising.

Do Environmental awareness trainingEMS training is conducted with staff at all resorts by environmental officers or senior managers. It is also incorporated into staff inductions at the start of the snow season where environmental principles and procedures are conveyed to staff. A common theme of ‘due diligence’ is instituted.



Environmental training undertaken during this period included:

• Perisher: On-line induction including environmental awareness prepared by the Environmental Manager

• Thredbo: Over 300 people were in attendance at the new Environmental Awareness Presentation ( 100% of new staff)

• Charlotte Pass: Training sessions were provided to lodge managers using the document ‘An introduction to Environmental Management for Lodges of Charlotte Pass Village’

• Selwyn: Pre-season staff inductions inclusive of environmental awareness and pollution response

• Staff and contractor inductions prior to the commencement of construction works where there is a risk to the environment. The level of induction is commensurate with the size of the project and potential risk and may be guided by a relevant Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

Plan Do Check Act Table 9.1: A summary of actions that demonstrate environmental awareness and stewardship in alpine resorts 2010-11

Resort Actions that demonstrate environmental awareness and stewardship

Charlotte Pass

Staff have assisted NPWS with the Mountain Pygmy-possum monitoring program and post-graduate research projects, particularly Haley Bates PhD research on Mountain Pygmy-possum protection.

Exhibiting more NPWS literature about the park including newsletters and brochures.

Thredbo Kosciuszko Thredbo Pty Ltd achieved benchmarking status for Thredbo with Green Globe and their benchmarking associate EC3 Global.

Signed up to and participated in the DECCW ‘Sustainability Advantage’ program. Key staff in Thredbo undertook the External ‘Stakeholder Engagement module’ in February 2010. This will enable staff to communicate sustainability initiatives better with customers, subleasees and business partners.

Staff have embraced a culture of ‘you walk past it – you accept it’.

Launched their own ‘Bin Your Butts’ campaign through the purchase and distribution of plastic Mini-Butts personal ashtrays. Over 4,000 Mini-Butts were given out to guests and staff during the 2010 snow season.

Cooperated with NPWS studies in Thredbo, including: weed mapping, monitoring of Broad-toothed-Rat habitat, riparian habitat surveys and monitoring the mountain bike trails for best management practices.

Maintain a network of walking tracks in the head-lease as well as providing interpretive signage around the village. Also self-guided walks facilitated by pamphlet information. Interpretive pamphlet walks include the; art walk, heritage walk, memorial walk, environment and ecology walks.

Provide nature-based guided tours during summer including walks to Mt Kosciuszko, Blue Lake and Dead Horse Gap. Tour guides provide interpretation on flora and fauna, geology, history and management issues.

Through the consents process, Thredbo and the Department of Planning have continued to ensure all new and renovated properties adhere to the guidelines that promote energy efficient qualities including double glazed windows and doors, dual flush toilets and energy efficient heating.

47

Resort Actions that demonstrate environmental awareness and stewardship

Selwyn Selwyn is aiming to achieve ‘Earth check’ certification by December 2013. Energy usage, water usage and waste consumption are being monitored for benchmarking against Earth check criteria.

More Park interpretive literature and saleable publications have become available in the reporting period.

Plan to develop environmental pages on the website by April 2012.

Perisher The Perisher Ambassador Program was run in 2010 snow season, encouraging workers across the resort to read the handbook and participate in an on-line test about customer service, workplace safety, cultural heritage and the environment. This is supported by Perisher Resort, Perisher Chamber of Commerce and NPWS.

Perisher heightened environmental awareness through an initiative called ‘Environmental Alerts’. These alerts provide information and reminders on environmental topics within the organisation as required including: hazardous goods, vehicle use, liquid chemical disposal, small mammals, waste disposal and wildlife rescue.

Supplied Canberra Zoo with 10 tonnes of snow to raise funds and promote awareness for the protection of the endangered snow leopard.

Perisher Ski School commenced scoping wildlife interpretation for the 2011 snow season with the aim of installing images of local fauna along Snowy Trails.

Involved in mapping the Anemone buttercup, collating archaeological information within the resort, further investigations into the subnivean space and preparation of an environmental planning and assessment manual.

NPWS:• engaged in face-to-face communication with 933 persons through presentations

to club lodges, school and university groups, interest groups and special events• Education Centre incorporates resort environmental and recreational

management themes into its extensive schools program • Produces a bi-annual newsletter titled ‘Resort Round-up’ twice a year and

distributes it broadly amongst resort stakeholders • And Perisher club lodges (SLOPES) organised the second ‘Back to Perisher

Weekend’ for the 2010 Easter period. A range of activities were programmed to attract club members and their guests to patronise the Perisher area outside of the snow season



Case Study: Perisher Range Resorts Environmental Management System (PRREMS)

Perhaps the most unifying environmental program embarked upon in recent years across all alpine resorts is the Environmental Management System (EMS). The system was first introduced to the Perisher Range Resorts (PRR) in 2002 as part of the conditions set down against the approval of the Perisher Village Master Plan.

The PRREMS was developed using the international standard for environmental management ISO 14001 focusing on targeted, continuous improvement in environmental management. It provides a framework for coordination and cooperation amongst the Perisher stakeholders to: collectively reduce impacts, identify and manage environmental risks, achieve and maintain compliance with legislation and other regulatory requirements, set environmental objectives and targets and plan, document, measure and evaluate environmental performance.

The PRREMS Operational Committee meets twice a year to discuss reporting progress and review EMS objectives and targets. Committee members also identify opportunities for improved implementation and awareness of the PRREMS.

‘Earthcheck’ was chosen (in 2007) by the PRREMS Operational committee to improve tracking, measuring and benchmarking resource use and waste output from lodges, hotels and relevant organisations. 95% of the club and commercial lodges in Perisher reported against the ‘Earthcheck’ on-line reporting system during the 2010-11 period.

The inaugural ‘PPRREMS Environmental Commitment Awards’ were held in June 2010. The three winners, Sundeck Hotel, Waratah Ski Lodge and Edelweiss Ski Lodge, all embraced the philosophy of the PRREMS by pro-actively seeking out and implementing sustainability initiatives and consistently meeting or exceeding environmental targets including resource efficiency for water, energy and waste minimisation.

Today, each resort has its own EMS including a policy statement, control procedures, environmental management plans, incident procedures and a range of environmental objectives and targets they are working towards. The annual performance reports on these EMSs form the basis of this report.

Perisher Range Resorts Environmental Management System

Sustainable Mountain Resorts It’s up to you to make it happen!

The PRREMS needs you!You are on the mountain so you are part of the PRREMS. Your simple actions can help.

The Perisher Range Resorts Environmental Management System (PRREMS) has been developed to help manage our environmental impacts.

Love Your MountainsDon’t litterReport all incidents and spills to NPWS Make an effort to learn about Kosciuszko National Park – It is a wonderful place Respect culture – These mountains are home to Aboriginal ancestral spirits

••

•

•

Care for WildlifeDrive slowly in the National Park to avoid hitting wildlifeDon’t use poison baits or snap- traps – It is illegal! Report sightings of feral cats and foxes to NPWSCover and secure your garbage bins

•

•

•

•

Protect our streamsTo be a ‘Waterwise’ Resort we need to:

Reduce water useUse enviromentally friendly productsUse drains for WATER only

••

•

Conserve EnergyHelp ‘Keep Winter Cool’ and reduce carbon emissions

Turn off lights and appliances at the power pointCarpool Turn down the thermostat Use a timer system for lighting and heatingPurchase ‘Greenpower’ or use solar power

•

•••

•

Reduce WasteRecycle as much as you canDon’t contaminate the recycling bins with putrescible wasteRefuse plastic bags and other non-essential packagingUse tap water instead of bottled water

••

•

•

Continual Improvement

The Stakeholders of the PRREMS include:Country EnergyElgas Nature Conservation CouncilNSW Roads & Traffic Authority (RTA)Perisher Blue Pty Ltd (PB)Perisher Resorts Chamber of CommerceNSW Dept of PlanningSLOPES (Ski Lodges of Perisher Resorts) NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) Telstra

The Perisher Range Resorts (PRR) are located

within the Kosciuszko National Park, an area

of outstanding natural beauty and unique

environmental diversity. The interlinked ski

and village areas of Perisher Valley, Smiggin

Holes, Blue Cow, Guthega and Bullocks Flat

contain 1,245 hectares of skiable terrain and

accommodation for 4000 people making

PRR the largest ski resort in the Southern

Hemisphere.

Our Commitment

Through the implementation of a Perisher

Range Resorts Environmental Management

System (PRREMS), we commit to conserving,

enhancing, repairing and restoring the

natural, cultural, aesthetic and social values

of the area. We recognise the potential for

environmental impacts to occur as a result

of our activities and the need for exemplary

environmental management of these

impacts to enhance the economic and

social sustainability of our organisations

and the region to which they belong.

Our commitment will be realised by adhering to the following

principles. We will:

Promote sustainable use of the Perisher Range Resorts along with the

protection of the area’s ecosystems, waterways and species

Prevent pollution by adopting the best use of technologies, materials

and systems in the design, construction, operation, maintenance

and decommissioning of resort structures and by implementing and

maintaining effective incident response procedures

Meet or exceed all relevant environmental legislation, regulations or

other requirements relevant to the PRR aspects

Maintain clear, effective and scientific planning, management and

monitoring programs

Establish environmental objectives and targets including resource

efficiency targets for water & energy consumption and waste

minimisation & recycling

Record, protect and share with the community our resort heritage

Adopt ‘best practice’ standards for ecologically sustainable tourism,

natural area and threatened species management

Undertake staff & contractor training in environmental awareness and

PRREMS

Maintain open and cooperative communication between our organisations

Develop and implement a community education program to increase

understanding of environmental aspects and national park values

Conduct and support research to help understand and protect

biodiversity

Communicate the PRREMS Policy and performance to staff and the public

Regularly review and update the policy, objectives and targets

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Environmental Policy


We will adopt a strong philosophy of continuous improvement in addressing environmental issues and

endeavour to become recognised as a leader in ecologically sustainable tourism in Australia.

A guide to managing environmental risk and

monitoring environmental performance

Lodge Environment Manual


49

References

Alexander, J, 2011, Annual EMS Report: March 2009-February 2010, report prepared on behalf of Charlotte Pass Village Pty Ltd, for NPWS, Office of the Environment and Heritage.

Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council 2000, Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality, ANZECC.

Broome, LS, 2008, NSW Fox Threat Abatement Plan - Mountain Pygmy-possum monitoring results 1987 – 2007, report prepared for DECC Fox TAP evaluation.

Costin, AB, Gray M, Totterdell, C & Winbush, D, 2000, Kosciuszko Alpine Flora, CSIRO publishing.

Department of Environment and Climate Change, 2008, NSW Scientific Committee – final determination, Human-caused climate change-key threatening process listing, http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspecies/HumanClimateChangeTHREDBOP 17/06/08.

Department of Environment and Climate Change 2007, Perisher Range Resorts – environmental management system, DECC NSW.

Department of Environment and Conservation 2006, Kosciuszko National Park – Plan of Management, DEC NSW.

Department of Environment and Climate Change 2007a, Draft NSW Recovery Plan for the Broad-toothed Rat (Mastacomys fuscus) in Southern New South Wales, DECC NSW.

Department of Environment and Climate Change 2007b Rehabilitation Guidelines for the Resort Areas of Kosciuszko National Park, DECC NSW.

Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water 2011, Reducing waste: Implementation Strategy 2011-2015.

Department of infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, 2003, The Alpine Resorts Plan, DPNR NSW.

Green K, Stein, JA & Driessen, MM, 2008, ‘The projected distribution of Mastacomys fuscus and Rattus lutreolus in south-eastern Australia under a scenario of climate change: potential for increased competition’, Wildlife Research 35(2) pp 113-119.

Hennessy, K, Whetton, P, Smith, I, Bathols, J, Hutchinson, M & Staples, J, 2003, The impact of climate change on snow conditions in mainland Australia, CSIRO.

Johnston, FM, 2005, ‘Exotic Plants in the Australian Alps, including a case study of the ecology of Achillea millefolium in Kosciuszko National Park’, PhD thesis submitted in August 2005, Griffith University.

Kosciuszko Thredbo Pty Ltd, 2011, Environmental Management System Annual Report 2009-2010, and supplementary report, prepared for NPWS, Office of the Environment and Heritage.

Mallen-Cooper, J, 1990, ‘Exotic Plants in the High Altitude Environments of Kosciusko National Park, South-Eastern Australia’, PhD thesis, Department of Biogeography, Research School of Pacific Studies, Australian National University.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2001a Draft NSW Recovery Plan for the Mountain Pygmy-possum (Burramys parvus), NSW NPWS.

Perisher Blue Pty Ltd, 2011, Annual Environmental Performance Report: 1 March 2009 – 28 February 2011, prepared for NPWS, Office of the Environment and Heritage.

Pickering, C Good, R, & Green, K, 2004, Potential Effects of Global Warming on the Biota of the Australian Alps, a report for the Australian Greenhouse Office.

Selwyn Snowfields Pty Ltd, 2011, Environmental Management System Annual Report, prepared for NPWS, Office of the Environment and Heritage.

Steffen, W, Burbidge, A, Highes, L, Kitching, R, Lindenmayer, D, Musgrave, W, Stafford-Smith, M & Werner, P, 2009, Australia’s Biodiversity and Climate Change, A strategic assessment of the vulnerability of Australia’s biodiversity to climate change, Biodiversity and Climate Change Expert Advisory Group, Commonwealth of Australia.

References

www.environment.nsw.gov.au

nsw alpine resorts environment report 2010-11 · pollution prevention and incident management: •...

Documents