Victorian Government announces $1.5 million 'eco-pod' funding for Mount Buffalo
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Victorian Government announces $1.5 million 'eco-pod' funding for Mount Buffalo
The Victorian Government has signalled its intention to turn Mount Buffalo into a 12-months-a-year tourism destination through support for new “eco pod” accommodation.
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Adventure Guides AustraliaMount Buffalo, Victoria.
Luxury Alpine pods are being planned for Victoria's Mount Buffalo as part of a $1.5 million investment announced by the state government last week.
Part of the government’s $2.7 billion Building Works package, the eco pod investment comes as Parks Victoria prepares to instigate an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to seek private investment for a cafe within the iconic Mount Buffalo Chalet.
The EOI proposal is for a year-round cafe in the front part of the chalet, which would offer regional produce along with self-guided tours of the Chalet ballroom.
While Mount Buffalo already attracts more than 230,000 visitors a year, it is hoped the addition of a new accommodation and a potential new cafe will draw visitors in summer to hike, camp and kayak.
At a glance:
- The Victorian Government has announced $1.5 million will be spent on building "eco-pod " accommodation at Mount Buffalo.
- The proposal comes as Parks Victoria prepares to instigate an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to seek private investment for a cafe within the iconic Mount Buffalo Chalet.
- The government says the investment is to support Mount Buffalo as a 12-months-a-year tourism destination.
"Providing new accommodation options will allow more people to experience the beauty of Mount Buffalo, providing benefits for the wider region," said Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula.
The potential for a cafe and environmentally-friendly accommodation were raised after the Alpine Shire Council undertook a business case assessment, funded by the Victorian Government, to help realise Mount Buffalo National Park’s potential to become a year-round destination.
The government has previously committed $1.5 million to upgrade the Gorge Visitor Centre Area within the Mount Buffalo National Park.
The project has been carried out in two stages, due to the complexity of works.
Source: Adventure Guides Australia
The stage two works featuring a new lookout are nearly complete and will also enhance Mount Buffalo National Park’s appeal as an all-seasons destination.
According to Parks Victoria, visitation at the national park is increasing by five per cent annually, with the majority of visitors attending over summer.
Local businesses and industry groups were consulted as part of the business assessment and demonstrated an appetite for experienced tourism and hospitality operators to be involved in future tourism opportunities.
The Victorian Government is working with the Alpine Shire to ensure any planning restrictions are resolved ahead of the EOI process, expected to start in late 2020.
Click here for more information about Mount Buffalo National Park.
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