In 2020 MHARMB secured $800,000 towards the Whiskey Flat Alpine Recreation Facility under the Local Sport Infrastructure 2020–21 – Strategic Facilities Fund administered by Sport and Recreation Victoria.
This project will deliver a new accessible, multipurpose public facility incorporating community space, changing rooms and toilets, as well as basic kitchen facilities to provide catering options for groups and events. The facility will be environmentally sensitive, using insulation, water saving and re-use measures, solar panels and efficient lighting control to minimise energy and water use.
Whiskey Flat already hosts Australia’s only international-standard biathlon shooting range, which is used during winter by the Australian Biathlon Association (ABA) for events and training. The development will support the ABA’s ability to host international competitions and will position Hotham as the lead biathlon training site in the southern hemisphere.
In addition, the project unlocks new uses for the Whiskey Flat precinct, which sits at the centre of 35 kilometres of year-round tracks and trails in sub-alpine snowgum woodlands, a favourite area for cross-country skiers in winter and hikers and cyclists in summer.