Mt Coot-tha zipline: What happens now

The State Government has confirmed the next steps for the controversial Mt Coot-tha zipline project, as more than 100 people opposed to the zipline rallied outside City Hall today.

FINAL State Government approval of the Mt Coot-tha zipline is not expected to be finalised for at least another month.

Natural Resources Minister Anthony Lynham has confirmed that final approval for the projectwill not rest with him, but with his department, after the Council’s planning unit gave their final go-ahead for the project last week.

ZIPLINE TO BE TIED UP ‘FOR YEARS’ IN LEGAL ACTION

It comes more than 100 people opposed to the zipline rallied outside City Hall today.

A protest at Brisbane City Hall against the Mt Coot-tha zipline. Picture Mark Cranitch

The Courier-Mail revealed earlier this week that the project had received the final Council go-ahead, despite nearly 90 per cent of the more than 3600 submissions lodged with the council opposing the project.

Dr Lynham said his department will now have to consider the Council’s land management plan, which it is yet to lodge.

The department will then have 20 business days to consider the final plan.

More than 100 people attended the rally. Picture: Mark Cranitch

“The (department) looks at whether the use fits the purpose of the land, which is public park, and whether council has addressed community feedback on its draft land management plan,” he said.

A community rally opposing the zipline was held outside City Hall this morning, with a turnout of just over 100 residents.

“Can you hear the people shouting, keep your ziplines off our mountain,” they chanted.

Protesters walk through King George Square. Picture: Mark Cranitch

Greens Councillor Jonathan Sri, Independent Councillor Nicole Johnston and Labor Councillor Steve Griffiths were among those who addressed the crowd.

The potential impact on animals and vegetation through the construction and operation of the zipline was among the key issues raised by residents during the assessment process.

Concerns were also raised about heritage impacts, but the LNP administration claims all problems raised about the project were addressed in the council planning team’s decision notice.

The protest follows Council giving the project the green light. Picture: Mark Cranitch

The LNP have previously talked up the project, claiming it will attract about 350,000 visitors every year and generate more than 100 new jobs.

Under the Council’s plan, construction will begin within months on a 1.5km treetop canopy tour to be opened before the end of the year.

A skywalk, including a 335m suspension bridge and the fast-paced 1km zipline from Mt Coot-tha’s summit to the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, is planned to be opened by 2020.

Detailed designs for the controversial Mt Coot-tha zipline project.