The Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct (SAP) Draft Master Plan was recently released by the NSW Government. The Plan represents a 40-year vision for the Snowy Mountains region. Tourism Snowy Mountains believes this plan presents a critical opportunity to revitalise the Snowy Mountains Region, and to secure the success of Jindabyne and the Alpine Resorts for the next 40 years.
Stakeholders in the local tourism economy are urged to submit their support of both the Snowy Mountains SAP Draft Master Plan and related Plan of Management amendments. Submissions close at midnight, 23 August 2021.
The Plan, which can be viewed here, aims to develop the Snowy Mountains region as a world-leading destination for alpine tourism and to support the growth of a sustainable year-round visitor economy . It addresses crucial improvements that will directly impact the experience of guests to the region, including measures to improve accommodation, access, and infrastructure whilst securing employment and protecting the National Park.
Amendments to the Kosciuszko National Park Plan of Management (POM) are required to enable the SAP. These amendments are designed to facilitate investment in infrastructure to support the ongoing increased visitation to the Alpine Resorts, whilst implementing a new carrying capacity model that will ensure that the region’s unique climate and natural beauty can be shared in an environmentally sustainable way. The Plan seeks to:
- Ensure that the Snowy Mountains region remains the premier Alpine Tourism destination in Australia.
- Make it easier to access the Alpine Resorts by improving roads and public transport and providing increased formalised car parking.
- Invest in better infrastructure and partnerships by identifying improvements to guest facilities in Kosciuszko National Park, and proposing simplified planning and governance arrangements.
- Improve the variety and availability of accommodation in Kosciuszko National Park, so guests can stay closer to their destination and reduce the impacts on Jindabyne and the road network.
- Respect the environmental significance of Kosciuszko National Park by continuing to strengthen current Environmental Management Systems, while implementing a Carrying Capacity model to ensure that Alpine Resorts are leaders in sustainability.
- Promote community and elite sport, ranging from better catering to snowplay and growing summer audiences to addressing shortfalls in community facilities within Kosciuszko National Park and the Jindabyne area.
- Review and amend the Kosciuszko National Park Plan of Management to enable the above.
The Plan addresses crucial issues that directly impact Snowy Mountains tourism stakeholders’ ability to sustainably thrive. It is vital that Tourism Stakeholders make submissions supporting both the SAP Draft Master Plan, as well as the POM amendments.
Both elements are crucial to ensure that the full vision of the SAP can be realised.
We encourage you to emphasise your support for improving the variety and availability of accommodation and resolving the access challenges to Kosciuszko National Park, which lead to congestion and impact on the ability for people to enjoy the Park. Submissions can be made at the links below until midnight, 23 August 2021.
Comment on the Snowy Mountains SAP Master Plan:
Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct | Planning Portal – Department of Planning and Environment (nsw.gov.au)
Comment on the related Plan of Management Amendments:
Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct | NSW Environment, Energy and Science
Thank you for helping secure a prosperous and sustainable future for the Snowy Mountains.