Alpine resorts

Planning for NSW alpine resorts

Group of people skiing at Perisher Ski Resort, NSW. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment / Jaime Plaza Van Roon
 

Development assessments for alpine resorts are governed by Chapter 4 of State Environmental Planning Policy (Precincts-Regional) 2021 (Precincts-Regional SEPP, Chapter 4).

The Precincts-Regional SEPP, Chapter 4 aims to protect and enhance the Alpine Region by ensuring development is ecologically sustainable, including the conservation and restoration of ecological processes, natural systems and biodiversity.

The Alpine Region comprises the following subregions in Kosciuszko National Park:

  • Blue Cow Terminal
  • Bullocks Flat Terminal
  • Charlotte Pass Alpine Resort
  • Creel Bay Alpine Accommodation
  • Kosciuszko Tourist Park Alpine Accommodation
  • Mount Selwyn Alpine Resort
  • Perisher Range Alpine Resort
  • Ski Rider Alpine Accommodation
  • Sponars Chalet Alpine Accommodation
  • Thredbo Alpine Resort
  • Thredbo Ranger Station Alpine Accommodation.

The resorts host snow-based recreation in winter, and hiking, mountain-biking, horse-riding and fishing in the warmer months. The resorts make an important economic and social contribution to the state.

Key requirements of the Precincts-Regional SEPP, Chapter 4 include:

  • consideration of the Snowy Mountains SAP Master Plan and Kosciuszko National Park Plan of Management
  • consultation with National Parks and Wildlife Service and consideration of submissions received
  • geotechnical and land stability issues associated with construction in steep alpine environments to be rigorously assessed (see Geotechnical Policy (PDF, 429 KB), geotechnical forms and geotechnical maps below)
  • development proposals to be referred to the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) for comment and be authorised under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.

Alpine Region Development Control Plan

The Alpine Region Development Control Plan 2025 (Alpine DCP) came into effect on 14 January 2025 and supports the statutory planning framework of the Alpine Region including Precincts-Regional SEPP, Chapter 4, and the Snowy Mountains SAP Master Plan.

The Alpine DCP applies to all land to which Precincts-Regional SEPP, Chapter 4 applies.

It provides detailed provisions to guide development to achieve the aims and objectives of the Precincts-Regional SEPP, Chapter 4. The Alpine DCP includes detailed objectives and controls for ensuring well-designed, quality-built form and development within the Alpine Region. Each development application lodged from 14 January 2025 will be assessed having regard to the Precincts-Regional SEPP, Chapter 4, Alpine DCP, and other matters listed in section 4.15 of the EP&A Act.

Charlotte Pass chairlift assessment

Construction of the new Guthries chairlift has experienced delays and will not open during the 2025 ski season.

The conditions of approval, accepted by the applicant, are in place to manage potential impacts on threatened species and highly sensitive ecological communities in the area.

This includes a requirement that works must cease over the colder months to ensure protection of environmentally sensitive locations and worker safety.

A request to extend construction beyond April 30 was not submitted by the applicant, and instead they advised the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure that construction would cease and recommence after the ski season.

The Department’s Alpine Resorts team, based in Jindabyne, has worked closely with the applicant when assessing the chair lift project and will continue to work with the applicant to ensure timely progress of the construction work following the end of ski season.

The Department supports sustainable tourism and development in the alpine resorts, while ensuring the protection of sensitive environmental areas.

Development applications

The Minister for Planning is the consent authority for development. You must make your development application to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure through the NSW Planning Portal.

The consent of the landowner (National Parks and Wildlife Service) is required before lodging your development application unless an exception applies.

Note: The consent of the landowner is not required for a development application for development on land identified as 'Consolidated Mountain Licence Area' or 'Thredbo Alpine Resort Licence Area' on the Major Resorts Licence Area map (PDF, 7.7 MB).

We recommend you contact the Alpine Resorts team and any other relevant agencies to discuss proposal.

Maps

The following maps are provided for reference purposes only and are superseded by mapping provided on the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure on the NSW Planning Portal which apply to the alpine subregions:

Fire safety in the alpine resorts

We promote fire safety in tourist accommodation buildings.

These forms and resources help in certifying and maintaining essential fire safety measures.

1. Annual fire safety statement

Each year, owners or leaseholders of buildings in alpine resort areas must submit a fire safety statement.

The statement confirms that an accredited practitioner (fire safety) has checked all essential fire safety measures and they have passed.

The statement confirms that an accredited practitioner (fire safety) has checked all essential fire safety measures and they have passed.

Visit Fire safety certification for fire safety statement forms.

Mail completed statements to PO Box 36, Jindabyne NSW 2627 or email them to [email protected]

2. Fire safety certificate

New or altered buildings must be issued with a fire safety certificate. A certificate must also be issued for each new or altered essential fire safety measure.

Once a fire safety certificate is issued, a fire safety statement must be submitted every 12 months.

Visit Fire safety certification for fire safety certificate forms.

3. Fire safety notice

Fire exits that include a fire-isolated stairway, passageway or ramp must display a Fire Safety Notice (PDF, 41 KB)

Geotechnical forms
Geotechnical maps

Alpine Fire Safety Policy – Tourist and visitor accommodation

Kosciuszko National Park is a top tourist destination in Australia, drawing around 3 million visitors annually. The park hosts a variety of accommodation types, from eco-lodges and holiday houses to ski club lodges and resorts, most of which were built from the 1960s onwards.

We developed an Alpine Fire Safety Policy in consultation with Alpine stakeholders, industry and other NSW Government agencies.

A draft Proposed Alpine Fire Safety Policy – Consultation Paper was on consultation during March 2025. The Department considered submissions received in finalising the policy.

The Alpine Fire Safety Policy is now finalised and will come into effect from 1 October 2025. 

The policy aims to provide clear and consistent fire safety standards for tourist and visitor accommodation in the Alpine Region to ensure adequate safety.

The policy includes:

This policy will come into effect on 1 October 2025. To keep up to date and receive supporting tools when the policy commences, you can join our mailing list or visit our website on 1 October 2025. 

Subscribe to receive updates

More information

For more information, phone the Alpine Resorts team on 02 6448 8500 or email [email protected]