Gold Coast cableway: Council’s shock U-turn to support controversial tourism development

Gold Coast city leaders have backflipped on the controversial cableway development, with a majority voting to change direction on the Hinterland project.

The Springbrook cableway is back on track and will continue to be investigated by the City, which wants to step up and partner with the State Government.

City planning committee chair Mark Hammel was backed 10-5 by councillors at a full council meeting on Tuesday on kickstarting talks with the Crisafulli Government on a “memorandum of understanding”.

Councillors at an earlier committee meeting, in a sensational U-turn, backed hinterland councillor Glenn Tozer 4-3 to stall the project unless a proponent made public their pitch.

Mr Hammel’s motion was for council and the government to work together to provide a conceptual design for Springbrook.

A plan to progress a Skyrail has gained the backing of 10 councillors Picture: Brendan Radke

It did not include the recent Darlington Range site where a proponent has had discussions with City officers.

Those councillors voting against were Glenn Tozer, Peter Young, Josh Martin, Naomi Fowler and Nick Marshall.

Mr Hammel’s motion, framed with the help of senior officers, would ensure alignment options were found in the Springbrook area that would “facilitate appropriate community consultation including First Nations”.

The City and Government would also engage strategic advisers to assist in designs and “ensure it is fit for purpose and financially viable”.

Cr Mark Hammel.

A community consultation strategy would be developed from $500,000 in funds set aside.

Mr Hammel said the LNP in the recent State election campaign indicated its support.

“It’s now time for the State Government to put some rubber on the ground. This recommendation puts the State Government on the hook for an MOU,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Donna Gates was supportive saying council needed more information to make an informed decision.

Councillor Bob La Castra cited the need for new tourism product.

Under questioning from Mr Tozer, City CEO Tim Baker confirmed council would not spend money on “anything that was not budgeted for”.

The City has given an undertaking not to tick off on further work or expenditure unless there was broad community and First Nations support.

Mr Tozer who spoke against the motion said Springbrook was a World Heritage area.

“I don’t think I can support development inside it, Mr Mayor,” he said.

Mr Tozer said he knew the area well, it lacked sewerage and there was a bushfire risk.

Councillors Josh Martin and Naomi Fowler were also opposed, concerned about the lack of traditional owner support and failure to consider options other than Springbrook.

Cr Peter Young asked why the council was spending money “where it didn’t need to”.

Community groups on Tuesday said they supported the council exploring all site options rather than focusing on Springbrook which lacked a proponent.

Before debate at Tuesday’s full council meeting, Mr Tate confirmed he was aware of a secret bid for a Darlington Range site.

“I will wait to see more details on that one,” he said.

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