25/07/2022
The Alpine Community Plantation (ACP) Board wishes to advise that the organisation is currently facing significant financial pressures impacting its ability to carry out required works. This may result in partial or complete closures for Mystic Park and associated mountain bike trails over the next few months.
Alpine Community Plantation was formed in 2014 to coordinate, manage and promote safe and appropriate community use of Hancock Victorian Plantations (HVP) land situated within the Alpine Shire. Over the years since formation, the park has steadily increased in popularity and the demands on ACP have outgrown its original concept.
The summer of 2021-22 has delivered more park visitors than any previous year. This sudden and intense park usage has significantly increased the demands on the park, and on ACP as an organisation.
As a result, the cost of maintaining and operating the park through the 2023 financial year is forecast to significantly exceed the revenue generated. Key risk areas for the park, involving maintenance work and signage, are unable to be funded without notable investment.
Contrary to common belief, Mystic Park is not located on land freely available for public recreation. The Park is situated on private land primarily managed for commercial timber production. Community access to the plantations is made possible only through the goodwill of HVP. HVP has contributed significantly over the years.
To enable a sustainable future for the Park, ACP has obligations for ongoing financial viability and sound operational management. The ACP Board and Management are currently investigating alternate funding models including a βPay to Playβ model. ACP is also working with the Alpine Shire Council to understand the future of Mystic Park.
The ACP Board includes representatives from HVP, the Alpine Shire Council, the Alpine Cycling Club, the Bright Chamber of Commerce and the North East Victoria Hang Gliding Club. Concerned community members are encouraged to reach out to the representatives of their relevant community organisation for further information or feedback.
Note that comments for this post have been turned off. We appreciate this will be a hot topic, but the way to have your opinion heard is to contact your ACP Board representative.