Huge Brisbane zipline project stirs up hornet’s nest

A PLAN to build two ziplines on Mt Coot-tha will trash the mountain’s status as a tranquil recreation area and environmental refuge, some nearby residents claim.

A PLAN to build two ziplines on Mt Coot-tha will trash the mountain’s status as a tranquil recreation area and environmental refuge, some residents claim.

They also say Brisbane City Council’s decision to award the tender a fortnight ago was premature because it first needed approval from the State Government.

Mandy Dunn said the proposed alignment traversed two Deeds of Grant In Trust and as such Council needed to seek permission from the Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM).

(L-R) Anne Boccabella, Carolyn Berezovsky, Ali King and Di say the zipline could potentially harm endangered animals and have other unintended consequences. Picture: AAP/Richard Walker

The council also had not submitted an environmental-impact statement, Ms Dunn said.

“Mt Coot-tha is home to the powerful owl and greater glider, both of which are endangered,’’ Ms Dunn said.

“I think Council might also have difficult with public liability insurance as the whole mountain is a bushfire hazard area and there are several chokepoints for evacuation.’’

Ms Dunn also had concerns about the proximity of the ziplines to a quarry where regular blasting was carried out.

DNRM confirmed it had had preliminary discussions with the Council.

“At this stage, no applications have been lodged to change the land’s use for the zip-line,’’ a spokesman said. “In considering any third party use of trust land, the department would assess the impact of this use on the community or public purpose for which the land was granted, the on-ground ‘footprint’ for the proposal, and the community’s views on the proposal.”

A map showing the proposed routes for the ziplines from Mt Coot-tha.

Environment, Parks and Sustainability Chairman David McLachlan said the recently-announced zipline project would deliver exciting new lifestyle and leisure opportunities for one of Brisbane’s most popular tourist attractions.

“This project, which includes two separate ziplines and a treetop suspension bridge, will offer a unique experience for the seven million tourists who visit Brisbane every year, as well as for local residents,” Cr McLachlan said.

“Ensuring minimal impact on the environment has been at the forefront of Council’s vision for the site, and the successful tenderers have included a range of measures to ensure the design will not negatively impact on the natural environment.

An artist’s impression of the platform for the ziplines on top of Mt Coot-tha.

“As part of their proposal, the operator has ensured there will be a net gain of native vegetation as a result of the project, and the attractions are specifically-designed to be low impact and environmentally sensitive.

“Extensive ecological studies have already been conducted by Council to develop the proposal, and further assessments in relation to all potential impacts as well as bushfire assessments will be undertaken once the development application is lodged.

“Residents will have several opportunities to provide feedback as the project progresses including through public consultation sessions and I look forward to working with the community to deliver this exciting new facility for our city.”