WORKING within the Kosciuszko National Park businesses are fully aware of the environmental and Perisher (Vail Resorts) understand their responsibility which is why this year they were awarded Excellence in Sustainability at the Snowy Monaro Business Awards.
In 2017 Vail Resorts announced its Commitment to Zero which includes; (1) zero net emissions by 2030, (2) zero waste to landfill by 2030 and (3) a zero net operating impact to forests and habitat. Since this announcement the team at Perisher, led by the Environmental department have been working hard to change procedural and operational practices to achieve a commitment to zero.
Tanya Bishop, Perisher Environment Manager said, “It’s an honour to be recognised for the effort the entire Perisher team makes across all areas of the business as we work together, as a team, towards our Commitment to Zero goals.”
As part of this ongoing commitment to the environment, Perisher have held their annual Epic Promise Day. Launched in 2016, Epic Promise Day is aimed at bringing together the mountains, local communities, employees and guests to ignite a passion for the outdoors, conserve the natural environment and support local communities for a bright and sustainable future.
In early November over 130 Perisher employees diverted from their usual roles to give back to the environment and local community as part of the fourth annual Epic Promise Day.
This year staff worked across three projects in resort and the local community including a tree planting initiative with Upper Snowy Landcare, a revegetation project within the Leichhardt Chairlift Construction corridor as well as rubbish collection throughout the resort areas of Perisher Valley and Smiggin Holes.
After an overnight dusting of snow, staff ventured out to collect rubbish from Mt Perisher to Smiggin Holes while in Centre Valley an additional 600 native species were planted as part of the revegetation project on the new Leichhardt Quad Chairlift construction site. Over 4500 plants have now been planted since the completion of the chairlift earlier this year.
This year Perisher partnered with Upper Snowy Landcare to plant 1000 trees across the two sites of Glemlm and Yarrabin in Berridale for their Dieback program. This program is focused on combating the widespread dieback of Eucalypts within the local area.
“It was a great privilege to work with an enthusiastic Perisher team on their Epic Promise Day. We couldn't believe how quickly the tree guards were assembled. This recent biodiversity plot brings the Upper Snowy Landcare tally up to 19,000 native seedlings planted over 19 sites within the affected dieback zone since 2015. Another 9,000 are due to go in by 2022 under existing grants,” said Laruen Van Dyke from Upper Snowy Landcare.
You can read full details of Perisher commitments on their website at www.perisher.com.au/resort-info.
