LOCAL group, Community Action for the Chalet (CAC) are calling for the $2m upgrade of Manfield's Cafe to begin now, following the recent news that no suitable submissions were received for plans to establish the cafe at the Mount Buffalo Chalet.
The Alpine community was waiting with bated breath to learn the future of hospitality in the famed chalet, after the period for interested parties to lodge expressions of interest for cafe operations officially closed on April 15 last year.
The tender, offered by Parks Victoria, was for a year–long operator to create an engaging and sustainable cafe operation in the front rooms of the chalet, which has laid dormant since the 2006/07 bushfires ravaged the region.
Parks Victoria executive director of visitor experience Lisa Patroni said they completed assessment of applications received.
"Parks Victoria will continue working with Regional Development Victoria to reactivate the chalet through a future EOI process."
Specific detail regarding the submissions, including number of tenders received, will remain confidential in line with standard Victorian Government practice.
CAC chair David Jacobson shared the group's "profound disappointment" at the news via a letter response.
"Regrettably, once again, the 2022 Mount Buffalo Chalet Food and Beverage EOI has been concluded without appointing a proponent," it read.
"All interested parties would have to acknowledge that we have indeed been patient and pragmatic in all our dealings, ever since the chalet ceased to operate in early 2007.
"It has been incredibly frustrating, watching the wheels turn at a snail's pace.
"However, since July 2015, CAC developed strong working relationships with the key interested parties, leading to the November 2015 appointment by former Minister Lisa Neville MLA of the Mount Buffalo Destination Advisory Group (MBDAG).
"In 2016–17, the MBDAG produced and presented to Government the highly acclaimed 'Vision for Mount Buffalo' and, since that time, we acknowledge that there have been no backward steps – just some very slow ones forward, separated by very wide gaps.
"Through 2018, the greatly expanded Mount Buffalo Business Assessment Task Force (MBBATF – including the MBDAG) worked constructively with Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) on a comprehensive business case review of our 'Vision' document.
"We are proud to have been part of an historic unanimous outcome for such a study – probably a first for Mount Buffalo and the Chalet."
Mr Jacobson said re–opening Manfield's Cafe was an "important first step towards returning the chalet to a yearning community".
"At the outset, we stress that having no proponent yet is probably better than having one unable to rise to the expectations of the EOI and the community," the letter read.
"However, we seek to support any move that could re–start the process now, to re– establish a proper café offering in the chalet, at the earliest possible opportunity.
"We acknowledge all the great work done by PV since 2016 to save, refurbish and update many aspects of the heritage–listed chalet and gorge precincts.
"These include the chalet re–cladding, painting and re–stumping works; replacing the water main from Crystal Brook; 60KwH solar PV installation; replacing the ballroom floor and roof; refurbishing 'Treetops' staff accommodation; the new glass–panelled all– access gorge lookout; resurfacing the chalet carpark; and the imminent 'glamping' cabins accommodation (another of the PwC/MBBATF recommendations).
"These are great and necessary steps, but building costs are escalating daily and will continue to stretch any budget.
"The ongoing momentum must not be lost.
"We do not mean issuing yet another, third EOI; doing the same thing again and expecting a different result.
"We've all endured enough failures, since 2007.
"We mean 'jump–starting' the chalet cafe programme by investing in the generic works that are clearly necessary for any future proponent to be able to start operating a suitable and successful food and beverage outlet, as soon as possible.
"The 2022 Café EOI document, on pages six and seven, describes ready financial support for the successful proponent of up to $2 million, available from Parks Victoria and Regional Development Victoria, for facilities, upgrades and fit–out costs, including provision of electricity, gas, potable water and wastewater (including toilet facilities).
"We therefore strongly urge all parties to consider investing the $2 million in upgrading these elements now, even though a successful proponent is yet to be appointed.
"We believe it would undoubtedly attract suitable new proponents – and provide to community the clear message that the Government is not ignoring our cherished icon.
"A refurbished Manfield's Cafe in the Chalet is long overdue; let's kick start it."