Perisher Range Resorts Environmental Management System (PRREMS)
The PRREMS was developed in 2002 in accordance with the international standard ISO 14001. It represents a systematic approach for managing the environmental impacts and risks associated with the operation of a resort in one of Australia's most sensitive environments. The vision is:
The Perisher Range Resorts will be widely recognised for exemplary environmental management of the areas natural, cultural, aesthetic and social values in their national park setting, and for sustainable recreation development that respects, conserves, enhances and restores those values.
The Perisher Range Resorts (PRR) include the ski areas and villages of Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega and Blue Cow. As well as the major ski field operator Perisher, there are 88 club lodges, 6 hotels, 26 commercial lodges/apartments, numerous staff accommodation buildings and a range of retail and resort services.
The PRREMS provides a common context and set of environmental goals for all lessees and other operators in the resort area. It is a tool to help existing lessees and operators demonstrate a high level of environmental performance. All stakeholders recognise the importance of developing and applying environmental best practice for their operations to ensure ecological and economic sustainability.
The stakeholders of PRREMS include: Essential Energy, Elgas, Nature Conservation Council, NSW Dept of Planning (DoP), NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA), Perisher Blue Pty Ltd (PB), Perisher Resorts Chamber of Commerce and SLOPES (Ski Lodges of Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes and Guthega Incorporated).
- PRREMS brochure (2009757PRREMS.pdf; 321KB) outlines the system including what it is, whose involved, how it works and a summary of the core objectives.
- PRREMS 02-06 report (PRREMSReport2002-2006; 718KB) contains information about the environmental performance of PRREMS stakeholders against the objectives and targets between the 1 May 2002 and the 30 April 2006.
- PRREMS 06-08 report (PRREMS_06-08_Reoprt.pdf; 625KB) contains information about the environmental performance of PRREMS stakeholders against the objectives and targets between 1 May 2006 and February 2008.
- PRREMS 08-09 report (PRREMSReport0809.pdf, 1.9MB) contains information about the environmental performance of PRREMS stakeholders against the objectives and targets between 29 February 2008 and 28 February 2009.
In 2011 the first combined Alpine Resorts Environment Report 2010-11 was produced. The report combined the annual environmental performance reporting from all the resort EMSs including the PRREMS.
PRREMS wins a National EMS Award
The PRREMS received a Merit Award in the Local Government Authority Catergory (LGA) of the National EMS awards 2009 for outstanding achievement in developing, maintaining and governing an EMS.
The Awards recognise farmers, small business operators and local government authorities who have successfully implemented an Environmental Management System (EMS).
The success of the PRREMS relies heavily on the participation of all the stakeholders who operate in the resorts area. They were instrumental in guiding the improvements to the system. It was the collaborative efforts of the stakeholders as well as the development of the resource material that were acknowledged through this Award.
The Visitor & Business Services Section of OEH would like to thank all of the PRREMS stakeholders who have contributed to the success of the EMS system. We look forward to working with everyone to continue making improvements to the system.
Information for lodges
A Lodge Environment Manual has been produced to be used by the Perisher Range lodges in Perisher Range Resorts to help them fulfil their obligations under the PRREMS. The term 'Lodge' refers to all accommodation premises including ski clubs/lodges, chalets, commercial lodges, apartments and hotels. The manual includes information on:
- Environmental risks - potential impacts from lodges on the environment
- PRREMS requirements - what lodges need to do to mitigate the risks and meet EMS requirements
- Reporting requirements - reporting obligations for the Perisher Range lodges (Perisher, Smiggin Holes, Guthega)
PRREMS lodge reporting
Each Perisher Range lodge is required to submit an annual performance report. The questions in the report relate to the EMS requirements, objectives and targets in the Lodge Environment Manual. The next report that each lodge must complete needs to be submitted by 14th April 2012. This report will capture information from March 2011 to February 2012. When a lodge submits their data for the year they are able to automatically generate an Earthcheck report on their environmental performance. The individual lodge reports are combined to establish a lodge average for identified targets and then a lodge summary report is produced from the collated information.
Submit your reports online at the Earthcheck website.
More information
See NPWS Alpine Resorts contacts.
Page last updated: 22 March 2012
