Why Qld Government can’t enter an agreement with council on the cableway

The Queensland Government says it can’t enter into major negotiations with council on the proposed $170m hinterland cableway. HERE’S THEIR REASON WHY >>>

• Why the cableway will be hard to build
• The next step in building the cableway

THE state government says it does not have enough details to enter into major negotiations with the Gold Coast City council on the proposed $170m hinterland cableway to Springbrook.

Residents protesting against the mooted tourist attraction believe it has stalled at the investigation stage with council needing a green light from the state for it to continue investing money.

Gold Coast cableway – a council report outlines the challenges.

In June’s budget, councillors approved spending $500,000 on more reports such as an environmental audit and backed a recommendation to develop and execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the government to further investigations.

However, in response to concerns raised by hinterland resident Ceris Ash, an Environment Department senior policy adviser said the government was responsible for ensuring the development of infrastructure that would not impact negatively on the “natural and cultural values of a national park”.

Gold Coast cableway – where council will consult traditional owners.

Any proposal in the Springbrook National Park would have to meet all the criteria under the Nature Conservation Act and require a rigorous assessment process, the officer said.

“This would include considering the appropriateness of the location of the project, the details of the facility proposed, the ecological, cultural and social impacts of the proposal, and its commercial viability,” the Adviser wrote.

The assessment process would require “public and traditional owner consultation”.

“At this time the concept is not progressing enough for the Queensland government to consider entering into a Memorandum of Understanding,” the Adviser wrote.

“In addition to this, I am advised that the department has not received a proposal regarding the Springbrook Cableway Project.”

Other tourism rivals are considering similar attractions. Mount Wellington Cableway Company artists impressions of what the proposed cable care on Mount Wellington will look like. Picture: supplied

Ms Ash believes the council’s cableway project has stalled at the first hurdle.

“It looks like the state has many concerns about the project,” she said. “They realise the issues regarding the 1998 proposal are still there.

“Meeting the state’s criteria is practically impossible as building a cableway will have a negative impact on the environment. Socially many residents are against it.

“Economically it doesn’t stack up. Why spend $200 return getting to Springbrook when you can drive up in 20 minutes and visit many other areas of the plateau?”

Mudgeeraba-based councillor Glenn Tozer believes the council’s investigation and reporting on the hinterland rainforest area would provide insight into future opportunities beyond a cableway.

Councillor Glenn Tozer — there is merit in an investigation. Picture Glenn Hampson.

“I think there remains merit in updating information on the focus area and an environmental values audit would still be an advisable next step,” he said.

Cr Tozer said the project could not proceed without an understanding on the First Nations impact along with environmental values.

The council’s investigation could provide useful information for other opportunities in the area which meant “it wasn’t a wasted exercise”.

More than 360 people have signed a “no way” cableway change.org petition. Given the early stages of investigation, Cr Tozer says he does not have a position yet on the project.

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