INTRODUCTIONParks Victoria, Tourism North East, the Department of Economic Development Jobs, Transport, and Resources (Regional

Development Victoria and Economic Projects) and Visit Victoria are planning a walk between Falls Creek and Mt Hotham

through the Alpine National Park. Known as the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing (FHAC) it is one of four walks in the Walk

Victoria’s Icons program which aim to engage a broad range of visitors in nature, supporting Parks Victoria’s philosophy of

Health Parks Heathy People.

In late 2015 and early 2016 a number of information sessions were held to seek community and stakeholder views on a

Preliminary Concept. Parks Victoria received 35 responses and 36 online surveys were completed. In April 2016 the project

team met with representatives from Mount Hotham and Falls Creek resorts and the townships of Harrietville and Dinner

Plain. This paper provides a summary of the feedback received in response to the preliminary concept plan. Information is

grouped under three themes:

• Alignment,

• Visitors and accommodation,

• Mitigating impacts.

A key proposition of the project is that the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing is a great way to provide better access for more

people to experience the park, catering for different levels of fitness and enabling more people to experience the grandeur

of the landscape and understand the importance of the environmental values of the region.

Overall the idea of an improved walking experience, reinforced by better services and facilities and protection of the park’s

natural and cultural values, was supported.

WALKING TRACK ALIGNMENTWhy is construction of new track necessary?

The current alignment between Falls Creek and Mount Hotham generally follows a section of the larger (655km) Australian

Alps Walking Track. A comparison with other highly successful walks indicates that modifications in alignment and providing

improved accommodation, facilities and services have the potential to draw a broader range of visitors.

The proposed new alignment will take in spectacular scenery along the Diamantina Spur and the Razorback. It includes an

optional ascent of Mount Feathertop, the state’s second highest mountain. The preliminary concept also tests proposals

for the construction of three sections of new trail, totalling 12km in length. These new sections eliminate the need for

backtracking and seek to resolve maintenance and operational issues such as erosion and bogging.

Consultation Phase 1 - What we’ve heard about the Preliminary Concept.

Is Diamantina Spur really suitable for the average walker?

A detailed assessment of the Diamantina Spur is investigating how the Diamantina Spur track can be upgraded to make it

more achievable for the target market of walkers carrying daypacks.

Considerations include:

• Reviewing the route to avoid the steepest sections;

• Constructing a more accessible, safe and sustainable trail, possibly with natural steps, to provide a more

achievable challenge and protect natural values;

• Designing the trail to enhance the experience of nature and minimise built form such as staircases or

handrails;

• Mitigating the impact on the landscape and reducing erosion;

• Creating regular rest points where walkers can stop, let others pass and take in the spectacular views.

With these modifications, it is proposed that this section of the walk can be made more accessible to a wider range of walkers

that can enjoy the walk and feel inspired by the challenge, including walking the Spur, in completing the Falls to Hotham

Alpine Crossing.

Are the townships of Harrietville and Dinner Plain being considered?

The master plan will explore trail links with the alpine resorts at Falls Creek and Mt Hotham and the local villages of Harrietville,

Bright, Mt Beauty and Dinner Plain. These links will encourage overnight stays before and after the walk, establishing these

townships as an integral part of the walk experience.

VISITORS AND ACCOMMODATIONWho is the walk catering to? How can we attract more visitors to the area?

Much of the overnight hiking currently on offer in the Victorian Alps is suited to experienced, independent walkers or visitors

using the services of a Local Tour Operator (LTO).

The FHAC will provide the opportunity for LTOs to develop a range of walking products to suit different target markets that

are not currently well catered for. These visitors are often described in the industry as “comfort in nature” or “experience

seekers” and tend to want a supported (often guided) walking experience where they carry light day packs, stay in established

hiker camps or roofed accommodation, and are provided quality meals. This makes the walk more achievable for people of

moderate experience and fitness. This type of walk is increasingly popular with people over 40 years of age who are willing

to pay for these additional services.

It is proposed that hiker accommodation would provide facilities and services to better cater for the demands of these target

markets, similar to world-class walks in Tasmania and New Zealand.

Three potential accommodation locations have been identified in the preliminary concept at Tawonga Huts, along the Kiewa

Valley and at a location just below High Knob on the Diamantina Spur. Each site will be further investigated and described in

more detail in the draft master plan.

What will the accommodation and built structures look like?

All new infrastructure and facilities will be of high design quality and integrated sensitively with the spectacular scenery of

the Australian Alps. This supports the objective of creating a world-class, nature-based walking experience.

The scale and configuration of accommodation will be informed by environmental and cultural assessments, government

policy and market needs. Current planning suggests that small scale facilities of a high design quality, suited to smaller,

guided walking groups, would assist in supporting the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing walking experience.

The master plan is a strategic document and will not prescribe detailed designs for built elements. However, it will set out

design and development parameters which will guide future processes for implementation.

How will they be managed and serviced?

The master plan is considering the servicing requirements by Parks Victoria and potential operators, including the provision

of materials, linen, water and food, the disposal of waste and the ongoing maintenance and operational requirements of

these facilities. It is likely that this will be achieved through a combination of helicopter and walking.

IMPACTSHow does the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing fit with the Greater Alpine National Park Management Plan and other

government policy?

The Greater Alpine National Park Management Plan is currently being finalised ahead of its release. It acknowledges and

supports the The Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing as a key recreation and tourism opportunity in the region.

The FHAC will be planned and implemented in accordance with the National Parks Act 1975, the Greater Alpine National

Parks Management Plan and all relevant planning policies, legislation and controls to avoid disturbance to the environment.

The Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing is one of four walking products under the Walk Victoria’s Icons program which responds

to government policy supporting the development of nature-based tourism opportunities. This was originally identified in

Victoria’s Nature-based Tourism Strategy 2008-2012.

How will potential environmental impacts be assessed and managed?

Parks Victoria’s Health Parks Healthy People philosophy aims to engage a more diverse range of people in experiencing our

natural environment. Through this, a better appreciation of environmental values and their potential benefits to society can

be understood.

Parks Victoria has a core responsibility for the protection and conservation of the Alpine National Park’s natural and cultural

values. An environmental risk assessment is also being completed as part of the development of the master plan. It broadly

assesses the environmental and cultural risks associated with proposed initiatives in the master plan and puts in place

strategies for mitigation.

A preliminary environmental risk assessment determined that the proposed route, while travelling through some sensitive

areas, would not significantly impact the natural and cultural values provided that the recommendations proposed in the

park management plan are implemented and normal statutory planning processes regarding vegetation assessments and

cultural heritage management are adhered to.

The final environmental risk assessment will be made available to the public when the draft master plan is released.

How will private sector investment and commercial activities in the National Park be managed?

In accordance with government policy and the Greater Alpine National Park Management Plan, small-scale roofed

accommodation which supports a world-class walking experience, is being investigated in the master plan. Such facilities

could be constructed and managed by government, the private sector or a combination of both, but will be consistent with

government policy. It should be noted that many local tour operators already have licences to undertake activities within

Victoria’s national parks.

The master plan process will engage with prospective investors and operators to better define suitable and environmentally

sensitive commercial opportunities associated with the operation of the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing and the infrastructure

and facilities needed to support them . This will inform the draft master plan, which will provide more information regarding

the proposed approach.

What are the economic benefits of the proposed walk?

A key aim of the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing Master Plan is to strengthen the regional economy. For this reason,

economic modelling is an important component of the master plan.

A key aspect of the modelling will be the appeal to new visitor markets, and the walk’s ability to draw visitors to Victoria’s

north east. The environmental, social and economic benefits of the FHAC will be generated from a combination of trail and

asset refinement, increases in visitation and visitor spending and employment in regional centres and Alpine resorts.

Early economic modelling for the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing has commenced which indicates the proposed walk will

provide local and regional benefits. The modelling will be further refined and informed by detailed planning as part of the

draft master plan development.

Will the park continue to be open to everyone free of charge?

Development of the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing will not exclude self-walking groups or introduce new park entry fees.

Visitors will have the option to pay for value added services such as local tour operators and guides, equipment transfer,

shuttle services and access to high quality accommodation along the walk or continue to walk independently. Fees for

staying at designated hiker camps and for potential roofed accommodation will be determined in line with government

policy.

Will the walk require management of visitor numbers to minimise overcrowding?

Currently sites such as Federation Hut are very busy during peak periods such as long weekends and when multiple school

groups are walking. Limiting the number of walkers at any particular time will be a key consideration in achieving a “remote

walking” experience.

The practice of limiting the amount of walkers at any one time is already in place at popular walks such as the Wilsons

Promontory Southern circuit and Tasmania’s Overland Track. Overcrowding and separation between independent walkers,

supported walkers and school groups will be a key consideration in the master plan.

NEXT STEPSThe draft master plan and report is now being developed, taking into account all feedback received on the preliminary

concept plan. Later this year you will have the opportunity to comment on the draft master plan. Following community and

stakeholder input on the draft, the master plan will then be finalised in early 2017.

For further project information or to view the preliminary concept plan visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au (search Falls to Hotham

Alpine Crossing Master Plan).