Ski season looking grim for Snowy Mountains businesses struggling with housing crisis

A supplied image of skiers at Perisher Valley obtained Thursday, June 30, 2011 skiing down the Front Valley. (AAP: Perisher, file photo)

Snowy Mountains businesses are worried about this year's ski season amid dire staff shortages and the region's ongoing housing crisis.

Farm stays, cafes and hire stores in Jindabyne are among those struggling to attract workers because there is nowhere to stay.

"Everyone's got the same problem," cafe owner Renae Buechner said.

Renae Buechner  (ABC South East: Keira Proust)

Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce president Olivier Kapetankos said smaller businesses could not put up staff, unlike bigger operators.

"The resorts have the ability of housing a great number of workers, but that's only the resorts," he said.

President of the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce Olivier Kapetankos 2021. (ABC South East: Keira Proust)

Road blocked for van lifers

For some seasonal workers, camping on the foreshore of Jindabyne Lake is the only remaining option.

"They resort to camping and some of them resort to 'van lifing,'" Mr Kapetankos said.

Signs have been put up around Jindabyne Lake's foreshore to deter informal camping ahead of this ski season. (ABC South East: Keira Proust)

Last year the Snowy Monaro Regional Council banned informal camping in areas like the Claypits Carpark to manage its COVID-safe plan.

Chief operating officer Jeff Morgan said the ban would remain in place this season.

"The short-term option for council is to keep those measures in place to dissipate the crowd to other areas," Mr Morgan said.

Businesses may struggle to make the most of the ski season if they can't find staff. (ABC Gippsland: Kellie Lazzaro)

Searching for space

Mr Kapetankos said securing land to use as a dedicated informal campground could be a possible temporary fix.

"We want to offer a space where the van lifers or the seasonal workers can find a safe and hygienic space to reside for the winter."

Many businesses in Jindabyne are struggling to find workers as the tourist season looms. (ABC South East: Keira Proust)

Business owner Jason Gammell says most of his clientele live in vans and believes a makeshift campground would be an easy fix.

"All you need for vans is a patch of land and even mobile dunnies and showers," Mr Gammell said.

The Claypits is a popular destination for informal campers during peak tourism periods. (ABC South East: Keira Proust)

In a statement, the Member for Monaro, Deputy Premier John Barilaro, said delivering infrastructure was one of his key priorities for the region.

"Master planning is underway for the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct (SAP), which will assess the need for additional housing and accommodation," Mr Barilaro said.

Mr Barilaro did not respond specifically to questions about potentially funding temporary accommodation or infrastructure ahead of this ski season, but said the state government would assist where possible.

"Housing, residential development and bringing to market more accommodation is the responsibility of local government, in conjunction with the private sector," he said.

The draft master plan for the SAP will go on exhibition mid this year, with the final master plan and government decision set for early 2022.