Councillor Glenn Tozer says super majority of locals want Springbrook protected from cable cars

Hinterland councillor Glenn Tozer says a majority of Springbrook residents are opposed to a cableway, with environmental concerns shaping as a key issue.

Councillor Glenn Tozer says he believes the majority of Springbrook residents are opposed to a cableway, as a new report shows it’s a biodiversity hot spot.

The Priority Species Conservation report shows the proposed cableway location is home to the Springbrook leatherwood tree, which council lists as a priority endangered species.

The Gold Coast is one of only 36 biodiversity hotspots on the planet with more than 3100 native animal species and about 3300 native plant and fungi species. At least 300, like the leatherwood tree, are considered rare or threatened.

“Locals really are fiercely protective of the World Heritage biodiversity and environmental areas. I suspect in Springbrook, over 70 per cent of locals are against a cableway,” Mr Tozer said.

“The further you get away from Springbrook, the lower that tends to be, and in Mudgeeraba and Reedy Creek, it’s probably closer to 50-50. But practically no-one says they want to lose that World Heritage status. World Heritage status is 90 per cent supported, I guess.”

New mapping released by Gold Coast City Council showing biodiversity and those regions where species are under the most threat.

Mr Tozer said he welcomed the Crisafulli Government’s new Destination 2025 plan, which provides for upgrades to visitor and parking infrastructure on Springbrook Mountain.

“I was encouraged to see no mention of any cableway in the plan, and that makes sense given how it would probably negatively impact the World Heritage-listed biodiversity areas of the hinterland in Division 9,” he said.

Mr Tozer said he hoped that the Government, rather than green light the council’s cableway investigation, will prioritise private investment in eco-tourism including proposed upgrades at Bower Estate, at the planned Numinbah Escape experience and a multi-million investment at Boomerang Farm.

“Just these three projects represent a $50 million-plus investment in Gold Coast nature-based tourism activities. The Kaiala Sanctuary cable car plan, from just behind Movie World up to the views of Tamborine Mountain, should also be given consideration,” he said.

The Gecko environmental council echoed the views of Mr Tozer and also welcomed the Government’s planned upgrades to Springbrook parking.

“These are much needed for the 500,000 who already visit this site. However, that is not a green light for constructing a cableway through the middle of a small, fragile World Heritage listed national park,” Gecko vice president Lois Levy said.

The future of nature-based tourism in the Gold Coast hinterland is about to get a boost. The council has bought a large Springbrook property as debate rages about a cableway.

Ms Levy said the cableway project was rejected in 2000 by the Beattie Labor Government when it was clear that the environmental impacts were too big.

She said any cableway plans would need to be assessed by the Federal Government under the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act

“This Act was not in place when Skyrail was built (in Cairns) and if it was proposed today it probably would not be built,” she said.

The Gold Coast cableway debate. Hinterland councillor Glenn Tozer (pictured left) says a majority of Springbrook residents are opposed while Mayor Tom Tate (right) is a big supporter of the location.

Mayor Tom Tate applauded Premier David Crisafulli on the Destination 2045 plan and said they were on “the same page” for eco-tourism.

Council in January spent $10 million on buying Eaglemont Estate, a 63.17ha site next to the national park, because it aligned with council’s nature tourism program, he said.

“That gives us the opportunity for long term projects like the cableway,” Mr Tate said.

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