absolutely matt from a business perspective it sounds like MTB falls short of the winter/snow scene... and of course Buller's motivation is from a business perspective, and so it should be.
in saying that, pushing the bike scene, incl XC, DH, Freeride, All MTN in my opinion should become a central focus for Buller businesses outside snow season. perhaps a 4X track might be nice too. even if a couple of places got behind it, like the ALBERG HTL, surely it could be in their interest to open for a full season of MTB riding...
if a few business's like alberg, the lift company, the bike shops, and definitely that pancake place got together they could surely make enough money between them to kick it off... as the interest and numbers increased the other places might start opening too. its just a thought, and i don;t have any figures to back my points up, but it seems as though Vic and Southern NSW/ACT would have enough riders willing to make a weekend of it to warrant running weekends til easter.
the aussie MTB mags should get behind them too, by extending their full support by promoting places like buller. it stands in their best interest too, as it will surely increase the number of riders venturing here, there and everywhere...