Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre to fight cable car proposal ‘till the end’

The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre is confident the cable car appeal won’t change a thing, but said it will continue their fight. LATEST >>

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The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre said it’s confident the appeal process won’t change the outcome of the proposed Mount Wellington/kunanyi cable car project, after the proponent lodged its appeal against a decision to refuse its development application on Wednesday.

Nala Mansell said it was disappointing an appeal was being pursued.

“I think it’s disappointing the company has not realised the effects and damage their proposal will cause to kunanyi,” Ms Mansell said.

“We’ll be holding discussions on Friday about being party to the appeal

“Our opposition to this development is something we feel very passionate about.”

The Mount Wellington Cableway Company lodged its appeal after the Hobart council voted to refuse its DA, as per the recommendation of a report by an independent planning consultant.

21 reasons were provided as to why it should be rejected.

Nala Mansell

Ms Mansell was confident the appeal outcome would be in favour of opponents and the cable car would not be going ahead.

“I think the Hobart city council has made it clear the DA is not adequate, they’ve shown the effect the cable car will cause,” Ms Mansell said.

“We feel the appeals tribunal will also reject the proposal because the issue is so significant to so many people.”

Ms Mansell said the proponent should have accepted the decision.

“It’s obvious to everyone except the developers it won’t go ahead,” she said.

“How many times do people have to say no to them?

“Instead of admitting defeat, they’re dragging out the process.”

Ms Mansell said the objection of the Aboriginal community should be enough of a reason to prevent it going ahead.

“Although none of the 21 reasons for the proposals rejection were focused on Aboriginal heritage, the Aboriginal spiritual, historical and cultural significance of kunanyi should be the reason the proposal is given the chop,” Ms Mansell said.

Ms Mansell said if the cable car were to go ahead, she and others still would not back down.

“We’re ready to protest if we need,” Ms Mansell said.

“If it means people have to physically stop the development going ahead, we’ll fight it til the end.”

Developers ready to fight council’s rejection of cable car

The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre said it’s confident the appeal process won’t change the outcome of the proposed Mount Wellington/kunanyi cable car project, after the proponent lodged its appeal against a decision to refuse its development application on Wednesday.

Nala Mansell said it was disappointing an appeal was being pursued.

“I think it’s disappointing the company has not realised the effects and damage their proposal will cause to kunanyi,” Ms Mansell said.

“We’ll be holding discussions on Friday about being party to the appeal

“Our opposition to this development is something we feel very passionate about.”

The Mount Wellington Cableway Company lodged its appeal after the Hobart council voted to refuse its DA, as per the recommendation of a report by an independent planning consultant.

21 reasons were provided as to why it should be rejected.

Ms Mansell was confident the appeal outcome would be in favour of opponents and the cable car would not be going ahead.

“I think the Hobart city council has made it clear the DA is not adequate, they’ve shown the effect the cable car will cause,” Ms Mansell said.

“We feel the appeals tribunal will also reject the proposal because the issue is so significant to so many people.”

Ms Mansell said the proponent should have accepted the decision.

“It’s obvious to everyone except the developers it won’t go ahead,” she said.

“How many times do people have to say no to them?

“Instead of admitting defeat, they’re dragging out the process.”

Ms Mansell said the objection of the Aboriginal community should be enough of a reason to prevent it going ahead.

“Although none of the 21 reasons for the proposals rejection were focused on Aboriginal heritage, the Aboriginal spiritual, historical and cultural significance of kunanyi should be the reason the proposal is given the chop,” Ms Mansell said.

Ms Mansell said if the cable car were to go ahead, she and others still would not back down.

“We’re ready to protest if we need,” Ms Mansell said.

“If it means people have to physically stop the development going ahead, we’ll fight it til the end.”

Developers behind a controversial plan for a cable car on kunanyi are preparing to take their battle further after council rejected their application.

The Mount Wellington Cableway Company chair Chris Oldfield said there were a number of reasons why it was appealing the decision, but one of the most important was community support.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the level of support in the community and we are more determined to see a fantastic project all Tasmanians are proud of,” Mr Oldfield said.

Mt Wellington Cableway Company chair Chris Oldfield. Picture: Richard Jupe

“This project should be examined on its merits and on the facts of the situation and that’s what we’ve always tried to portray to the public.

“We’re looking for the opportunity to put our case to a truly independent tribunal.”

The Hobart council acting as planning committee rejected the development application 9-3 at a special meeting last month after an independent planning consultant released a report outlining 21 reasons why it should be rejected.

Mr Oldfield said many of those reasons provided could have been addressed but the opportunity to do so wasn’t provided.

“At that council meeting, our planner went through the matters and believed they could be addressed,” he said.

“We understand there are some locals with issues and we’d like the opportunity to work through those.”

Mr Oldfield said the project would address a number of problems in Hobart.

“It’s a great project, it will solve significant existing transport problems,” he said.

“For example, last Sunday the road to the summit was still shut, families couldn’t get up and there was traffic chaos.

“For that and a range of reasons, we’ve been urged to continue.”

The MWCC had until Friday to launch its appeal.

“There will be an initial directions hearing; my understanding is there may be an opportunity for mediation but that’s up to the courts to decide the process,” Mr Oldfield said.

As the proponent of the Mount Wellington Cable Car gears up to appeal a decision to reject the development application for a cable car, opponents of the project are also putting on their boxing gloves.

Spokesman for Residents Opposed to the Cable Car Vica Bayley said the group was considering options to join as party to the appeal.

“We’re saddened this sorry saga will continue, but defiant and committed to our role as a voice for the community.

“This is a development that has been shown to impact on the many values of kunanyi, including its natural, cultural, amenity and tourism values,” My Bayley said.

The Mount Wellington Cableway Company is appealing the council’s decision to reject the development application, after an independent planning consultant provided 21 reasons why it should be refused.

Mr Bayley believed the 21 reasons provided were solid.

“To succeed, the proponent must overturn all 21 grounds,”

“Overturning all 21 grounds of refusal looks to be a tall order given most of those grounds go to the heart of the values of kunanyi and why it was protected or relate to the sheer scale this development.

“We respect the proponent’s right to appeal the council’s comprehensive refusal but are frustrated.