THE fate of the Falls Creek Lakeside Development Project now lies in the hands of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), with a decision expected within six to eight weeks.

An appeal from the Cross Country Skiing Association of Victoria (XCSAV), Jon Spring and the Jaithmathang Traditional Owners against the project proposed by Falls Creek Resort Management has wrapped up, after 11 hearing days and a site visit to Falls Creek by VCAT members.

Objectors are specifically concerned by the project's plan to clear a 1.6km stretch of Bogong High Plains Road from Windy Corner to Rocky Valley Dam of snow during winter, instead of its current use as a main thoroughfare for cross country skiers accessing ski trails from Windy Corner.

Resort management want to allow vehicles all–year access and provide an additional 75 car parking spaces as part of its plans to redevelop the current Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition (ANARE) shed at Rocky Valley Lake, under its lakeside precinct project.

XCSAV president Sandra Paul said the final days of proceedings was a horrible process to go through.

According to Ms Paul, Falls Creek has yet to decide if the Bogong High Plains Road will be cleared, though she said ARV barristers had suggested that was still likely.

“They wouldn’t have to do as much earthworks if they didn’t clear the road, which therefore won’t have an impact on the endangered species there, but they don’t want to go down that road of thought,” she said.

“They presented us with a cross country map that didn’t make sense, to show us an apparent alternative route for our trails, but one went through an aqua-duct, one didn’t work with the shuttle bus route and they just hadn’t thought it through when we questioned them.

“I have qualifications in homologating a ski course, and our evidence that we won’t be able to run the Kangaroo Hoppet or other international races, is backed by Snow Australia who said an alternative trail can’t be done.

“ARV is desperate to not lose those races, but I don’t think Falls Creek care that much.

“It was really evident that they don’t care about cross country skiers or see value in us.

“So many cross country skiers are incredibly shell-shocked by this process.”

When approached for comment, Alpine Resorts Victoria said while the case was being determined by VCAT it is unable to make comment.