Greens suspect cable car motive in Libs mountain review

As the government steps in to review kunanyi/ Mt Wellington, the Greens say they smell an ulterior motive. Here’s what they said.

The Cascade Brewery with kunanyi/Mt Wellington in the background. Picture: PATRICK GEE

The state government says a review of kunanyi/Mt Wellington is a genuine effort to improve management of the mountain, rather than an effort to revive the cable car.

The review announced on Thursday will consider the mountain’s management, cultural heritage, infrastructure and transport options.

While the review was welcomed by stakeholders including Hobart City Council and the tourism industry, the Greens were suspicious about the Liberals’ motive.

In state parliament Greens Clark MP Vica Bayley said the review had come “out of the blue”, at a time when the Wellington Park Management Trust was developing a new management plan.

“We can only conclude that this review is a cynical attempt to manipulate this statutory process and to make the case for a cable car that has failed at every attempt since the early 1900s,” Mr Bayley said.

Vica Bayley Greens deputy leader. Parliament question time. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said while “sustainable access” would be part of the review, the process would consider all aspects of mountain management.

“We are not making any predetermined views, we want to hear everyone’s views … there may well be solutions put on the table we haven’t thought of,” he said.

The mountain is Tasmania’s top natural tourist attraction, with up to 410,000 people visiting a year.

Before the state election Hobart City Council said help with managing the mountain was at the top of Council’s wish list.

Council spends about $3m a year on works on kunanyi/Mt Wellington.

The state government contributes around $380,000.

Mt Wellington / kunanyi on a cold Hobart morning. Picture: Richard Jupe

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure its preservation and carefully manage any enhancements and that is why we have long lobbied for attention to be given to this much-loved site, including through the recent state election and it is pleasing to see the Tasmanian Government has listened,” said Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds.

However Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Michael Bailey was less impressed, especially with the year-long review timeline.

“The management of the mountain has been just about reviewed to death over the years,” Mr Bailey said.

“We all know where everyone stands on this issue, it’s time the Government just made a decision one way or the other.”

The Mt Wellington Cableway Company website lists the project as “pending approval”, despite it being knocked back more than two years ago by Hobart City Council and a tribunal on appeal.

The Liberals have long supported the cable car but have so far declined to make it a major project, a process which would allow it to bypass normal planning processes.

The Cableway Company issued a statement on Thursday saying it had been advocating for a review.

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO Amy Hills said kunanyi/Mt Wellington was more visited than Freycinet and Cradle Mountain, yet attracted far less resources.

Long term plan for Mt Wellington to go under the microscope

The state government will undertake a “comprehensive and holistic strategic” review of kunanyi/Mt Wellington, Business, Industry and Resources minister Eric Abetz says.

The review will be led by the Department of State Growth to come up with a plan for the management of the mountain, which is Tasmania’s top natural tourist attraction with 410,000 visitors a year.

It is currently managed by the independent Wellington Park Management Trust.

Plans for a cable car up the mountain were rejected by planning authorities in 2022.

Mr Abetz said kunanyi/Mount Wellington held a special place in the hearts and minds of all Tasmanians and the government was committed to a long-term vision.

Minister Eric Abetz. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“We have listened to key stakeholder groups including Hobart City Council, Destination South Tasmania, and the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania and we have heard the need to develop a longer-term strategic vision for the mountain.” Minister Abetz said.

“It’s clear that the land management, transport options, visitor infrastructure and cultural experiences are not up to standard for such an important natural asset.

“Under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we recognise the importance of our natural visitor economy, and the mountain is a critical part of this.

“The best way to tackle these concerns is for a comprehensive, holistic, strategic review led by the Tasmanian Government, in consultation with stakeholders, landowners and the public.”

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds last month renewed a push for a parking and bus precinct at Halls Saddle on kunanyi/Mt Wellington, saying it could be “something quite special” and serve as a base for people looking to enjoy Hobart’s premier natural attraction.

Mr Abetz said it was time to hear from a wide range of people about what they wanted for the future of the mountain.

“There are many views on how the mountain should be managed and what improvements should be made, and we want them all on the table,” he said.

“Stakeholders have expressed a myriad of concerns relating to mountain, including the desperate need for upgraded infrastructure, better access, transport solutions and fire management.”

Mr Abetz said the review would focus on visitor experience, values and administration of the mountain.

Parks and Environment minister Nick Duigan said the review would build on the work of the Wellington Park Management Trust, including the visitor strategy and management plan, providing a longer-term outlook for the mountain that encapsulates cultural, heritage, and environment values.

The Review will be led by the Department of State Growth in consultation with the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Natural Resources Tasmania, Tourism Tasmania and others,

Initial consultation is due to commence in the second half of 2024.

Originally published as Greens suspect cable car motive in Libs mountain review