State government calls on federal counterparts to fund the proposed Cradle Mountain cableway
The state government has not given up on a much-delayed project that had its estimated cost blowout by triple despite the feds saying last year they wouldn’t fund it.
Politics
Don't miss out on the headlines from Politics. Followed categories will be added to My News.
It has been a much-delayed project, and now the State government have called on its federal counterparts to provide its share of funding for the proposed Cradle Mountain cableway.
The $60m cableway was first proposed in 2016, and two years later, the State and Federal governments agreed to fund the project in a 50-50 split.
But by 2023, when the federal government reneged on its funding pledge, the project’s estimated cost had jumped to $190m.
However, since then, the state government has urged the Feds to recommit to the $30m promised initially.
On Saturday, Tasmanian Liberal MHA Eric Abetz again called on the federal government to “chip in their fair share” for the cableway.
“Our government developed a cableway business case built on a comprehensive assessment of the benefits and costs of this solution,” Mr Abetz said.
“Collaboration on realising this vision is extremely important.
“Now is the perfect time for the Albanese Government to avoid a Christmas disaster and follow our lead; step up to fund and deliver for the future of the iconic Cradle Mountain.”
A spokesperson for Federal Regional Development Minister Catherine King did say whether it would fund the cableway or not.
“The Albanese Government recently committed an additional $3.8 million towards planning for the Devonport to Cradle Mountain corridor, which includes expanding the scope of the project to include integration of transportation options at the ends of the corridor,” the spokesperson said.
“This planning is essential to ensure the project can be properly scoped, costed and effectively delivered.”
West by North West CEO Gabriella Conti said Cradle Mountain was “a national icon and one of Tasmania’s most visited destinations.”
“It is a pivotal drawcard to the northwest region, attracting tourists to our region and showcasing the diverse natural beauty that our region has to offer,” Ms Conti said.
“It is important to have a long-term sustainable plan, we need to protect the mountain for future generations to enjoy Cradle Mountain.
“WxNW, alongside Tourism Industry Council Tasmania, have spoken directory with Federal members about the importance of committing to a pathway forward for the Cradle Valley area for a sustainable transport solution, especially leading into a Federal election; it is our number one priority.”
Given that the development application for the project would come before her council if it were to proceed, Kentish Mayor Kate Haberle said she was neither for nor against the cableway.
“However, we’ve got to look at the increase of visitor numbers to the area, and we’ve got to see what is the best way to cater for the visitors so they can get the best experience of Cradle Mountain without doing any damage to the World Heritage site,” Ms Haberle said.
“We have a lot of visitors come and stay here, and in the middle of the day, they’ll head off to Cradle Mountain - and they just love it; it’s one of the biggest drawcards of visitors to Tasmania.”
‘Enough is enough’: $300k wasted on ferries caught in limbo, Labor
A right to information request has revealed the cost of sending local content to fit-out the ferries to Finland — and Labor claims it’s only the tip of the iceberg.
No charges for doctor over LGH death certificates
The Greens will seek an explanation as to why police say there is insufficient evidence for charges after an in investigation into allegations of false death certificates being issued. Read the latest.