Hobart Cable Car Supporters group says support for the project has “never been higher”, as opponents rally against it
Community groups for and against the proposed cable car project at kunanyi/Mt Wellington have mustered support as they prepare to make masses of submissions to the Hobart City Council. LATEST >>
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SEPARATE groups of backers and opponents of a proposed cable car project for kunanyi/Mt Wellington have set about mustering support among thousands of people for their respective cause as they prepare to make masses of submissions to the Hobart City Council.
Less than three weeks now remain for members of the public to give feedback on the contentious project.
Hobart Cable Car Supporters group — which has more than 5000 followers on its Facebook page — has launched a templated submission for supporters of the project to consider.
Another group, Residents Opposed to the Cable Car, has also done so and encouraged those on its mailing list to make a submission.
And a public meeting is to be held next week at the Fern Tree Tavern to discuss the controversial project.
The Hobart Cable Car Supporters group said community support for the proposal had “never been stronger” and that the project would be an iconic development for Hobart and Tasmania as a whole.
“The benefits of the project are numerous and tangible to the natural environment, the economy and in preserving and promoting the natural and cultural values of the mountain that are currently placed under enormous stress from ever growing visitation,’’ group spokesman Tony Donaghy said.
“Current facilities and access infrastructure on the mountain are already operating beyond capacity.
“This is the only plan capable of meeting and exceeding the projected needs of the mountain, creating a sustainable enterprise inclusive to all to access and enjoy kunanyi/Mt Wellington in all seasons.”
An anti-cable car Facebook page called “Respect the mountain - no cable car” has almost 7000 followers.
Fern Tree Tavern owner Leanne Minshull said the venue would host a public meeting on June 11 from 6pm which she said would include speakers with a range of views about the project.
“People who live around the mountain, I would say there is 90 per cent against and 10 per cent for,’’ Ms Minshull claimed.
“For people across Hobart, it would be more like 60 per cent against and 40 per cent for.
“For people coming into the pub, there’s definitely a preference for conserving the mountain rather than putting in more infrastructure.”
Ms Minshull said there had been strong interest in the meeting, and she had invited both supporters and opponents to speak at the event.
The event has been organised in conjunction with the arts hall behind the pub, who have organised live music.
Last month, the Mt Wellington Cable Car Company’s development application was formally accepted by the council.
It initially lodged the application in June 2019 and last month ticked all the boxes in response to council’s request for more information.
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