A MULTI-MILLION dollar investment at Mt Hotham is set to bring a lift to employment.
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Mt Hotham Skiing Company will spend $4.4 million on new snowmaking machines and equipment in a bid to improve snow coverage.
Mount Hotham Skiing Company and Falls Creek Ski Lifts marketing manager Anthony O’Shea said work would start in coming weeks.
“We’re going to install 18 new state-of-the-art snow guns,” he said.
“There is also new infrastructure, pipes, pump stations and controls which will increase the capacity of snowmaking and the area we cover.”
We will be able to keep our snowmaking team on over the summer to work on the project
- Anthony O'Shea
While the number of staff who work on the project will fluctuate, Mr O’Shea said the project would be positive for towns in the region.
Unemployment figures released by the federal Department of Employment in August show 6.8 per cent of the Hume population was unemployed.
Youth unemployment sits at 19.4 per cent – one of the worst rates in the country.
“We’re starting work shortly and the project spans the entire summer,” Mr O’Shea said.
“With all contingencies factored in, the worst case scenario is that it will be ready to go on June 1 next year.
“It’s good news for local employment.
“We will be able to keep our snowmaking team on over the summer to work on the project.”
The works would result in greater snowmaking capacity in Heavenly Valley, the area around the Roadrunner lift and around the summit.
Mr O’Shea said the snow cannons would be able to make small changes as temperatures and humidity levels vary.
“The new system will be fully-automated,” he said.
“A lot of new pipes are being installed and there is a new substation that needs to be built.
“There is an new pumping house that will increase the pump capacity by 50 per cent.
“There is also an IT component to the project as well.”
Mr O’Shea said there had been a slow start to this year’s snow season due to poor snowfall.
The first sod will be turned within weeks.