The thrill of the view with fun seekers in line for zip-py experience

BRISBANE thrill seekers will be given a fresh glimpse of the city’s next big tourist attraction proposal, with never-before-seen designs of the Mt Coot-tha zipline to be released today.

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BRISBANE thrill seekers will be given a fresh glimpse of the city’s next big tourist attraction proposal, with never-before-seen designs of the Mt Coot-tha zipline to be released today.

With two ziplines spanning more than 1 kilometre each, the project is set to offer breathtaking views of the city and beyond, as well as give tourists and locals a close-up experience with Mt Coot-tha’s natural environment.

Detailed designs for Mt Coot-tha Zipline will be unveiled on Sunday.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk touted the project as the first of its kind in Australia, with the council tipping in up to $1 million.

“The Mt Coot-tha zipline will feature a treetop canopy zipline of 1.2 kilometres, as well a separate 1.1 kilometre scenic zipline that travels from the summit of Mt Coot-tha into the Brisbane Botanic Gardens,” he said.

“The scenic zipline has been designed to deliver the best views in Brisbane, with the zipline travelling a minimum of three metres above the top of the tree canopy all the way down the mountain.

“In contrast, the treetop canopy zipline will be an up-close-and-personal experience in the Mt Coot-tha forest, with a zipline tour hopping short distances between separate platforms, weaving between native Australian trees and connecting to a 335 metre cable-suspended bridge walk,” he said.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk says the zipline will be unlike any other project in Australia.

The scenic zipline will reach speeds of up to 60km/h as it zooms down the side of the mountain, while the treetop canopy zipline will feature nine treetop platforms.

The project has previously drawn criticism from locals with environmental concerns, with Labor councillors demanding the project be subject to strict and rigorous environmental assessments.

The developer of the project is seeking approval, with designs lodged last week.

Cr Quirk yesterday made assurances that the council would be undertaking extensive vegetation-impact studies as well as regulatory approvals in order for the project to proceed.

“Extensive independent expert studies have been undertaken as part of the project to ensure the Mt Coot-tha zipline design is sensitive to the environment, including the natural habitat and Botanic Gardens,” he said.

The project will be open for community consultation in the coming months.

The proposed operating hours for the scenic zipline is between 7am and 10pm, while the treetop canopy zipline is expected to be opened between 7am and sunset.

Riders will travel at speeds of up to 60km/h.