smh.com.au
Perisher Invests $26 Million in New Chairlift, Plans Year-Round Alpine Resort
Perisher ski resort in NSW is investing $26 million in a new chairlift to improve skier experience and address poor snow seasons, part of a larger plan to transform into a year-round alpine destination with a new hotel adding 1700 beds, despite concerns about environmental impact in Kosciuszko National Park.
- How will the planned development of Perisher village, including the new hotel, impact tourism and the local economy in the Snowy Monaro region?
- The chairlift is part of a broader plan to transform Perisher into a year-round alpine destination, including a new hotel adding 1700 beds and public spaces. This development aims to reduce reliance on winter tourism and address housing shortages in the region, boosting the Snowy Monaro's $740 million tourism economy.
- What is the significance of Perisher's $26 million investment in a new chairlift, considering recent poor snow seasons and climate change concerns?
- Perisher ski resort in NSW, Australia, is investing $26 million in a new six-seater chairlift to improve skier experience and address past poor snow seasons. This investment signifies confidence in the future of the Australian snow industry, despite climate change concerns. The new lift will reduce travel time and ease congestion.
- What are the potential environmental consequences of the development plan for Kosciuszko National Park, and how will these be addressed to ensure sustainable development?
- While the focus is currently on winter operations, the development plan raises questions about the balance between economic growth and environmental protection in Kosciuszko National Park. The success of this initiative depends on securing a new lease with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and mitigating potential environmental impacts, such as the removal of thirteen snow gums during construction.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative emphasizes the economic benefits and positive aspects of the new chairlift and development plans, presenting them as a vote of confidence in the future of the Australian snow industry. The headline and introduction immediately highlight the positive aspects of the project. While some concerns about the environment are mentioned, they are downplayed compared to the focus on the financial investment and potential economic gains. This framing could lead readers to overlook potential negative impacts.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, but there is a tendency to frame the development positively. Phrases like "vote of confidence" and "reasonable gamble" present the investment in a favorable light, without fully acknowledging the risks. The use of terms like "bustling alpine hub" promotes a positive image of the planned development. More neutral alternatives would include less promotional language, focusing instead on factual details.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Perisher's new chairlift and development plans, but omits discussion of the potential environmental impacts beyond the mentioned removal of 13 snow gums and rehabilitation efforts. The economic benefits are highlighted, but the potential negative consequences for the environment and local communities are not thoroughly explored. The perspectives of environmental groups or those concerned about the ecological impact are absent. The long-term sustainability of the development plans in the face of climate change is also not critically examined.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the choice between winter and summer tourism as mutually exclusive. While Perisher's focus is on winter, the text acknowledges government initiatives promoting year-round tourism. The implication is that significant summer tourism is not feasible, but this is not supported by evidence and ignores the potential for diversified summer activities that would complement winter tourism.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the efforts to balance development with environmental concerns. Perisher is focusing on containing development to already disturbed land, vegetation rehabilitation, avoiding sensitive bogs, and returning excavated rock to create habitat for the endangered Guthega skink. These actions demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices and minimizing the environmental impact of development. The resort is also investing in snowmaking infrastructure to mitigate climate change threats, which aligns with responsible resource management.