Page 13: Billionaires meet fierce backlash over Arthurs Seat luge ride plan

A pair of billionaires is facing fierce backlash over plans to build a roller coaster-like luge ride over Arthurs Seat State Park.

Furious Arthurs Seat residents are pushing back on the plan. Picture: Parks Victoria

A proposed scenic swoop rollercoaster over Arthurs Seat from billionaire investors has caused fierce backlash among locals.

The roller coaster-like luge ride, with 360-degree viewing platforms and an immersive light and sound show are part of $25m plans by richliseter Peter Gunn and NAB director Simon McKeon was reported earlier this week.

They jointly own Arthurs Seat Eagle, a gondola ride that takes visitors on a 20-minute scenic swoop over Arthurs Seat State Park, about two hours from Melbourne “to turn Mornington Peninsula’s cable car ride into one of the country’s most successful tourist attractions.”

But furious residents raised their concerns on Friday, with “Save our Seat” community led organisation fiercely opposed, and raising urgent concerns of the Arthur’s Seat Eagles proposal,

“To build a roller coaster (luge) that includes a large station obstructing views at the Viewing

Platform, a towering structure, and a bridge, all of which threaten the iconic landscape,” was part of their concerns adding there has been a lack or transparency and limited community consultation.

Gunn made his fortune with transport services firm Cubico, and now runs private investment firm PGA management, which invests in tourism, property and agriculture.