As climate change continues to alter our world, Australia’s alpine regions are feeling the effects firsthand. At a recent panel discussion hosted by Protect Our Winters (POW) Australia, passionate advocates, scientists, business leaders, and policymakers gathered to discuss the ongoing impacts of climate change on our mountains and the urgent actions needed to protect them. The conversation ranged from the science behind declining snow seasons to the economic effects on tourism, the role of politics, and the importance of grassroots activism.

Panelists

  • Zoe Gray – A 17-year-old climate activist and Mount Beauty local.
  • Steve Belli – President of the Mount Hotham Chamber of Commerce and community advocate.
  • Dr. Helen Haines – Independent Member for Indi, representing political and policy perspectives.
  • Ewen Silvester – Director of the Research Centre for Applied Alpine Ecology at La Trobe University.

The Role of Independent Leadership in Climate Action

Dr. Helen Haines, Independent Member for Indi, shared her perspective on the political challenges and opportunities in pushing for climate policies. She emphasized the vital role of independents in Parliament, particularly in holding governments accountable and driving legislative action.

Haines noted that the upcoming federal election presents a crucial moment for climate action. “There’s a very good chance that independents will hold the balance of power,” she explained. “That means we can force the major parties to take deep and rapid cuts in fossil fuel emissions.” She called on Australians to consider climate policy when they vote, reminding them that every decision made in Canberra has a lasting impact on future generations.

Haines also reflected on her work pushing for better environmental legislation. She explained that the government has been reluctant to implement strong protections, often bowing to pressure from fossil fuel lobbyists. “We’ve seen promising bills introduced, only to have them watered down or dismissed entirely,” she said. “This is why we need strong independent voices in Parliament who are willing to fight for real action.”

She also addressed the role of government grants in helping alpine resorts transition toward a more sustainable future. She spoke about the importance of continued investment in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and funding programs that support businesses adapting to climate change.

The Scientific Reality: What’s Happening to Our Alpine Environments?

Ewen Silvester, director of the Research Centre for Applied Alpine Ecology at La Trobe University, painted a stark picture of how climate change is reshaping our mountain ecosystems. Rising temperatures, diminished snowpack, and shifting precipitation patterns are putting immense pressure on Australia’s alpine flora and fauna. Snow-dependent species are struggling, and mountain water sources, which feed into major river systems, are drying up earlier in the year.

Silvester explained that snow in the Alps plays a critical role beyond just winter tourism. It regulates groundwater recharge, helps sustain unique alpine ecosystems, and supports biodiversity. As snow melts earlier due to warmer temperatures, entire ecological cycles are being disrupted.

However, Silvester also pointed to areas where alpine ecosystems have shown resilience—particularly in regions where stressors like grazing and invasive species have been removed. “Right now, we’re on a trajectory where we actually don’t even know what we’ve got,” he said. “Because no one alive has ever seen our Alps in their natural state.”

The discussion also touched on biodiversity loss, particularly the threat to snow gums. Frequent wildfires, driven by hotter and drier conditions, have decimated large portions of these iconic trees. Without intervention, their ecosystems could collapse entirely.

“We’ve reached a point where some ecosystems may not be able to recover if warming trends continue,” Silvester warned. “Protecting these environments is no longer a question of preference—it’s an absolute necessity.”

The Impact on Business and Tourism

For local businesses that rely on winter tourism, adapting to these changes is a matter of survival. Steve Belli, president of the Mount Hotham Chamber of Commerce, spoke about the challenges faced by alpine businesses as seasons become more unpredictable. Shorter and more extreme winters, reliance on artificial snowmaking, and shifting tourism patterns are forcing resorts and operators to rethink their long-term strategies.

Belli highlighted some of the sustainability measures being introduced, including improved waste management, investment in renewable energy, and sustainable transport solutions such as carpooling and electric vehicle infrastructure. However, he also noted the economic hardships businesses are facing. “We only have about a 16-week period to make things viable,” he explained. “And the last couple of years have been pretty much unviable for a lot of businesses on the mountain.”

The discussion also touched on the idea of diversifying tourism beyond winter. While summer activities such as mountain biking and hiking are growing in popularity, winter remains the primary draw for visitors. The challenge for resorts is finding ways to make summer tourism a more significant economic driver.

One suggestion was leveraging Australia’s alpine resorts as hubs for climate education, conservation tourism, and sustainability initiatives, helping visitors understand the importance of these environments beyond just recreation.

The Perspective of Young Climate Advocates

One of the most compelling voices on the panel was Zoe Gray, a 17-year-old climate activist and Mount Beauty local. She spoke about the stark differences in snow conditions between her generation and her father’s, who was a competitive cross-country skier.

“When my dad was a young athlete, he was competing in ski resorts all over Victoria and New South Wales,” Gray said. “Many of them are no longer functioning.” She pointed to the Kangaroo Hoppet, Australia’s largest cross-country ski race, which has been canceled in recent years due to lack of snow.

She expressed deep fears about what the future holds. “I’m personally quite scared,” she admitted. “I’m scared that as I grow up, and if I ever have children, they won’t be able to experience the snow. I’ve already seen such a huge change between my dad’s generation and mine.”

The Road Ahead

The discussion closed with a call to action: we cannot afford inaction. While climate projections paint a grim picture, the science also shows that deep and rapid cuts to emissions could lead to the return of consistent snow seasons by 2070. The next federal election will be critical, as independent candidates like Helen Haines have the potential to influence stronger climate policies.

For those who love the mountains, the message was clear—protecting our winters means fighting for climate action now. Whether it’s through voting, advocacy, or personal choices, every effort counts in ensuring that future generations can experience the magic of Australia’s alpine environments.

Get Involved

Protect Our Winters Australia is leading the charge to unite the outdoor community in the fight against climate change. To learn more about how you can take action, visit Protect Our Winters Australia and join the movement today.