NSW Alpine Resorts Environmental Performance Report

Transcription

NSW Alpine Resorts Environmental Performance Report 2013–14
© 2015 State of NSW and the Office of Environment and Heritage
With the exception of photographs, the State of NSW and the Office of Environment and Heritage are pleased to
allow this material to be reproduced in whole or in part for educational and non–commercial use, provided the
meaning is unchanged and its source, publisher and authorship are acknowledged. Specific permission is required
for the reproduction of photographs.
Office of Environment and Heritage has compiled this publication 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.
Acknowledgements
This report was prepared by staff of the Planning Evaluation and Assessment team (PEAT) of the NSW National Parks
and Wildlife Service (NPWS), part of the Office of Environment and Heritage. Major contributors to this report
include 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) and the stakeholders of the
Perisher Range Resorts Environmental Management System (PRREMS) – The Ski Lodges Organisation of Perisher,
Smiggins and Guthega (SLOPES), Perisher Range Resorts Chamber of Commerce, Roads and Maritime Services
(RMS), Essential Energy and Elgas.
The information contained in the report covers the period from 1 March 2013 to 28 February 2014 unless otherwise
stated.
For additional information, inquiries about the alpine resorts or this report, contact the NPWS EMS Officer at
[email protected] or telephone (02) 64505612.
Front cover images: Kurrawong in the snow, Guthega Photo: Ernest Spielman, Selwyn snow groomers Photo: Helen
Smith, Thredbo Slide Photo: Virginia Logan, Oversnow Ambulance, Perisher Valley Photo: Virginia Logan and
Eyebright (Euphrasia collina subsp. diversicolor) Photo: Mel Schroder.
Published by:
Office of Environment and Heritage
59–61 Goulburn Street, Sydney NSW 2000
PO Box A290, Sydney South NSW 1232
Phone: (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 5999
TTY: (02) 9211 4723
Email: [email protected]
Website: 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/pollution
ISBN 978–1–74359–943–3
OEH 0188
April 2015
Contents
Executive summary
1
Introduction
7
Water quality and aquatic ecosystems
9
Pollution prevention and incident management
13
Biodiversity
19
Energy conservation
29
Waste management
33
Air quality and CO2 emissions
37
Cultural heritage
39
Sustainable recreation
41
Resort amenity
43
Reference tables
1
Summary of the NSW alpine resorts environmental performance
2
NSW alpine resorts environmental performance summary for water quality KPIs 2013–14
3a NSW alpine resorts recorded pollution incidents 2013–14
3b NSW alpine resorts environmental performance summary for pollution prevention and incident
management KPIs 2013–14
4 NSW alpine resorts environmental performance summary for biodiversity KPIs 2013–14
5a Energy consumption in NSW alpine resorts 2013–14
5b NSW alpine resorts environmental performance summary for energy conservation KPIs 2013–14
6
NSW alpine resorts environmental performance summary for waste management KPIs 2013–14
7
8
NSW alpine resorts environmental performance summary for air quality and CO2 emissions KPIs
2013–14
NSW alpine resorts environmental performance summary for cultural heritage KPIs 2013–14
9
NSW alpine resorts environmental performance summary for sustainable recreation KPIs 2013–14
10 NSW alpine resorts environmental performance summary for resort amenity KPIs 2013–14
Snowclearing at Smiggin Holes Photo: Simon Rees
Executive Summary
NSW Alpine Resorts Environmental Performance Report 2013–14 provides a summary of outcomes of
monitoring and reporting against environmental values across the resorts for the period 1 March 2013 to
28 February 2014.
The report allocates a performance trend for the 12–month period for 33 key performance indicators
(KPIs). The trend was determined following evaluation of the 2013–14 performance compared to the
previous year’s performance and rated as either:
•  significant improvement
•  no significant change
•  decline in performance.
This year saw an improvement in 39 per cent of the performance indicators. The majority of indicators
remained stable or unchanged. The most notable achievements over the reporting period include:
• over 11,000 native trees, shrubs and grasses planted across the alpine resorts
• a significant reduction in environmental incidents and improved response time for follow–up actions
• sewage biosolids used as a soil conditioner on an agricultural rehabilitation site
• mountain pygmy–possum (MPP) populations at Blue Cow and Charlotte Pass remaining stable
• Highway to Heaven history book published by the Perisher Historical Society and receiving an
international award for a regional ski history
• predator pest control work continuing to assist the recovery of threatened species
• increased weed control effort reducing the density of targeted species
• average water consumption in Perisher lodges reducing by 16 litres per visitor night
• new fauna crossings installed on ski slopes in Thredbo and Perisher
• all operators continuing to implement energy and water efficiency initiatives
• environmental awareness and incident management training undertaken by all resorts.
Through the implementation of Environmental Management Systems and a strong philosophy of
continuous improvement, resort operators are reducing their environmental impacts, protecting and
restoring the natural values of the areas while maintaining sustainable tourism destinations.
Thredbo Village
Photo: Virginia Logan
Table 1 provides a summary of the alpine resorts’ environmental performance against all indicators and a
performance trend for each year over the past three years.
1
W1 Biological, physical and
chemical indicators
of resort stream
health compared to
ANZECC guidelines
(physical and chemical
measurements) and
AUSRIVAS2 KNP model
To protect the
(biological condition).
environmental
W2 Compliance with water
health and
extraction licences.
aquatic
ecosystems of
alpine streams
from resort
W3 Water consumption
activities.
in accommodation
premises compared to
industry benchmark
(220 litres/visitor night).
Waste management
Water quality continues to be
significantly impaired. This is
most evident during snow melt
and after high rainfall events.



W4 Total water
consumption across
resorts.
A decrease in water
consumption in three resorts.
Not metered at Charlotte Pass
Village.



P1
Timely management
of environmental
incidents in alpine
resorts.
34% reduction in total
pollution incidents. Two major
outstanding contamination
issues finalised.



Compliance with EPA
discharge licences
for sewage treatment
plants (STPs).
All resorts complied with their
sewage treatment discharge
licences. Selwyn does not have
an STP.



Compliance with the
POEO Act 1997, UPSS
Regulation 2014.
Compliance continues to
improve. There are still
UPSS sites that need to be
decommissioned or more
actively managed.



Education of staff in
environmental incident
management and
response.
All resorts provided incident
management and response
training to staff as part of
induction. Spill kits were supplied.

Total domestic waste
compared to previous
year.
1472.59 t of waste (10.8 %
reduction). Not considered
significant – due to a decrease in
visitation numbers over winter.



% of waste recycled.
413 t (28%) of waste was
recycled. No significant change.



% of waste composted
including biosolids
from sewage treatment
plants.
B2
B3
The average water
consumption in Perisher lodge
accommodation improved
by 16 L per visitor night. Not
measured in other resorts.
To minimise
waste,
maximise
resource
G2
recovery
and prevent G3
environmental
harm from
waste
disposal.
B1


To prevent and P2
manage leaks,
spills and
unlicensed
discharges of
P3
potentially
harmful
substances
to the
environment.
P4
Objectives
Indicator No
2011–12 2012–13 2013–14
Operators are compliant with
their extraction licences.
Information unavailable for
Charlotte Pass Village Resort.
G1
2
Environmental performance
2013–14
Value
Indicator No
Objectives
Key performance
indicator (KPI)
Performance trend compared
to the previous 12–month
period
Biosolids from Perisher and
Thredbo treatment plants were
applied to a land rehabilitation
site as soil conditioner. There is
no general waste composting
stream.

B4



2013–14
To protect
flora, fauna
and ecological
communities,
prevent loss
of biodiversity B6
and restore
vegetation
and ecosystem
functions to
previously
disturbed
areas.
B7
2011–12 2012–13 2013–14
The resort populations of
mountain pygmy–possum
remained stable during the
reporting period.



Threatened species
population:
broad–toothed rat.
Post–2003 fire recovery trend
continued. Numbers returned
to pre–fire levels.



Small native mammal
management.
•
Additional fauna crossings
installed on ski slopes.
Extensive use of Elliott traps
to relocate small mammals
found in lodges.



Highest number of feral cats
removed from resorts since
2002 (25 animals). Control is
assisting recovery of threatened
species.





















•
Pest animal control
programs.
Loss of natural areas as
a result of expansion
or alteration of
infrastructure.
•
Weed management
programs.
A 28% increase in person
hours were spent on weed
control. Programs are reducing
density of targeted species in
main access areas. However,
weed mapping is showing an
increase in richness and species
favouring wet areas.
•
Several major ski slope
developments resulted in
no net loss of biodiversity.
All development projects
were offset and impacts
minimised.
Rehabilitation of
previously disturbed
areas.
•
B8
Riparian restoration.
Maintenance of the riparian
restoration works continued.
B9
Natural heritage
research projects
supported, initiated or
undertaken in alpine
resort areas.
•
•


period
Threatened species
population:
mountain pygmy–
possum.

B5

Key performance
indicator (KPI)

Biodiversity
Pollution prevention and incident management
Water quality and aquatic ecosystems
Value
Table 1: Summary of NSW alpine resorts environmental performance 2011–14
B10 Environmental
education and
awareness.
•
Over 11,000 native trees,
shrubs and grasses used on
rehabilitation sites.
Monitoring of the success
of individual plant species
continues.
NPWS and resort operators
continued to encourage
and support environmental
research.
A NPWS–sponsored PhD
study was completed.
All resorts undertook
environmental awareness
training with staff.
3
To conserve
and promote
the cultural
heritage
values of the
alpine resort
areas.
To ensure the
recreational
opportunities
and facilities
of the alpine
resorts are
provided and
managed
sustainably.
E1
Total consumption of
energy.
There were reductions in diesel,
petrol and LPG consumption and
a slight increase in electricity use.
E2
Energy consumption
in accommodation
premises.
The Perisher lodges used an
average of 145 MJ per visitor
night an improvement on last
year’s average of 169 MJ per
visitor night.

Energy efficiency
initiatives.
Resort operators and lodges
continued to implement energy
efficiency initiatives.



A1
Amount of CO2 offsets.
There was a reduction in CO2
offsets purchased.



A2
% of renewable energy
used in resorts.
•






Highway to Heaven history
book awarded an‘International
Skiing History Association
Award’.
Aboriginal Alps totems installed
at Perisher and Bullocks Flat.



C2
Protection of heritage
No Aboriginal heritage sites
sites, items and historic were identified for protection or
assets.
threatened by disturbance.



R1
Education, awareness
and promotion of
sustainable tourism in
resorts.
All resorts continued to raise
awareness through staff
induction, signage and the
inclusion of environmental
information on their websites.



Monitoring of key
recreational activities:
• Snow play at
Selwyn
• Mountain biking
and walking at
Thredbo
• Snow tubing at
Perisher.
•



E3
•
A3
% of visitors using
Skitube.
Skitube usage was comparable
to the previous year and relative
to visitation.
C1
and promotion of
resort cultural heritage
values.
•
R2
•
•
•
4
Perisher, Thredbo, Perisher
Range Resort lodges (23%)
and NPWS all purchased
Greenpower.
Solar panels were installed
on one commercial lodge.
Access to the toboggan slope
at Selwyn was monitored
and regulated to prevent
erosion.
Biannual monitoring of
mountain biking in Thredbo
informed maintenance works
to remediate impacts. Parts
of the trail have drainage
problems as a result of poor
design and groundwater
issues.
Bog areas in proximity to the
Snowtube at Perisher appear
to be persisting in good
condition.
2011–12 2012–13 2013–14
Objectives
Indicator No
2013–14
Value
Key performance
indicator (KPI)
Key performance
indicator (KPI)
Am1



and promotion of
resort amenity.
2013–14
•
•


Resort amenity
Indicator No
Value
To improve
local air
quality and
reduce or off
set carbon
dioxide (CO2)
emissions.
To improve
the efficiency
of energy
consumption
and increase
the use of
renewable
energy.
Cultural heritage
Energy conservation
Objectives
period
To conserve
and enhance
the existing
amenity of the
alpine resorts.
•
Am2
Measures to protect
the visual and acoustic
environments
within resorts and
minimisation of
any impacts to the
neighbouring areas.
Visual amenity awareness
is included in all resort
inductions and staff
training programs.
A new litter awareness
campaign ‘Don’t Waste the
Snow’ was launched.
NPWS produced a spring
2013 edition of Resort
Roundup newsletter.
All resorts conducted daily litter
patrols and end–of–season
litter clean–ups. However, litter
continued to be a significant
problem during this reporting
period.
period
2011–12 2012–13 2013–14






Near the Sentinel and the base of Carruthers in Kosciuszko National Park
Photo: Lucy Morrell
5
Introduction
Background
The four alpine resorts in New South Wales – Charlotte Pass, Perisher, Thredbo and Selwyn Snowfields –
cover a combined leased area of just under 3000 hectares of Kosciuszko National Park and provide
accommodation for nearly 10,000 people. The resorts’ natural values are recognised as having
international and national significance and include:
• restricted habitats of threatened species and endangered ecological communities
• subalpine and alpine plant communities
• geological and geomorphological features
• alpine rivers and streams
• alpine humus soils.
With nearly two million visitors a year, the resorts are also recognised for their important recreational
values. They provide significant economic, employment and social benefits to New South Wales and the
local community. The resorts may host as many as 30,000 people on a busy winter’s day. This level of
concentrated tourism in a national park can inevitably put stress on the environment.
The Kosciuszko National Park Plan of Management (KNPPOM) (OEH 2006) provides a framework of
objectives, principles and policies to guide the management of values contained in the Park. It requires all
lessees and licensees to commit to improving environmental standards and minimising the impact of
their activities by establishing or being part of an Environmental Management System. The National Parks
and Wildlife Service (NPWS) are responsible for the implementation of the KNPPOM. They lead
environmental performance assessment and maintain an oversight of Environmental Management
Systems in alpine resorts including ensuring all operators undertake environmental monitoring and
annual performance reporting (KNPPOM 12.1.1).
This is the fourth year that the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) has published a combined
alpine resorts environmental performance report.
Scope of this report
This report combines the information provided to OEH by all the resort operators in their annual
environmental performance reports for the period between 1 March 2013 and 28 February 2014.
The environmental performance of the resorts is measured against nine objectives and 33 key
performance indicators (KPIs). Each section of the report is dedicated to one of the nine objectives. The
KPIs are used as a tool to measure how well the resort operators have achieved the objectives. A
performance trend has been allocated to each KPI for the 12–month period based on the monitoring and
reporting data available and compared to the previous year’s performance.
Key to the performance trend
•
•
•
 Significant improvement.
 No Significant change.
 Decline in performance.
Crossing Skitube Bridge, Perisher Valley Photo: Helen Smith
6
7
Water quality and aquatic
ecosystems
Objective
To protect the environmental health and aquatic ecosystems of alpine streams from resort activities.
Key performance indicators
W1
W2
W3
W4
1
2
Biological, physical and chemical indicators of resort stream health compared to ANZECC1
guidelines (physical and chemical measurements) and AUSRIVAS2 KNP model (biological
condition).
Compliance with water extraction licences.
Water consumption in accommodation premises compared to industry benchmark (220 litres/
visitor night).
Total water consumption across resorts: consumption meters/extraction meter readings at point
of extraction.
Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council
Australian River Assessment System
Biological water quality monitoring of the Thredbo River and the Spencers, Pipers, Perisher and Sawpit
creeks has been ongoing since 1993. Farm Creek was added to the monitoring program in 2002. An
annual report is prepared for each of the five creeks based on sampling undertaken in May and
November. The Thredbo River is monitored four times a year in May, August, November and February.
Reports provide a river health card based on how the water quality measurement compares with the
ANZECC Guidelines for fresh and marine water. All reports also provide an indication of biological health
based on the Thredbo AUSRIVAS model.
Performance and trend
Table 2: NSW alpine resorts environmental performance summary for water quality KPIs 2013–14
KPI
W1
Sphagnum bogs near Thredbo Photo: Lucy Morrell
8
Environmental performance 2013–14
Management response and review
Perisher
• Trash racks have now been fitted
to both the Smiggin Holes tributary
Windblown rubbish is still an ongoing issue.
which runs into Pipers Creek and
This is being addressed through community
the unnamed creek adjacent to
awareness programs.
the Perisher carpark. A stormwater
retention device, ‘Stormceptor’ was
Perisher
installed in the corner of the Perisher
• Conductivity and turbidity in the creek
carpark in January 2014. This device
systems was lower over winter 2013
captures up to 26,000 litres of runoff
due to reduced snow events with the
from the carpark and allows for
exception of the Smiggin Holes Creek
suspended solids to be filtered out
tributary which remained high.
before the water enters the creek.
Results for all water ways continued to
fluctuate throughout 2013–2014.
Performance
trend over 12
months

Water quality
continues to
be significantly
impaired. This
is most evident
during snow
melt and after
high rainfall
events.
9
W1
Perisher
• Conductivity and turbidity in the creek
systems was lower over winter 2013
due to reduced snow events, with the
exception of the Smiggin Holes Creek
tributary which remained high. All sites
showed ongoing biological impairment.
• Low flows in the May sampling period
resulted in high filamentous algae growth
which can affect total nitrogen values.
• The Smiggins tributary had ongoing
high levels (exceeding ANZECC
guidelines) of nitrous oxide. The Perisher
Creek downstream of the sewage
treatment plant (STP) also had higher
levels than ANZECC guidelines but were
still within the STP discharge licence.
• Other sites in the Pipers catchment
in May showed no impairment, but
in November there was impairment
downstream.
Perisher
• No known source has been identified
for the high levels of nitrous oxide in
the Smiggins tributary. Investigations
by NPWS are ongoing.
• The unplanned removal of asphalt
from the Perisher and Smiggin Holes
carpark during snow clearing continues
to be stockpiled in proximity to the
creek system. This will be monitored by
NPWS during future snow seasons and
improved practices explored.
Sawpit Creek
Very high levels of total nitrogen (TN)
were recorded at all Sawpit Creek sites in
November. The samples also contained a
large proportion of particulate matter and
dissolved organic nitrogen.
W3
10
All licence conditions for each water extraction
licence for the reporting period were met. No
breaches or exceedances occurred. At least
three licences were not utilised for the period:
• Thredbo submitted a return on seven
water licences
• Perisher submitted returns on six licences
• NPWS submitted returns on four licences
• Selwyn submitted returns on two licences
• Charlotte Pass has two licences. No
information was available on the
submission of licence returns.
100
98%
95%
98%
95%
90
85%
175
80
80%
70
150
60
125
50
100
40
75
30
50
Sawpit Creek
• The pollution levels in Spencers Creek
were not evident in the subsequent
November sampling. Nitrous oxides

levels have not exceeded limits since
Water quality
May.
continues to
• Road drainage earthworks being
be significantly
undertaken at the time of sampling
may have contributed to the high levels impaired. This
is most evident
of particulate matter at the Sawpit
during snow
Creek site.
melt and after
Thredbo River
high rainfall
The February impairments in the Thredbo
events.
River related to increased algae growth and
high total nitrogen levels. The impairment
recorded at the control sites above the
resort indicates disturbances in the
catchment. Quarterly reports/sampling will
be used to monitor trends.
20
25
10
0
198
179
184
194
189
173
2008-2009
2009-2010
2010-2011
2011-2012
2012-2013
2013-2014
Overall Lodge Average
% Reported
Figure 1: Perisher Range Resorts (PRR) lodges average water consumption per visitor night (L/VN)
2008–2014
Perisher lodges (excluding Perisher Blue accommodation) continued to monitor their
water consumption in litres per visitor night (L/VN). The average consumption was 173 L/
VN as compared to 189 L/VN during the previous reporting period. This improvement of
16 L/VN is because the number of lodges in the high–usage group (over 250 L/VN) has
reduced by 15% (refer to the histogram below). Only five lodges remain in the high–usage
group of over 500 L/VN compared to nine lodges in 2012–13.
Perisher Range Resort lodges water consumption per visitor night 2013-14 (Litres/Visitor Night)
500 +
5
450 to 500
2
400 to 450
3
350 to 400
3
300 to 350
3
250 to 300
The resorts may not utilise all their licence
capacity in any given year depending
on their needs and weather conditions.
Perisher has only utilised up to 45% of its
annual allocation in recent years.
Most operators
comply with
their water
extraction
licences.
Information
was
unavailable for
one resort.

The average
water
consumption
in Perisher
lodge
accommodation
improved by
16 litres per
visitor night.
This was not
measured in
other resorts.
12
200 to 250
18
150 to 200
16
42
50 to 100

0
Year
100 to 150
All resorts are required to have extraction
licences issued by the NSW Office of Water
under the Water Act 1912.
Performance
trend over 12
months
225
200
Thredbo River
The Thredbo River demonstrated fluctuations
in biological health, with impairment at the
control site from August to February and
mixed impairment below the village and STP.
W2
KPI
Average Litres per Visitor Night
Charlotte Pass Village
• In May the Nitrous oxide levels in
Spencers Creek were above the ANZECC
trigger level at the two sites below the
Charlotte Pass Village.
• Poor macro invertebrate assemblages
in the creek below the village also
indicated resort pollution had a
significant effect on the stream biota.
Performance
trend over 12
months
% Reported
Litres per Visitor Night
KPI
8
0 to 50
6
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
No of Lodges
Figure 2: Water consumption ranges for PRR lodges 2013–14
Thredbo has two water flow measuring devices on the main intakes into the potable
water supply system. There are no meters on individual buildings.
Selwyn is a day use facility and this indicator does not apply.
Charlotte Pass Village resort does not have water meters on overnight accommodation.
11
KPI
W4
Total annual water consumption
Thredbo:
343,325 kilolitres (excluding snowmaking).
Perisher:
520,600 kilolitres (including snowmaking).
Selwyn:
42,000 kilolitres (including snowmaking).
Charlotte Pass: No information available.
The 2013–14 reporting period saw a
decrease in consumption across all resorts:
• Thredbo  0.8% (excluding
snowmaking)
• Selwyn  21%
• Perisher  25%.
The decrease in water consumption in 2013
correlated with a decrease in snow levels
and visitation numbers.
Performance
trend over 12
months
Water consumption in resort premises and
on ski slopes is depends upon many
interrelated factors including, visitor
numbers and behaviour, infrastructure,
maintenance, weather conditions and the
extent of snow making.
Perisher has expanded and automated
their snowmaking system increasing snow
production by an average of:
200 cubic metres/hour in 2002–2008 to
450 cubic metres/hour in 2013.
Despite this increase in snow making
capacity Perisher’s water consumption
decreased by 25% during the reporting
period. This is most likely due to unsuitable
weather conditions, reduced natural snow
levels and consequently reduced visitation.
Water is also used more efficiently and
effectively with the new automated snow
making system.
Pollution prevention and incident
management
Objective
To prevent and manage leaks, spills and unlicensed discharges of potentially harmful substances to the
environment.

Water
consumption
decreased in
three resorts.
Consumption
is not metered
in Charlotte
Pass Village.
The Thredbo resort reduction is
significantly less than that of the other
resorts because the consumption figure
does not include snowmaking. The resort
also operates all year round and seasonal
fluctuations are spread across the whole
year.
P1
P2
P3
P4
Timely management of environmental incidents in alpine resorts.
Compliance with Environment Protection Authority (EPA) discharge licences for sewage
treatment plants (STPs).
Compliance with the Protection of the Environment Operations (Underground Petroleum Storage
Systems) Regulation 2014 (the UPSS Regulation).
Education of staff in environmental incident management and response.
Table 3a: NSW alpine resorts recorded pollution incidents 2013–14
(including incidents that remained open from the previous reporting period)
Type of
incident
No
Significance
Incident
Closed?
Hydrocarbon
spills outside
workshop
containment
area.
1
Major
Yes
Hydrocarbon
spills from
lodge storage
tank resulting
in localised
contamination.
1
Minor
No
Some
corrective
actions sitll
required.
•
Minor
hydraulic oil or
diesel spills.
18
Yes
•
There were 16 incidents of less than 5 litres of hydraulic oil
spilt in each incident from snow groomers across all resorts.
There were also two minor diesel spills from vehicles.
•
All spills were contained and the contaminated snow was
collected and treated through workshop oil/water
separators.
Spill kits were used to contain and collect diesel spills on
roads and appropriately disposed of.
Minor
Description / Comment / Management Action
The incident was identified and investigated in a previous
reporting period (2012–13). Subsequently:
• 8 m3 of contaminated material was removed from the site.
• Testing was carried out for residual contamination and
possible groundwater contamination.
• Validation reporting was completed in 2013–14.
• All corrective actions have now been completed and the
incident was closed during this reporting period.
•
•
•
Broken sewer
rising main.
Installation of a 26,000 Litre Stormwater Interceptor in the north western corner of the Perisher Carpark Photo: Tom Pinzone
12
1
Minor
Yes
Fuel spill/overflows were occurring at fill point for lodge
oversnow vehicles. This resulted in a build–up of residual
contamination adjacent to the tank.
This was identified and investigated in the previous reporting
period.
Fill procedures were improved for the 2013 winter. However,
the agreed required works of replacing the system and
removing contaminated material were not completed and
have been postponed to 2014–15. The incident remains open.
A sewer rising main broke during construction of a new lift line.
This occurred over summer when flows were very low. All sewage
was contained and cleaned up. There were no threats to
waterways. The incident was reported to the EPA. No further
action is required. This incident highlighted the need to improve
mapping and the ability to pin–point the location of old pipe
infrastructure.
13
Dry weather
sewage
overflows
– one
secondary
treated and
one small
amount of
sewage at a
manhole.
STP minor
licence
exceedances of
physical and
chemical load
limits.
No
Significance
Incident
Closed?
2
Minor
Yes
•
•
6
Minor
Yes
•
•
•
Hydrocarbons
detected in
groundwater
samples at a
workshop
UPSS site.
Unauthorised
damage to
native
vegetation.
1
2
Major
1 Major
No
•
Ongoing
•
monitoring
and further
investigation •
is required.
Yes
•
•
TOTAL
32 3 major
29 minor
Description / Comment / Management Action
Table 3b: NSW alpine resorts environmental performance summary for pollution prevention and incident
management KPIs 2013–14
May 2013: approximately 500 litres of secondary treated
sewage overflowed from a manhole at the Perisher STP as a
result of a partially closed UV inlet valve. It entered a
stormwater drain and then spread out down a grassy slope. It
is uncertain if the material entered Perisher Creek although
this was not observed nor indicated by subsequent water
sampling results.
September 2013: a sewage overflow occurred from a manhole
within Central Perisher. A paver was partially blocking the
sewer line to a single premises. An estimated 10 to 50 litres of
sewage discharged onto the ground surface and pooled. This
was cleaned up and disposed of.
KPI
P1
In 2013–14 there were a total of 32
environmental incidents recorded. This
is significantly less than the number of
incidents recorded in previous years.
30 of the reported incidents are closed.
There were exceedances of monitoring levels post–UV
treatment. Two of these were attributed to plant failure due to
a lightning strike, which resulted in changes to plant
management and testing to prevent recurrence. The third was
considered a sampling anomaly; when repeated the second
sample showed compliance. In all cases of exceedance, the
water quality parameters at the final discharge point to the
Thredbo River were within licensed conditions.
There were three incidents of elevated nitrogen levels (total
ammonia and one coliform) most likely caused by sudden
increases in loads on the STPs due to increased visitation.
Actions were taken to rectify the situation.
All incidents were reported to the EPA who did not require
further action.
2 new incidents remain open. One
incident involves outstanding actions on
decommissioning and validating a UPSS
site. The second involves the continued
presence of hydrocarbon contaminants in
groundwater monitoring at an active UPSS
site.
Recorded pollution incidents in resorts
from previous reports
2010–11 59 (1 open)
2011–12 40* (3 open)
2012–13 46 (3 open)
2013–14 32 (2 open)
All tanks have passed integrity tests.
Decreasing levels of contaminants were present in
groundwater samples from monitoring wells at two UPSS
sites.
The EPA gave advice to continue testing one remaining
groundwater monitoring site at six–monthly intervals because
contaminants were still present. Further investigation is
required.
Further investigation and monitoring is
required at one UPSS site to establish the
source of the hydrocarbon readings that
continue to appear in six–monthly water
samples. The EPA and NPWS will continue
to liaise with the resort operator on this
issue.

34% reduction
in total
pollution
incidents. Two
major
outstanding
contamination
issues were
finalised.
70
Over 300 snow gums were trimmed or cleared for ski slope
maintenance. They were deemed to be outside the existing
ski slope network. A penalty infringement notice was issued
under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. Protocols have
now been established for management and maintenance of
vegetation on ski slopes.
Minor damage to heath was caused by oversnow machinery.
Staff were made aware of the incident for future prevention.
No further action is required.
60
50
2 open
30 closed
Performance
trend over 12
months
The number of recorded pollution
incidents is 34% lower than previous years.
Two outstanding major incidents involving
contamination from hydrocarbons have
now been resolved and closed during
this period. The clean–up and removal
of contaminated material and validation
of both sites has been satisfactorily
completed. UPSS sites continue to be a
potential source of pollution in ski resorts.
* including 6 STP exceedances
No of incidents
Type of
incident
40
30
2
60
40
49
(including 6
STP
exceedances)
20
32
10
0
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
2013-14
Freedom Chair construction
Photo: Virginia Logan
Year
14
No of Incidents
Open Incidents
Figure 3: Total number of recorded pollution incidents in NSW alpine resorts 2010–14
15
KPI
P2
There were eight non–compliances in
total for this reporting period. All reported
non–compliances were minor exceedances
or discharges. The two non–compliances
at Bullocks Flat were caused by lightning
Selwyn does not have an STP or a discharge strikes and one was a sampling error.
licence. Human waste from this site is
No known adverse effects were detected in
removed from the park at the end of the
winter season and disposed of at a licensed monitoring data.
facility.
Total non–compliances
Non–compliances 2013–14
2010–11 15
Perisher Valley 3
2011–12 6
Bullocks Flat
3
2012–13 8
Thredbo Village 0
2013–14 8
Charlotte Pass 2
Performance
trend over 12
months
The EPA STP discharge licences’ annual
returns and annual performance reports
were submitted to the EPA by the due
dates.
16
15
14
No of non-compliances
12
KPI
P3
8

All resorts
complied with
their discharge
licences.
Selwyn does
not have a STP.
8
2
P4
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
2012-14
Year
Figure 4: Total number of STP non–compliances in NSW alpine resorts 2010–14
P3
Perisher Blue Pty Ltd (PB)
• PB operates 5 UPSS sites containing 17 storage tanks:
 9 diesel tanks (total capacity: 288,400 litres)
 5 unleaded petrol tanks (total capacity: 46,000 litres)
 3 heating oil tanks (total capacity: 151,400 litres)
 a 5,400 litre waste oil tank at the Smiggin Holes workshop.

• In 2011 PB installed an automated Loss Monitoring System for their UPSS and
Compliance
groundwater monitoring wells enabling remote monitoring of tank systems.
continues to
Contaminants were found in groundwater samples at three of the UPSS sites. Follow–
improve.
There
up monitoring in November 2012 recorded contaminants at only the Mt Perisher site.
are
redundant
During the reporting period expert consultants conducted follow–up groundwater
sites that
monitoring. Contamination is still present in groundwater samples at the Mt Perisher
need
to be
workshop site. The source of the contamination has not been established. The EPA is
validated
and
advising PB on a course of action.
decommissioned.
• UPSS tanks including pipes and above–ground lines are integrity–tested every three
years.
NPWS
NPWS operates one UPSS site with two tanks at the Perisher Valley freight shed with
combined capacity of 15,000 litres.
16

Compliance
continues to
improve. There
are redundant
sites that
need to be
validated and
decommissioned.
Charlotte Pass Village (CPV)
CPV has a UPSS adjacent to the plant workshop consisting of 3 x 12,500–litre tanks.
Because the system has been replaced by an above–ground tank it is no longer
operational. Four groundwater monitoring wells have been installed in advance of the
site being scheduled for decommissioning in 2014–15.
4
0
Performance
trend over 12
months
Perisher lodge
There are 23 Perisher lodge UPSS. Five were decommissioned during this reporting
period. Several more lodges are developing plans for future decommissioning of tanks.
Selwyn Snowfields
The use of two small underground tanks is maintained. Because the tanks are considered
low risk the EPA has awarded a Class 4 exemption in relation to the UPSS monitoring
requirements. The exemption expires in December 2015. Regular fuel dipping and a fuel
use log book assist with loss monitoring.
6
6
Kosciusko Thredbo Pty Ltd (KT)
• KT operates two UPSS sites: Thredbo Mountain Operations and Thredbo Service
Station with six tanks in total and a combined capacity of 165,000 litres.
• Thredbo Mountain Operations fuelling system (operated by KT) is fully compliant,
including Statistical Inventory Reconciliation Analysis (SIRA) and an Environment
Protection Plan.
• Thredbo Service Station tanks (operated by a sub–lessee of KT) passed integrity tests
in 2011 and groundwater monitoring wells are in place. KT has been working with
the sub–lessee during the reporting period to ensure that an Environment Protection
Plan is in place and fully implemented in accordance with the UPSS Regulation
requirements.
• In addition to the operational UPSS sites there are a total of 16 identified ‘legacy’
UPSS sites in Thredbo, belonging to lodges and other sub–lessees. All the sites are
inactive. KT is in the process of following up with each operator to ensure compliance
of redundant systems.
10
8
Perisher Blue Pty Ltd
100% of PB’s permanent and seasonal staff completed online training that includes
information on Perisher’s incident management and notification procedures.
Perisher lodges
62% of Perisher lodges provided staff and members with environmental training.
Selwyn Snowfields
All full–time staff are trained on the procedure for incident reporting and response.
The pre–season induction training for all new staff included reporting procedures for
environmental risks or incidents and incident response procedures. All staff are updated
on the management of incidents during weekly meetings.
CPV has developed an incident response management plan which includes
implementing pollution prevention measures and training staff in the management,
response and remediation measures in the event of a spill or sewage discharge. 10 staff
undertook training in spill and pollution incident response during this reporting period.

Resorts
continued
to provide
incident
response and
reporting
training to staff.
Kosciuszko Thredbo Pty Ltd
KT provided training to 99% of new staff and 95% of returning/fulltime staff in the form
of presentations on environmental incident reporting and near–miss potential hazard
reporting.
17
Biodiversity
Objective
To protect flora, fauna and ecological communities, prevent loss of biodiversity and restore vegetation
and ecosystem functions to previously disturbed areas.
B1
B2
B3
Threatened species population numbers – Mountain pygmy–possum (MPP).
Threatened species population numbers – Broad–toothed rat (BTR).
Small native mammal management:
• MPP
• BTR
• Dusky antechinus
• Agile antechinus
• Southern bush rat.
B4 Pest animal control programs.
B5 Loss of natural areas as a result of expansion or alteration of infrastructure (no net loss of
biodiversity values).
B6 Weed management programs.
B7 Rehabilitation of previously disturbed areas.
B8 Riparian restoration.
B9 Natural Heritage Research projects supported, initiated or undertaken in alpine resort areas.
B10 Environmental education and awareness programs.
Dusky antechinus (Antechinus swainsonii) Photo: Mel Schroder
18
Anemone buttercup (Ranunculus anemoneus) Photo: Cate Aitken
19
KPI
Table 4: NSW alpine resorts environmental performance summary for biodiversity KPIs 2013–14
Performance
trend over 12
months
Environmental performance 2013–14 / Management response and review
KPI
B2
62
60
57
53
Total Numbers
50
48
41
40
35
30
47
45
38
34
30
60
54
50
50
46
46
40
37
27
25
20
15
32
30
28
10
17
8
7
3
0
21
19
18
10
B3
39
37
36
32
26
46
44
37
32
50
49
48
17
19
11
10
6
19
18
17
8
4
Year
Blue Cow
Broad–toothed rats occur in some localities across all resorts and have demonstrated an
increased presence in the past four seasons. Two long–term monitoring sites are located
at Perisher and Pipers creeks. These sites are monitored annually. Population monitoring
in 2013 found numbers had recovered to ‘pre–2003 fire’ levels. This trend continued for the
2014 survey period.
Charlotte Pass
Figure 5: Total number of mountain pygmy–possums recorded at
Blue Cow and Charlotte Pass during annual survey 1986–2014
Mountain pygmy–possum (MPP) population monitoring has been ongoing for 28 years
at two sites within resort areas. A major population decline was experienced from 2000 to
2010 but population numbers have recently demonstrated recovery. This recovery has been
attributed to an increase in predator control programs and a return to wetter conditions.
In 2013 Charlotte Pass Village and Perisher resort staff and volunteers assisted NPWS with
the annual population monitoring. Populations remain stable.
• The Charlotte Pass site survey recorded lower numbers than the previous two years
with 39 animals (23 female, 16 male) compared to 46 in 2012 and 50 in 2011. These
numbers are still consistent with long–term averages.
• The Blue Cow site numbers continued to climb with 28 animals recorded (16 female, 12
male) compared to 17 in the previous year. This is the highest number recorded since
2000, however, this is still lower than previous averages.
Works associated with the care or enhancement of MPP habitat undertaken during the
reporting period include:
• replacement of a fauna crossing on Excelerator Ski Run as part of a snowmaking project
• creation of an artificial boulder–field from rock excavated during the construction
of the Guthega Freedom Chairlift; this has the potential to increase MPP habitat and
connectivity
• construction of several fauna crossings and planning approval for two more fauna
crossings: one under Blue Cow Road as part of proposed slope grooming works and
the other on the access track adjacent to the Summit Chair base station; the latter will
replace a crossing constructed in the 1980s which is no longer working
• planting of hundreds of mountain plum pine (Podocarpus lawrencei), the main food
source of MPP, as part of revegetation works across Perisher including at the bottom
of Zali’s Ski Run and the disturbed areas created by the construction of the Guthega
Freedom Chairlift.

Wildlife crossings
There are in excess of a dozen rock–lined wildlife crossings on ski runs across Perisher resort,
with more approved to be built. Wildlife crossings have been constructed to provide a safe
pathway for small native mammals.
Monitoring of ten wildlife crossings in the Perisher Range Resort has been ongoing since
2009. Figure 6 demonstrates the effectiveness of the crossings in PRR in providing a
subnivean space that protects animals from prey while they move across the modified
landscape. 86% of the species that have been detected using the crossings are native small
mammals. Hair tubes (small pieces of PVC pipe fitted with double–sided tape and a food
lure) are used to collect hair samples for species identification. When the animals enter the
device some hair becomes attached to the tape. This hair is then analysed to determine the
type of species using the crossing.
Two new crossings were built by Thredbo during the reporting period as part of the Snow
Runner expansion project at Friday Flat.

The resort
MPP
populations
remained
stable during
the reporting
period.
* Black Rat, 12%
* Mouse, 1%
* Rabbit, 1%
Mountain Pygmy-possum, 1%
Southern Bush Rat, 44%
Broad-toothed Rat, 26%
Perisher Resort established an exclusion zone around the MPP habitat at Blue Cow in
2002 for the protection of hibernating animals. The area is fenced off and closed to skiers,
snowboarders and grooming machines. During the 2013 season, 4 guests had their skiing
privileges suspended for entering the closed area.
20
Performance
trend over 12
months
The post
2003 fire
recovery trend
continued.
Rehabilitation undertaken on the old Cow Pastures Poma site at Guthega will restore habitat
connectivity for broad–toothed rat as part of the Freedom Chairlift development.
70
B1

Additional
fauna
crossings
were installed
on ski slopes.
There was
extensive
use of Elliott
traps for the
capture and
relocation
of small
mammals.
Antechinus, 15%
Figure 6: Percentage breakdown of small mammals recorded using wildlife crossings
in NSW alpine ski resorts.
(* The asterisk indicates introduced species: total 14%)
Small mammal capture and relocation
• NPWS has supplied all resort commercial premises and ski lodges in Perisher and
Charlotte Pass Village with personal Elliott traps for the safe capture and release of small
native mammals found inside resort buildings. NPWS also continues to provide awareness
information, support in identification of species and additional access to traps.
• At Charlotte Pass Village 43 small mammals were trapped in the Chalet and staff
quarters and the lodges.
21
KPI
B3
•
•
•
•
•
•
B4
Perisher resort recorded the capture and release of 30 small mammals.
Perisher Range lodges reported trapping 82 small mammals. Animals relocated from
lodges were bush rats (Rattus fuscipes), dusky antechinus (Antechinus swainsonii) and
broad–toothed rats (Mastacomys fuscus).
Selwyn caught and released 10 small antechinus and bush rats.
Approximately 30 Elliott traps were lent to lodges by Kosciuszko Thredbo Pty Ltd. A
capture and release log is not kept so no records are available.
This year there was a concentrated occurrence of introduced house mice in central
Perisher and some premises in Thredbo. NPWS was able to issue permits for the use of
baits for these incidents. This was undertaken in consultation with the NPWS Senior
Health Officer.
Perisher and some of the lodges have been trialling the use of electronic deterrents in
areas that experience continued small mammal presence, with some success.
Performance
trend over 12
months
KPI

B4
Additional
fauna
crossings
were installed
on ski slopes.
There was
extensive
use of Elliott
traps for the
capture and
relocation
of small
mammals.
Pest management programs targeted cats, foxes, rabbits and hares. All programs were
consistent with the NPWS Regional Pest Management Strategy, utilised a variety of methods
and were predominantly undertaken by NPWS and their contractors in coordination with
lessees. Thredbo (KT), Perisher and Charlotte Pass staff assisted with cat trapping in resort
areas. Resort staff reported feral animal sightings to NPWS.
18
16
No of feral animals trapped
14
16
15

13
12
12
12
11
10
10
9
8
6
4
2
2
0
Foxes
Cats (MPP habitat)
Cats (in Resorts)
Type of feral animal
2011
2012
2013
Figure 7: Cats and foxes caught in traps in the NSW alpine resorts 2011–13
During the reporting period:
• A winter fox baiting program was implemented in and around the Perisher, Ramshead
and Main Ranges and Charlotte Pass.
• A soft–jaw trapping program was implemented in December 2013 and February 2014.
This program targeted feral predators in key habitat areas for the MPP and broad–
toothed rat. A total of 11 cats and 12 foxes were removed.
• Cage trapping programs (‘See a cat catch a cat’) removed 12 cats.
• The ground–shooting control program removed 321 rabbits, 4 foxes and 2 cats from
Smiggin Holes, Perisher and Charlotte Pass.
• An increased presence of feral pigs and deer were reported. Deer were frequently
observed at Smiggin Holes and were detected on remote cameras at Perisher View.
Feral pig activity was detected in areas around the cross country trails.
22
The number
of cats
removed
from resorts
was the
highest since
2002. Rabbit
numbers
were visibly
reduced.
Control
programs
appear to
be assisting
recovery of
threatened
species.
•
•
•
•
Perisher staff reported 12 feral animal sightings including 4 foxes, 6 cats and 1 dog.
Selwyn reported 8 foxes and 3 horses.
Perisher engaged qualified contractors to manage invertebrate pests within Perisher’s
buildings.
European wasps have been a minor issue over summer at Thredbo and Guthega. NPWS
developed and supplied bait stations as required.
Resorts within the national park attract cats and foxes. While all control work is undertaken
in the context of the broader regional control program it is highly likely that cats and
foxes will migrate into the resort area when individuals have been removed. These species
can easily adapt to human activity and benefit from a modified environment. This has
heightened the need for an annual control program centred around the threatened species
populations in the resort areas: mountain pygmy–possums and broad–toothed rats.
Rabbits appear to have decreased at Smiggin Holes and South Perisher. Populations at
Charlotte Pass Village appear to have increased.
B5
Results from the mountain pygmy–possum and broad–toothed rat monitoring indicate
that predator programs are having a positive benefit. The combined cat control programs
removed 25 cats – the highest number of animals since 2002.
Performance
trend over 12
months

The number of
cats removed
from resorts
was the
highest since
2002. Rabbit
numbers were
visibly reduced.
Control
programs
appear to
be assisting
recovery of
threatened
species.
All developments within the resorts are subject to and managed in accordance with the
obligations of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Developments are
approved with relevant consent conditions imposed by the consent authority, which may
include rehabilitation or other environmental offsets. The consent conditions seek to ensure
that developments do not result in a net loss of biodiversity within the resorts.
Perisher
The following developments and offsets were undertaken during the reporting period in
Perisher Range Resort:
• The Guthega Freedom Chairlift was constructed from Nov 2013–May 2014. To minimise
environmental impacts most of the construction site was confined to already disturbed
areas and a detailed rehabilitation and offset plan was developed and implemented.
This included:
 construction of artificial rock boulder habitats to assist the movement of mountain
pygmy–possums
 installation of small mammal fauna crossings across ski slopes
 transplanting of bog (approximately 150 square metres) from the base station to
an area of previously disturbed bog along the old Cow Pastures poma
 rehabilitation of the Cow Pasture poma (drier slopes)
 transplanting the endangered anemone buttercup (Ranunculus anemoneus) plants
 planting native Heath Sp. vegetation crossings across slope to link habitat for
broad–toothed rat
 sod replacement and reuse for retention of topsoil and seedbank
 retention of lopped vegetation for brushmatting and woodchipping
 tree and heath plantings: 200+ snow gums (Eucalyptus pauciflora Susp. niphophila)
and 3500+ heath species to replace snow gums and other vegetation that was
removed.
• Developments involving the upgrade of snowmaking infrastructure and widening of
ski areas in Perisher’s Centre Valley area have resulted in the offset planting of hundreds
of heath species to connect areas of habitat that would otherwise remain separated by
disturbed ski runs. Works included:
 removal of rocks and trees on three ski runs – Yabby Flat Ski Run, Hypertrail Ski Run
and Slopestyle Ski Run – and the installation of two ski huts.
• Removal of trees and rocks on Powder Valley Ski Run, Guthega:
 heath was retained to maintain cover and habitat for fauna
 planting of snowgums in the Blue Cow area
 a fauna crossing will be installed under Blue Cow Road to offset the loss of rocks
and retain habitat connectivity for MPP.
• A development proposal was previously approved to upgrade the Leichhardt access

All
development
projects were
offset and
environmental
impacts
minimised.
Projects
resulted in
no significant
net loss of
biodiversity.
23
KPI
B5
Performance
trend over 12
months
track. The access track crosses Perisher Creek at several locations and traverses
endangered alpine bog communities. During the reporting period one of the bridge
crossings was constructed and advanced planning was undertaken on the second
crossing. This upgrade will reduce turbidity and other disturbances to the creek. Works
on the second bridge are yet to commence.
Thredbo
Approximately 1600 square metres of vegetation was removed as part of the development
of The Snow Runner Ski Run at Friday Flat. Offsets included:
• adopting a modified slashing regime on a 4000–square metre section along the
Gunbarrel Chairlift line adjacent to Friday Flat. Thus allowing for greater natural
recruitment and retention of connectivity
• maintenance and infill planting of the High Noon Ski Run rehabilitation site (an area of
1440 square metres containing 720 pre–planted trees) with 20 snow gums, 30 alpine
daisy bush, 30 cascade everlasting and 30 kerosene bush (Ozothamnus hookeri)
• rehabilitation of 227 square metres adjacent to Easy–does–it Chairlift between towers
six and seven: planting of riparian shrub species – 39 mountain plum pine seedlings
and 24 tea tree (Leptospernum Sp.) seedlings
• installing four fauna crossings within the development site
• seeding with 50:50 chewings fescue: Poa Sp.; weed–free straw and sod replacement
• monitoring for three years with inspections during autumn and spring.
B6
Charlotte Pass
No information provided.
Weed mapping was completed by NPWS for Perisher and Thredbo in 2014. This provides
accurate point locality information and density of weed species. The maps are used for
implementing weed treatments and are compared to the 2009 data to re–evaluate priorities
and procedures.

All
development
projects were
offset and
environmental
impacts
minimised.
Projects
resulted in
no significant
net loss of
biodiversity.
The 2014 weed mapping indicated:
• a reduction in density along main and village roads of species that had been targeted as
part of control programs
• an increase in weeds preferring wet areas
• an increase in weed richness around lodges and across both resorts.
The increase in weed richness demonstrates that new species are still being introduced by
way of equipment/materials, directly planted or germinated from seed stored in soil. The
increase in weeds in disturbed riparian and wet areas in Perisher over the past four years
is due to consistent rainfall and milder summers. Figure 8 demonstrates an increase in the
occurrence of locality points for these species between 2009 and 2014.
70
63
Relocation and replacement of snowmaking on Supertrail and Sundance ski runs.
Approximately 120 square metres of heath was cleared for an extension of the slope style
course. An equivalent size area of small eucalypt trees with regenerating and planted heath
in the understorey will be set aside and identified as an offset.
60
60
50
Total hectares
Rehabilitation works associated with some developments may not yet have commenced or
be completed and in some cases will be undertaken over several seasons. Maintenance will
be ongoing as part of resort rehabilitation plans.
B6
Over 1100 person hours were devoted to weed management across all resorts during the
reporting period. This is a 28 % increase in effort compared to 2012–13.
47
47
40
30
26
Thredbo
861 person hours were undertaken on weed control activities in Thredbo by resort staff
and contractors. The main species targeted were blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg.), milfoil,
viper’s bugloss, thistle, exotic grasses, mullein, broom (Cytisus Scoparius), lupin, ox–eye daisy
(Leucanthemum vulgare) and other broadleaf weeds. Follow up control of woody weeds
including apple, birch, willow (Salix species) and conifer (Pinus species) was also carried out.
Selwyn
14 person hours of spot spraying by staff targeting thistle, ox–eye daisy, paper daisy and
dandelion. Work was concentrated in and around disturbed areas including, carparks, ski
runs, footpaths, walkways and lift tower bases.
24
20
19
20
Perisher
• 240 person hours of weed management were undertaken across the Perisher Range
Resort targeting milfoil (Achillea millefolium), viper’s bugloss (Echium vulgare), mullein
(Verbascum Thapsus), lupins (Lupinus polyphyllus) and barberea (Barbarea verna). Weed
spraying was undertaken by both external weed contractors and trained NPWS and
Perisher staff. Control of soft rush (Juncus effusus) in wet areas on ski slopes was also
undertaken in early 2014 by Perisher staff. This has been done collaboratively with
OEH to ensure the most effective control methods are used with minimal impact to
surrounding wet areas, in particular alpine bogs and streams.
• 35% of Perisher lodges also actively managed weeds on their lease through mowing,
slashing, spot spraying and hand removal.
Performance
trend over 12
months
KPI
16
15
16
14
10

A 28%
increase in
control effort
and control
programs.
Density of
targeted
species in
main access
areas has
declined.
7
0
Disturbed
High
High (native)
Medium
Low
Scattered
Weed density
2009
2014
Weed sites were grouped into five categories of weed density:
• Disturbed: severely altered sites with a greater than 60% cover of weeds
• High: greater than 40% weed infestations – less disturbed
• High (native): greater than 40% weed infestations although a high proportion of native
species – capable of regeneration
• Medium: 20 – 39% weed infestations and native species
• Low: less than 20% weed infestations
• Scattered: less than 5% weed infestations.

A 28%
increase in
control effort
and control
programs.
Density of
targeted
species in
main access
areas has
declined.
However,
despite
increased
effort weather
conditions
have been
favourable in
recent years
and weed
mapping
(2011–2014)
has shown
an increase
in richness
of broad leaf
weeds around
lodges, across
resorts and
in weeds
preferring wet
areas.
Figure 8 compares differences in each of the density classes between 2009 and 2014. The
area of weeds mapped decreased by two hectares between mapping periods. This reflects
the ongoing recovery of native species in some areas. There was a 16–hectare increase
in the ‘Disturbed’ category. This can be attributed to new infrastructure developments
including snowmaking, construction of a new chair lift and upgrades to water, sewerage
and underground electricity in the Perisher Valley.
25
KPI
B6
Management response to mapping results:
• maintain control programs for the current priority species
• continue to record information in NPWS mapping database
• develop control priorities for wet area species, and implement a program
• control potentially invasive ornamental species around lodges
• promote the cleaning/washing down of all machinery entering the resort areas and the
use of certified weed–free straw bales in soil stabilisation works
• continue to encourage the replacement of ornamental plants in resort gardens with
endemic native species.
B7
&
B8
Perisher
5500 plants were installed by NPWS staff and contractors over an area of 8331 square
metres. Works included:
• maintenance of revegetation sites at Smiggin Holes, the waste transfer station and the
bilge tank site on Perisher Creek
• expansion of landscaping along roads at Perisher and Guthega
• maintenance of the riparian revegetation project on Perisher and Rock creeks to
improve linkages for the threatened broad–toothed rat
• expansion of the vegetation habitat connectivity project on Zali’s Ski Run
• continuation of lodge rehabilitation works at Maranatha, now in its third year, and
commencement of works at Mulumbinba and Gunuma lodges.
Perisher Blue used over 4000 plants including snow gums, heath species and snow grass
(Poa Species) in rehabilitation works. The majority of these were used in revegetation of
the Guthega Freedom Chairlift project. The rest were used to rehabilitate or offset slope
grooming projects along the Blue Cow Road, Ponyride Skier Carpet, Yabby Flat and other
areas.
Performance
trend over 12
months

A 28%
increase in
control effort
and control
programs.
Density of
targeted
species in
main access
areas has
declined.
Other rehabilitation considerations
• NPWS is monitoring plant species to establish success rates under different site
conditions. Alpine grevillea (Grevillea australis), alpine mint bush (Prostanthera cuneata),
dusty daisy–bush (Olearia phlogopappa) and snow grass (Poa costiniana) are surviving
on disturbed compacted soils at drier sites. Alpine everlasting (Ozothamnus alpinus),
kerosene bush and the Kosciuszko rose (Pimelia ligustrina) appear to be surviving on
disturbed wet ski slopes.
• Sites where snow is stockpiled over the winter months demonstrate slower growth
rates and a greater loss of species than other sites. These sites require greater emphasis
on correct plant selection and ongoing maintenance.
• NPWS oversees seed collection in the park by contractors which contributes to a seed
bank available for the growing of tube stock and for direct seeding in rehabilitation
areas across the resorts.
• 1000 snow grass tube stock were planted at the Sawpit Poa Nursery site for the
26
B7
&
B8

•
production of seed for future rehabilitation programs.
Native grass seeds were used in isolation or in combination with exotic seed for slope
stabilisation and grass cover.
Guthega Freedom Chair rehabilitation works
A major undertaking of the Guthega Freedom Chairlift rehabilitation works was the
transplanting of a bog (approximately 150 square metres) from the base station to an area
of previously disturbed bog along the old Cow Pastures poma. This was a cooperative effort
between Perisher and NPWS and involved removal of the bog in large sods (bucket size 1
metre by 40 centimetres up to a depth of 60 centimetres) with the peat soil attached. The
sods were cut using a chainsaw and transported with a front–end loader up 100 metres to
the site. They were then benched onto the slope, and placed using a front–end loader. The
area was then covered in a fine layer of mulch and watered continuously until suitable
rainfall was received. The site will be monitored for the next five years as part of a
requirement of the development approval.
The endangered plant anemone buttercup was also relocated as part of the Guthega
Freedom Chairlift project. The plants were transplanted in large 50 centimetre x 50
centimetre (bucket size) sods to ensure the rhizomes (underground stems) were retained.
The plants will be monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of this technique.
B9
Maintenance
Thredbo
of the
• Thredbo planted 1500 native trees, shrubs and grasses sourced from Monaro Native
riparian zones
Tree Nursery and Dealbata Cold Climate Australian Plant Nursery. Approximately 20% of continued and
these were used as replacement plants in existing rehabilitated areas. The new planting
over 11,000
covered approximately 2000 square meters and all plants were propagated from seed
endemic
collected in the Thredbo region. Areas targeted for planting included extension of
plants were
plantings on the former landfill batters, carpark batters, individual gardens in Thredbo
used in
and on the mountain.
rehabilitation
• Thredbo assisted NPWS with the maintenance of previous plantings in the riparian
works across
zones of the Thredbo River, replacing existing planting damaged by floods and follow–
Perisher and
up weed control. A total of 4400 square meters was maintained.
Thredbo.
KPI
Performance
trend over 12
months

Maintenance
of the
riparian zones
continued and
over 11,000
endemic
plants were
used in
rehabilitation
works across
Perisher and
Thredbo.
Alpine skink research project
A three–year PhD on alpine skinks was completed in 2013. It concluded that lizards avoid
disturbed ski runs due to modification of vegetation resulting in increased vulnerability to
predators and exposure to higher temperatures (Sato 2013). The uncommon skink species
prefer undisturbed heathlands, woodlands and native grasslands. The more common lizard
species such as the grass tussock and woodland skinks were more resilient to disturbance.
The study also found that retaining patches of native vegetation on ski runs provided
valuable habitat for lizards and even more so if linked with continuous native vegetation.
The work will help guide future vegetation management in Australian ski resorts.
Impact of compaction of subnivean space by machinery and skiers
A research project is ongoing with an expert consultant assessing the impacts of skier and
machinery compaction on subnivean spaces. This work has been initiated and supported by
Perisher Resort. It aims to help inform snow grooming activities and ski slope management.
The collation of data and the production of the final report is scheduled for completion in
the next reporting period.
Study of grasshoppers
KT assisted Giselle Muschett and a team from the Department of Biological Sciences at
Macquarie University with access to the ski slopes to study grasshoppers.
Australian National Botanical Gardens
KT assisted staff from the Australian National Botanical Gardens (ANBG) and Greg Flowers
with access to the resort for seed collection. The seed is added to the seedbank at ANBG
that provides ‘insurance’ against extinction. It is also being used to study the germination
requirements of alpine plant species.

NPWS and
resort
operators
continued to
encourage
and support
environmental
research.
Thredbo
Thredbo provided environmental awareness training to 100% of new staff and 95% of
returning staff. Course content included environmental incident reporting, general
environmental issues, identification and management of small mammals as well as
sustainability issues. There is a strong emphasis on staff observation and responsibility.
Charlotte Pass
The CPV Environment Officer undertook refresher training with field staff involved in the
implementation of the Charlotte Pass Village Pollution Incident Response Management Plan
prior to the commencement of the winter season.
27
KPI
B10 Perisher
Perisher implemented the following awareness initiatives:
• Environmental awareness training for all seasonal and permanent staff prior to winter.
The training included information on the responsibility of working within a national
park, minimising environmental impacts and reporting environmental incidents, as well
as providing practical ways to improve energy use and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions at work and at home.
• Project environmental inductions prior to the commencement of major development
projects. The Guthega Freedom Chairlift project saw staff inducted into important
issues at the site such as threatened plants and animals, erosion control and minimising
disturbance.
• Posting of key environmental information posters in staff locker rooms and lunch
rooms, including contact details for the Environmental Manager.
• Regular communications and consultation with staff throughout the year including
issuing ‘Environment alerts’ and company–wide emails. Waste and recycling
management and energy management during shutdown periods were some of the
topics covered. These were emailed to staff and placed on noticeboards.
Selwyn
The Selwyn Snowfields winter staff induction was held at the commencement of winter. As
part of the induction an NPWS officer provided a presentation on living and working in the
Kosciuszko National Park including background on the natural and cultural heritage values
protected by the park, duty of care to the public and the environment, the mining and
conservation history of the area, what to do with injured native wildlife, the capture and
release of native animals found inside resort buildings, along with other community
awareness programs that aim to minimise environmental impacts.
Performance
trend over 12
months
Energy conservation
Objective
To improve the efficiency of energy consumption and increase the use of renewable energy.

All resorts
undertook
environmental
awareness
training for
staff.
E1
E2
E3
Total consumption of energy.
Energy consumption in accommodation premises (MJ/Visitor Night).
Energy efficiency initiatives.
Table 5a: Energy consumption in NSW alpine resorts 2013–14
Energy
Thredbo
Perisher
(% change from
2012–13)
(% change from
2012–13)
NPWS
Perisher
Selwyn
(% change from
2012–13)
(% change from
2012–13)
Total
(adjusted
comparison
excluding CPV from
2012–13)
Trend
Electricity
(kWh)
8,146,809
(6.85% )
12,026,959
(12% )
991,532
(3% )
387,172
(1% )
21,552,472 Decline 
Increased
(3% )
consumption
Diesel (L)
333,952
(31% )
421,510
(13.85% )
30,979.79
(45% )
12,500
(7.4% )
Improvement 
798,941.79
Reduced
(23.5% )
consumption
Petrol (L)
46,119
(63% )
104,696
(9.8% )
3,257.43
(80% )
3,000

Improvement 
157,072.43
Reduced
(3.8% )
consumption
466,423
(30.6% )
628,143
(13.4% )
126,967
(18% )
41,682

Improvement 
1,263,215
Reduced
(9% )
consumption
LP Gas (L)
(inc The Station Resort)
About the energy consumption table:
• The 2013–14 data does not include Charlotte Pass Village (CPV). This was not provided by the resort
operator. The comparisons with last year’s totals have been adjusted to allow for the missing data.
• Energy figures are for resort operations only and do not include lodges (see E2 KPI for Perisher lodges
energy consumption).
• The Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) amounts are based on deliveries. Some bulk LPG containers hold
sufficient capacity for more than one season. Gas consumption is also influenced by temperature
variations.
• A reduction in energy consumption is deemed an improvement in environmental performance.
Conversely, an increase is considered to be a decline in performance. However, this is a simple
interpretation of the annual consumption figures. Table 5b attempts to provide further analysis of the
variations in consumption compared to the previous reporting period and other influencing factors.
Mountain pygmy–possum (Burramys parvus) Photo: Mel Schroder
28
29
Table 5b: NSW alpine resorts environmental performance summary for energy conservation KPIs 2013–14
Performance
trend over 12
months
KPI
E1
KPI
E1
21,552.47
21,400.00
21,239.94
MWh
21,200.00
21,000.00
20,891.27
E2
20,794.19
20,800.00
Snow depths are recorded at Spencers Creek (located between Perisher Valley and
Charlotte Pass) by Snowy Hydro Pty Ltd.
Performance
trend over 12
months

There were
reductions
Changes that may have contributed to the reduction in diesel consumption are:
in three fuel
• a reduced need for snow clearing and grooming due to lower snowfalls (see Figure 10) sources: diesel,
• the conversion of the Mount Perisher Communications Tower from diesel to electricity petrol and LPG
• changes to NPWS fleet and waste management operations
consumption,
• ski lift fuel conversions from diesel to electricity.
and an
increase in
Changes that may have contributed to the increased electricity consumption in Perisher
electricity use.
include:
• major development projects undertaken over the summer months
• ski lift conversions from diesel to electricity.
21,800.00
21,600.00
The Perisher lodges used an average of 145 megajoules per visitor night. This is a decrease
compared to the previous average of 167 megajoules per visitor night.
20,600.00
20,400.00
20,200.00
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
2013-14
Year

Figure 9: NSW alpine resorts electricity consumption 2010–2014

The data presented in Figure 9 includes resort ski slope operations and NPWS
municipal services at Perisher. It does not include Charlotte Pass operations or lodge
accommodation across all resorts.
250
There were
reductions
in three fuel
sources: diesel,
petrol and LPG
consumption,
and an
increase in
electricity use.
1,200,000
1,044,471L
1,000,000
200
798,941L
150
800,000
Figure 11: Energy consumption of the PRR Lodges per visitor night 2008–14
712,493L
600,000
Diesel (L)
Maximum Snow depth (cm)
724,320L
Perisher
lodges
reduced
their energy
consumption
per visitor
night.
100
Monitoring of this KPI has not yet been established in the other resorts.
E3
400,000
50
Selwyn
The two power correction units for snowmaking installed in 2011–12 continued to
regulate and reduce power consumption as did daily shut–down procedures for
unnecessary equipment. Selwyn also replaced two inefficient heaters.
200,000
0
0
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
2013-14
Year
Maximum Snow depth (cm)
Diesel (L)
Figure 10: NSW alpine resorts diesel consumption and annual maximum snow depth 2010–2014
Thredbo
Thredbo continued implementing energy–saving initiatives based on the
recommendations from energy audits.
Work included:
• installing a variable speed device for the control of the pumps in the sewerage pump
station and the snowmaking .
• installing LED street and interior lighting.

Resort
operators
and Lodges
continued to
implement
energy
efficiency
initiatives.
The diesel consumption figures include resort ski slope operations and NPWS municipal
services. They do not include Charlotte Pass operations or lodge accommodation across
all resorts.
30
31
KPI
E3
Perisher
Energy–saving initiatives at Perisher included:
• Using automated snowmaking, resulting in a tenfold reduction in the required
amount of compressed air, and therefore energy used
• insulating the rock walls in the Perisher Skitube building to reduce heat loss
• using more efficient heaters and lighting in the redesign of the marketing offices
• purchasing more efficient Dyson airblade hand dryers
• installing LED lights in the Guthega Freedom Chairlift development, and replacing:
• 26 halide lights (1.5 kilowatts each) with fewer and more efficient 200–watt induction
lights at Smiggin Holes Workshop
• 10 metal halide lights with 5 more efficient induction lights in the Perisher Centre
Lower Arcade, reducing power consumption from 4 kilowatts to 1.5 kilowatts for this
area
• 10 1000–watt QI lights with more efficient 200–watt induction lights on the Village
Eight Chairlift
• fluorescent tube lighting with LED lights on the Blue Cow Skitube platform.
Perisher lodges
• Guthega Alpine Hotel installed a 10–kilowatt photovoltaic system. It produced 11,416
kilowatts during this reporting period.
• Illawong Lodge installed solar panels and batteries in 2012–13, significantly reducing
the need to use the back–up generator. LED lights were also installed.
• Alpenhof Lodge was rebuilt using LED lights in public areas and controlled
movement detectors. All walls and roof spaces are fully insulated and windows are
double–glazed.
• Kunapipi Lodge replaced light globes with compact fluorescent lights and emergency
exit lights with LEDs.
• Ku–ring–gai Alpine Lodge installed a gas–fired hydronic heating system. Each heater
is individually thermostatically controlled. The oil–filled electric room heaters were
removed and recycled. The domestic hot water is also heated by the closed circuit
hydronic system.
• Mirabooka Ski Club installed a more efficient electric heater, motion sensors in toilets
and LED lighting.
• Turnak Lodge installed timers on kitchen extractors and upgraded dishwashers and
refrigerators with energy–efficient models. Turnak is also incrementally replacing
halogen lights with energy–efficient and fluorescent options. Further sustainability
initiatives have been included in renovation plans.
Waste management
Performance
trend over 12
months
Objective
To minimise waste, maximise resource recovery and prevent environmental harm from waste disposal.
G1
G2
G3
Total amount of domestic waste compared to the previous year.
Percentage of waste recycled including paper, cardboard, tins, glass and plastics.
Waste composted including biosolids from sewage treatment plants (STP).
Table 6: NSW alpine resorts environmental performance summary for waste management KPIs 2013–14

Resort
operators
and lodges
continued to
implement
energy
efficiency
initiatives.
KPI
G1

Figure 12: Garbage collected in NSW alpine resorts 2010–2014
The data does not include Blue Cow and Bullocks Flat waste, construction waste, e–waste or biosolids.
Fuel storage
Photo: Helen Smith
The total general waste (including recycling) from all resorts for 2013–14 was 1472.59
tonnes. (This total is based on quantities measured through Perisher (including Charlotte
Pass), Thredbo and Selwyn domestic waste streams. It does not include Blue Cow and
Bullocks Flat waste, construction waste, e–waste or biosolids.)
32
Performance
trend over 12
months
There was
an overall
reduction
in waste.
However it
was directly
proportional
to reduced
visitation.
Other waste:
• 103.58 tonnes of hard waste was generated by Thredbo (not recycled and not part of a
development application).
• Construction waste in Perisher included 182 cubic metres of mixed builders waste
(concrete, timber etc.) and 80 tyres disposed to Jindabyne landfill by a contractor.
• Perisher removed 1.34 tonnes of e–waste to Jindabyne landfill (printers, CRT monitors,
desktop computers, TVs, cables, keyboards and a photocopier).
There was a reduction in total general waste of 178.67 tonnes (10.8%) compared to 2012–
13. This reduction correlates with a reduction in skier days (pers. comm. resort operators)
and winter visitors during the 2013 ski season.
33
KPI
G1
All resorts recorded a reduction in waste disposal compared to 2012–13:
• Thredbo  2.5%
• Perisher/CPV  11.34%
• Selwyn  23%
Not all construction waste has been captured in this report. Development projects are
managed separately from overall resort operations.
The increase in hard waste at Thredbo was attributed to the sediment removed from the
retention ponds around the village green. This was last undertaken 10 years ago.
G2
Performance
trend over 12
months

There was
an overall
reduction
in waste.
However, it
was directly
proportional
to reduced
visitation.
KPI
G3
•
•
1.77 tonnes of biosolids were removed from the Clivus Multrum at Selwyn along with
12.26 tonnes of uric acid.
NPWS is investigating the development of a compost waste stream for Perisher and
Charlotte Pass resorts that will include kitchen and biosolid waste.
Performance
trend over 12
months

Biosolids from
STPs were
used in the
rehabilitation
of agricultural
land.
There was no
compost waste
stream.
28% (or 413 tonnes) of all domestic waste was recycled including bottles, cans, paper and
cardboard (Bullocks Flat and Blue Cow are not included in this figure).
Cooking oil recycled
Thredbo: 5,000 litres
Perisher: approximately 4800 litres
Selwyn: 0.9 tonnes.
Other waste recycled
Thredbo recycled:
• 3.2 tonnes of steel
• 31.56 tonnes of clean untreated timber
• 18 mattresses
• 11 electronic units and household appliances
• 5.3 tonnes of green waste
• 0.48 tonnes of skis, boots and boards.
Selwyn recycled 8 printer cartridges.
Ex–rental gear
Perisher sent 1197 items of hire clothing to Rotary charity for distribution to Tanzania,
Timor and Papua New Guinea.

The
percentage of
waste recycled
has not
significantly
changed in
four years.
The recycling figures for this year were comparable to the 2012–13 period. The Perisher/
Charlotte Pass recycling rate was higher. However, Thredbo and Selwyn both showed a
slight reduction which resulted in an overall net percentage similar to 2012–13.
Percentage change in recycling compared to 2011–12:
• Thredbo  1%
• Perisher & CPV  5%
• Selwyn  0.8%
Selwyn is still unable to recycle plastic and glass bottles.
All staff at Thredbo and Perisher are encouraged to recycle paper, cardboard, glass,
plastics and metals, as well as fluorescent tubes, mobile phones, e–waste, batteries and
cooking oil.
G3
•
•
•
34
Biosolids generated from the Perisher Valley Sewage Treatment Plant were treated

with a polymer flocculent and then transported to a land rehabilitation site at
Biosolids
from
Berridale for application by direct drilling. The project was undertaken in accordance
STPs
were
with the Environmental Guidelines: Use and Disposal of Biosolids Products (EPA 2000).
used in the
In total, 1800 kilolitres of biosolids were removed from the STP over the reporting
rehabilitation
period; this equated to 33.84 tonnes of dry solids.
of agricultural
71 dry tonnes of biosolids were removed from the Thredbo STP and applied as a soil
land
conditioner to the Berridale rehabilitation site.
There
was no
80,000 litres of biosolids (aged sludge) were removed from the Bullocks Flat STP
compost
waste
and transported by a licensed contractor to the EPA–approved disposal facility in
stream.
Goulburn.
Near Mount Stillwell, Charlotte Pass
Photo: Helen Smith
35
Objective
To improve local air quality and reduce or offset carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
A1
A2
A3
Amount of CO2 offsets.
Percentage of renewable energy used in resorts.
Percentage of visitors using Skitube.
Table 7: NSW alpine resorts environmental performance summary for air quality and CO2 emissions KPIs
2013–14
KPI
A1
•
•
•
A2
•
•
•
•
•
•
A3
Vista Ski Run, Perisher Ski Resort
Photo: Helen Smith
36
•
•
Thredbo sequestered 997 CO2 e–tonnes through the Greenfleet program. It also
reduced the production of 690 CO2 e–tonnes by purchasing GreenPower (based on
scope 2 emission factors published by the Australian Government Department of the
Environment).
Perisher Blue Pty Ltd ceased purchasing CO2 offsets with a view to focus
on minimising energy consumption. This is in line with Perisher’s energy
policy which outlines the companies energy management priorities as
Measure > Minimise > Transfer > Offset.
Through the purchase of renewable energy certificates from the Hepburn Community
Windfarm, the Brindabella Ski Club (with lodges in Guthega and Thredbo) offset 10%
of their CO2 emissions.
Perisher purchased 700 megawatt hours of accredited GreenPower renewable
electricity from Red Energy during 2013. This equates to approximately 5% of
Perisher’s electricity consumption.
Thredbo purchased 10% Greenpower through Origin for six major sites and 100%
Greenpower for the Central Spur T–bars.
The Guthega Alpine Hotel installed a 10–kilowatt photovoltaic system. It produced
11,416 kilowatt hours.
28% of Perisher lodges reported purchasing green energy.
NPWS purchased 6% GreenPower (61.3 megawatt hours).
Sundeck Hotel reported the generation of approximately14,600 kilowatt hours of
solar energy.
There was a slight reduction in passenger journeys on the Skitube in 2013 across 7364
winter services. However, it is proportional to the reduced visitation. Further to this
the introduction of the ticket scanning gates at Bullocks Flat has resulted in a more
accurate data collection method. Previously the number of passenger journeys on
Skitube was based on ticket sales including season passes. The journeys allocated to
season passes were estimated and were most likely elevated. Hence the decline in
usage is not deemed to be significant in real terms.
It is estimated that 80% of visitors to Charlotte Pass use the Skitube.
Performance
trend over 12
months

There was a
reduction in
CO2 offsets
purchased.

Additional
solar panels
were
installed on a
commercial
lodge.

The Skitube
usage was
comparable to
the previous
year relative to
visitation.
37
Cultural heritage
Objective
To conserve and promote the cultural heritage values of the alpine resort areas.
C1
C2
Education, awareness and promotion of resort cultural heritage values.
Protection of heritage sites, items and historic assets.
Table 8: NSW alpine resorts environmental performance summary for cultural heritage KPIs 2013–14
KPI
C1
Perisher
• In June 2013 the Perisher Historical Society (PHS), with financial and in–kind
assistance from NPWS and Perisher Blue Pty Ltd, published the book Highway to
Heaven – A History of Perisher and the Ski Resorts Along the Kosciuszko Road,
by Peter Southwell–Keely. The book contains over 400 historic photographs and
provides a detailed historical chronology of Charlotte Pass, Guthega, Perisher Valley,
Smiggin Holes, Blue Cow, Sponars and Ski Rider. In 2014 the book was awarded the
International Skiing History Association’s (ISHA) Skade Award for ‘an outstanding work
in regional ski history’. The announcement and presentation of the award was made
during International Skiing History Week, Park City, Utah.
• Aboriginal Alps totems have been installed at several locations throughout the
Perisher resort and Bullocks Flat. They promote awareness of the spiritual connection
of the traditional owners to the region.
Thredbo
• Kosciuszko Thredbo Pty Ltd provided cultural heritage awareness training to all new
staff and 95% of returning/full–time staff as part of its environmental management
program. The training presentation includes information on Indigenous heritage,
the grazing heritage of Friday Flat camp area, water use history (Snowy Mountains
Scheme) and architectural heritage.
• The Thredbo Historical Society (THS) continued to promote the skiing and resort
heritage of the area by organising social functions, maintaining a website, compiling
and distributing quarterly newsletters, maintaining a historic collection and managing
and operating the ski museum at Thredbo. KT is a current corporate sponsor of THS
and provides a room for the Thredbo Museum free of charge.
• KT continued to promote and maintain the ‘Thredbo Village Self–guided Heritage
Walk’ through the Thredbo website, signs and a brochure/map.
Start of New Chum heritage trail
Photo: Jo Caldwell
38
Performance
trend over 12
months

The Perisher
Historical
Society
produced an
internationally
recognised
history
publication.
Extensive photos, newspaper articles and heritage memorabilia adorn the walls of the
historic Charlotte Pass Chalet, which was rebuilt in 1939 after fire destroyed the original.
The building has undergone modifications but is essentially the same as when it was built
73 years ago.
39
KPI
C1
Selwyn Snowfields
• The winter staff induction training included information on the cultural heritage of
Selwyn Snowfields along with that of Kosciuszko National Park. The presentation
provided by NPWS staff included past land uses and the birth of skiing in Australia in
the neighbouring Kiandra gold fields.
• The Selwyn Snowfields website (www.selwynsnow.com.au) and the Snowy Mountains
Holiday Centre website (www.smhc.com.au) contain pages detailing the history
of Selwyn Snowfields and the development of skiing in the northern end of the
Kosciuszko National Park.
• Historic images and equipment are on display around the resort accompanied by
information on the history of skiing in the area. There is also heritage literature
available for sale.
C2
In accordance with planning and assessment guidelines, all development proposals
are assessed against Aboriginal and European cultural heritage criteria. Avoiding
impacts to areas of significance is dealt with in the planning stage of projects and
managed throughout the works. Staff are inducted on matters of Aboriginal or European
significance prior to relevant project works including the requirements within consent
conditions and other safeguards.
No significant Aboriginal heritage sites were identified for protection or threatened by
disturbance during this reporting period.
Performance
trend over 12
months

The Perisher
Historical
Society
produced an
internationally
recognised
history
publication.
Objective
To ensure the recreational opportunities and facilities of the alpine resorts are provided and managed
sustainably.

All potential
impacts on
heritage values
are considered
as part of
the planning
assessment
process.
R1
R2
Education, awareness and promotion of sustainable tourism in resorts
Monitoring of key recreational activities:
• Snow play at Selwyn
• Mountain biking and walking at Thredbo
• Snow tubing at Perisher.
Table 9: NSW alpine resorts environmental performance summary for sustainable recreation KPIs 2013–14
KPI
R1
Selwyn
• Winter staff (approximately 60 people) were informed during induction on the
principles of sustainable recreation and how it is applied in the resort. This includes
implementing the community awareness programs: ‘Keep Winter Cool’, ‘Bin Your Butts’
and ‘Waterwise’.
• Cross–country skiing and bushwalking were actively promoted.
Kosciuszko Chalet, Charlotte Pass
Photo: Virgina Logan
Perisher
• The Children’s Snowports Program continued to incorporate native animals as
mascots and featured interactive activities such as the ‘magic forest’ where children
were encouraged to spot animals amongst the trees. This was to heighten their
awareness of the native plants and animals in the area. Historical information on the
national park and resort were added to the program in 2014.
• Guest awareness of environmental issues continued to be raised through the
placement of signage and the inclusion of environmental information on the intranet.
• The Porcupine Snow Shoe trail provided an alternative to skiing in winter with
interpretation on key environmental aspects.
40
Thredbo
• KT provided sustainable recreation training to 99% of new staff and 95% of returned
staff. This training included environmental aspects of resort operations and promotion
of other activities including walking trails.
• KT ECO is certified at the Advanced Ecotourism level for its walks program. It has a
number of self–guided walks that are promoted through the Thredbo website and
are covered by a printed brochure/map. The walk guide manager maintains a register
of walks, noting any issues with walks both within the Thredbo lease area and the
Kosciuszko main range. This information helps to improve the program and the
condition of the environment as well as inform maintenance programs.
Performance
trend over 12
months

All resorts
continued
to provide
pre–winter
environmental
induction
training for
their staff.
41
KPI
R2
Selwyn
Snow play is popular with families and first time visitors to the snow. As the activity doesn’t
require machinery or lifts, the most significant impact to the surrounds is the amount
of litter produced and left by visitors, and bare earth during periods of low snow levels.
During this reporting period numbers on the toboggan slopes were regulated through
the use of access passes. This had the added advantage of improving safety by reducing
crowding and heightening the visitor experience. During marginal snow periods areas
were cordoned off by temporary fencing to reduce damage to bare ground. The area was
also patrolled for litter several times a day throughout the season.
Thredbo downhill mountain bike trail monitoring
Monitoring commenced in May 2009 and is undertaken biannually in May and November.
The monitoring involves walking the trail and mapping trail conditions including erosion,
vegetation damage and weed locality. Works have been undertaken to remediate impacts,
however, parts of the trail have ongoing drainage problems as a result of poor design
and groundwater issues. This continues to be addressed and will require management in
the future. Work that has been triggered by trail monitoring includes rock armouring on
steeper slopes and redesign of the track on the ski slope areas to meet IMBA guidelines
(International Mountain Biking Association).
Snow tubing at Perisher
The Tubetown facility at Piper’s Gap requires a minimum 300 millimetres of snow cover
prior to access or operation of the area. This is to protect the endangered plant community
known as bog. Snowmaking in the vicinity of the site allows a sufficient cover of man–
made snow to be established and groomed early in the season for access tracks and to
establish the tubing slopes. Mountain staff measure the snow cover prior to accessing
and commissioning the facility each year. Access is via the disturbed route off the north
Perisher Road above the Tubetown facility. During low snow periods, a grooming machine
is left onsite to reduce the damage to the oversnow route by removing the need for daily
access.
Performance
trend over 12
months
Resort amenity
Objective
To conserve and enhance the existing amenity of the alpine resorts.
Am1 Education, awareness and promotion of resort amenity.
Am2 Measures to protect the visual and acoustic environments within resorts and minimisation of
any impacts to the neighbouring areas.

The impacts
of key
recreational
activities were
monitored
across three
resorts.
Table 10: NSW alpine resorts environmental performance summary for resort amenity KPIs 2013–14
KPI
Am1 •
•
•
The bog area appears to be persisting in good condition with no direct impacts evident
from close grooming or low–snow access.
•
Leichhardt access track bog monitoring
In accordance with the development approval for construction of an access track to
Leichhardt T–bar, the bog area in the vicinity of the development is being monitored
annually. The monitoring was established three years ago in anticipation of the track being
built. The aim of the monitoring is to ensure the hydrological flows are not impeded by the
track and in turn modify vegetation cover. The track is scheduled to be constructed over
the 2014–15 summer. The last three years of monitoring will provide the baseline data for
post–construction comparisons.
•
Am2 •
Mountain biking, Thredbo Village
Photo: Vrginia Logan
•
42
•
•
•
Performance
trend over 12
months
Selwyn Snowfields promotes the improvement of resort amenity through the Selwyn
Snowfields website by updating clients with improvements to the resort through the
‘Cool News’ feed.
KT provided amenity awareness training as part of its induction training to 99% of
new staff and 95% of returning full–time staff. This included promotion and awareness
of the ‘Bin Your Butt” campaign and litter management.

Charlotte Pass staff undertook induction training at the commencement of winter
Education and
operations including the importance of resort amenity.
awareness
Perisher staff online induction training includes information on reducing
programs
environmental and visual impacts. Targeted staff inductions were also conducted for
were
specific summer programs. Improvements and updates are communicated to staff
implemented.
and guests through internal memos, social media, newsletters and video reports.
NPWS produced a spring 2013 edition of ‘Resort Roundup’ – a newsletter for the
resort community of Kosciuszko National Park. It includes promotion of sustainability
initiatives, upgrades and expansion of resort facilities, protection and enhancement of
resort values, biodiversity and environmental health issues.
A litter awareness campaign ‘Don’t Waste the Snow’ was implemented collaboratively
across all resorts in winter 2013. The campaign was launched at Thredbo on the
ski season opening weekend and was broadcast throughout the season via radio
announcements, newspapers and banners.
All resort operators undertake daily litter patrols in high–use areas during winter.
Patrols help reduce the flyaway rubbish floating into surrounding bushland,
encourage positive guest behaviour and improve visual amenity. However, littering
continues to be a significant problem in all alpine resorts.
All available staff participated in the joint Perisher/NPWS Clean Up day held in
November 2013. 1.2 tonnes of litter were collected, the lowest in recent years.
However this reduction may be due to the increased number of litter pick–ups
throughout the season by Perisher and NPWS staff. It is estimated that an additional
0.8 tonnes of litter were collected by staff throughout the season.
Selwyn Snowfields undertakes a bi–annual clean–up and daily litter patrols.
Perisher has been undertaking a program to automate snowmaking across the resort
which has the benefit of reducing noise by minimising operation times.

Littering
continues
to be a
significant
problem in
alpine resorts.
43
www.environment.nsw.gov.au

NSW Alpine Resorts Environmental Performance Report

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