Lord Mayor Ron Christie says legal action contemplated by cable car proponent unlikely to succeed
LEGAL action being considered by Mount Wellington Cableway Company against the Hobart City Council is unlikely to succeed, Lord Mayor Ron Christie says.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
LEGAL action being considered by Mount Wellington Cableway Company against the Hobart City Council is unlikely to succeed, Lord Mayor Ron Christie says.
The company lashed out at the council’s parks and recreation committee after it decided on Thursday to reject a flora and fauna survey proposed by the company, and voted unanimously against the construction of an access road, or other infrastructure to support the cable car, on council land.
MORE: CABLE CAR COMPANY FACES SETBACK
In a Talking Point in today’s Mercury, Ald Christie said the committee had not acted illegally.
Ald Christie said the committee’s decision was a landlord decision, not a planning authority decision.
MORE: COMPANY THREATS MAY PUT HCC OFFSIDE
“Under law, this procedure is permitted and should it be challenged, I fear, would not be successful,” he said.
“The MWCC has done itself no favour in comments made following that meeting and indeed may have confirmed the feelings of committee and residents, suggesting it could invest $2 million per kilometre to improve road access in that area.
“Secondly, council has continually requested since 2014 a development application for a cable car be presented, and if memory serves correct, no application has ever been received.”
The Hobart City Council has urged the company since 2014 to submit a development application so it could assess the project.
The Mount Wellington Cableway Company has hinted it may wait until after the October council election before it submits a development application.
On Friday, Mount Wellington Cableway Company chairwoman Jude Franks said she had no confidence in the Hobart aldermen to make an unbiased decision on the project.
The parks and recreation committee’s decision will be considered by the full council next Monday. (AUG 20)
Ald Christie said the debate must be conducted in a respectful manner.
MORE CABLE CAR:
THE ROAD: Company to build access road
THE PITCH: Eco pitch for $50m cable car proposal
Final day of Festivale filled to capacity
The team behind Festivale believe the event’s success comes down to its ability to evolve as City Park in Launceston is filled to capacity for this year’s iteration. Full wrap of the final day.
Excitement multiplied for first day of school
There are few occasions in parenthood to rival the significance of a child’s first day at school – but the milestone is particularly meaningful for those with twins and triplets.