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Falls Creek Resort Management has announced that it is to close as part of Stage three ‘Stay at Home’ Coronavirus restrictions across regional Victoria.

The closure, which began at 11.59pm on 5th August, followed advice to Falls Creek Resort Management (FCRM) from the Victorian Government that National Parks and the Alpine Resorts were to close as a result of the State of Disaster declared by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on Sunday 2nd August.

With residents and stakeholders at Falls Creek having also been impacted by bushfires threatened the Alpine Resorts and surrounding regions in January this year, FCRM Chief Executive, Stuart Smythe, said that the news was of course disappointing but extremely important to slow the spread of Coronavirus.

Smyth advised “this year has been a disaster for the Falls Creek stakeholders - to say the least. 

“With the bushfires in summer and now having to close partway through winter, it is fair to say local businesses on the mountain and surrounding towns have suffered significantly.”

“It is now more integral than ever that we do everything that we can to ensure we return to a ‘normal’ existence once again soon. We look forward to welcoming guests back to the resort for some Falls Freedom when the time is right. 

“In the meantime we implore you to do the right thing - stay home, stay safe and wear a mask.”

Operational changes at Falls Creek resort as of 11.59pm on Wednesday 5th August have included:

Resort Entry
• Only permanent Winter Residents may enter the Falls Creek Resort and must ensure they have the correct Resort Entry Permit
• General resort entry or season passes can no longer be purchased
• No visitors will be allowed to enter the resort at the resort Howman’s Gap ticket box. This site will be staffed and will remain open to monitor those entering the resort
• Vehicle snow chain regulations are still applicable and will be enforced

Resort Entry Refunds
• Resort Entry Season Permit holders that are eligible for a refund and have not previously submitted a request should email fcrm@fallscreek.com.au

Exercise
• The Alpine National Park and Falls Creek resort is temporarily closed to the public and exercise cannot be undertaken within either of these areas
• XC trail grooming is closed for the remainder of the season

Members of the Falls Creek community, are advised that Stage 3 ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions are applicable at all times.

The FCRM office will remain open during the next six weeks.

Images: Snow conditions at Falls Creek over recent days. Courtesy of Samantha Salmon (top) and Matt Hull (middle and below).

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