Incoming Lord Mayor doesn’t rule out scrapping zipline project

Incoming Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says the controversial Mt Coot-tha zipline project is back under the microscope thanks to “high level community interest”.

THE controversial Mt Coot-tha zipline could be scrapped under incoming Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner’s administration.

Speaking exclusively to The Courier-Mail, the mayor-to-be would not rule out dumping the project after he takes office from Monday.

In a wide-ranging interview, Cr Schrinner said he had asked Brisbane City Council chief executive Colin Jensen to give him a briefing on the zipline as soon as possible.

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He acknowledged the “high level community interest”, which he said was understandable for a project of its significance.

“It’s also natural that people want to see Mt Coot-tha protected and preserved, and that is something I support too,” he said.

“I’m going to be taking the time early on to make sure I drill down into the zipline, understand more about the project.

“In terms of what I can say beyond that, I’m not prepared to get into speculation.”

Incoming Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner acknowledged the “high level community interest” in the zipline project.

Construction on the zipline was supposed to begin this year, before it was held up when residents lodged court action against it, which BCC is defending.

Cr Schrinner yesterday said some of the community interest in the project was based on “myths and incorrect information that has been circulating around”.

The project includes a 1.5km treetop canopy tour, a 335m suspension bridge and a fast-paced 1km zipline from Mt Coot-tha’s summit to the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens.

Cr Schrinner said the biggest challenge over the coming year for his administration though was improving the council’s relationship with the State Government.

“Because a lot of the things that we need to deliver and do at the council level are dependent on State Government co-operation,” he said.

“That challenge though can be an opportunity though.”

The project includes a fast-paced 1km zipline from Mt Coot-tha’s summit to the Botanic Gardens.

He is also promising a long-term 15-year vision that will be different to those led by his predecessors Campbell Newman and Graham Quirk.

He said reducing car numbers on the road and getting more people on public transport would be a focus of his administration.

Only last week, Cr Schrinner announced plans to build five new green bridges across the city.

“But it’s not about forcing people onto a particular mode (of transport) either,” he said. “It’s about providing choice.”