Bushwalk Australia

For the many skiers amongst us, this petition https://www.change.org/en-AU/petitions/the-australian-federal-government-approve-the-proposal-to-upgrade-ben-lomond may be of interest.

Quoting change.org:

"The Northern Midlands Council has put forward a proposal to the Australian Federal Government to release funds for the development of the Ben Lomond Ski Fields in Tasmania.

The proposal includes new snow making facilities, improving the grooming and drainage on snowfields, the installation of a fun air bag and magic carpet, enhancement of the terrain park, boardwalk replacement, new toilet and shelter facilities and a new dam to provide water for snow generation.

The upgraded snow making facilities would take the winter snow season from unreliable to awesome - a terrain park, tobogganing, and the front slopes of the mountain could be open for three months during winter, instead of just whenever the snow is falling.

These developments would give a reliable snow season in Tasmania, creating jobs, boosting the local economy and giving Tasmanians cheap and easy access to awesome winter activities. Now is our chance to stand up in support for the Ben, and to help ensure this proposal goes ahead."

Personally I'm more interested in promoting use of this much undervalued mountain outside the ski season, but thought this an "interesting" proposal.

I don't understand... Is there a demand for this ? Most Aussies would go to NZ or in the resorts of Victoria, and if you're talking about Tassie locals, wouldn't it be better to develop Mount Field than Ben Lomond ? Ben Lomond is quite small and very rugged, the access road is very steep and gravel... I understand there's a need for tourism development for Tassie in Winter, but focus on the coast, on whale watching, on food, not on ski resorts... This would only benefit passionate people who already ski there in winter, and would certainly not attract tourists from overseas. So in term of jobs created, it would only be seasonal and very limited... I'm also very concerned about that dam thing, what is it exactly ? What are they gonna dam and where ? This could very well destroy Ben Lomond for bushwalkers.

[edit]I've just realized it's a petition FOR the project, given that it's a bushwalking forum I thought it would be AGAINST it...

Unfortunately Tasmania just doesn't have the climate for a decent ski season. I agree with Chris it very under utilised during the rest of the year as it is a great area for walking on a relatively flat sub alpine terrain also the potential for downhill mountain biking through the area is huge.

Interesting, I'll have to think about that one. I don't necessarily think it's an issue for bushwalkers - the skiing area isn't really a bushwalking destination itself. I like the idea of more snow, not sure about this fun airbag and magic carpet whatever they are. Don't like the idea of more people! It has about the right number now, it's not big enough to cater for more.