Thredbo summit highlights economic impact of snow resorts
Published on 29 May 2026
Mansfield Shire Council participated in the inaugural Snow Resorts Australia Snow Summit in Thredbo, NSW, on 5-6 May 2026.
The event brought together resort leaders, government representatives, tourism operators, community advocates and industry experts from across Australia to shape the future direction of the nation’s snow sector.
National data presented at the event shows that surrounding regional communities capture up to 50 per cent of the economic contribution generated by snow resorts. As the industry generates $5.71 billion in economic output, $2.13 billion in direct regional expenditure and supporting 22,000 regional jobs nationally, the stakes for communities like Mansfield Shire are significant.
Mansfield Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Kirsten Alexander represented Council at the event together with other senior Council officers, taking part in a panel discussion on the role of snow regions in driving regional economic growth.
“I was pleased to represent Mansfield Shire Council in Thredbo. The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders who enjoyed a robust and productive conversation focused on how we make the most of the mountains at our doorsteps. There were highly attractive propositions put forward to generate significant revenue for regional communities.”
“An intriguing topic of discussion at the event was the disparity between snowmaking capacity globally. Italy’s ski industry generates around $18b and creates around 400,000 jobs. 90% of their trails are covered by manmade snow. In Australia, that figure is 13%. The need for further investment into snowmaking capability in Australia is clear, it would extend the 121- day snow season, create jobs and generate further revenue for the resorts and for our regional communities.”
While at the summit, Ms Alexander took the opportunity to meet with the federal government’s Emergency Services Minister Kristy McBain, whose electorate includes the snow resorts of Perisher and Thredbo and to advocate for the Mansfield Emergency Services Precinct.
“As well as highlighting the pressing need for the Mansfield Emergency Services Precinct following the January bushfire event, the importance of accessibility to the resorts and surrounding communities was highlighted during my panel session, in particular the need for investment in roads and public transport.”
“Improved public transport access to Mt Buller and for the Mansfield Shire community will reduce environmental impact and ease traffic pressures on regional roads, an issue of particular importance to Mansfield Shire as a gateway to Victoria’s High Country.”
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie believes the CEO is well-placed to help strengthen the relationship between Mansfield Shire, Mt Buller and Mt Stirling.
“Very few have such an in-depth operational understanding of both our Shire and the snow resorts,” he said.
“She was uniquely qualified to speak on behalf of Council at the Snow Summit and I’m certain her insights added a lot to an important conversation.”
“There are significant economic benefits to having a prestigious snow resort so close to our shire. It brings jobs to our community, with visitors to the mountain and the Mt Buller community all contributing meaningfully to our local economy."
Events like the Snow Resorts Australia Snow Summit reinforce the importance of strong partnerships and long-term thinking as we work together to support thriving, resilient regional communities - during the snow season and beyond.
ENDS