Mt Wellington cable car: Luke Martin sees red over project decision
The CEO of a key tourism body is calling for the government to intervene after plans to build a cable car on kunanyi were knocked back, as the decision continues to divide.
Tasmania
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The CEO of a key tourism body says Hobart’s visitor industry would be “stuck in the dark ages”, after a tribunal ruling against a long-running proposal to build a cable car on kunanyi/Mt Wellington.
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief Luke Martin believed the infrastructure was needed to advance the state’s tourism offerings.
“The fact is, the mountain needs infrastructure investment and a sustainable, safe, long-term transport solution to the summit,” Mr Martin said.
“Anyone who denies this has their head in the sand.
“It is Hobart’s most visited and iconic attraction, yet the visitor infrastructure is stuck in the dark ages.”
He hoped the state government could intervene.
“The road was never designed to cope with the numbers it’s accommodating, and the visitor infrastructure and amenities are Third World,” he said.
“State and local government need to come together now with all stakeholders and determine a clear plan for the future of the mountain.”
Destination Southern Tasmania CEO Alex Heroys said a transport solution was needed.
“We have been debating the merits of a cableway for decades and during that time the transport and traffic on kunanyi has increased exponentially,” he said.
“It’s time to focus on the lack of investment in kunanyi and to find a sustainable transport solution to the summit.”
But while some were left disappointed, others were celebrating the decision.
Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre campaign manager Nala Mansell was thrilled with the outcome, but she noted concerns of heritage values remained.
“While we celebrate this victory, we must also acknowledge not one reason for the refusal of this permit had anything to do with the Aboriginal cultural heritage values of kunanyi,” Ms Mansell said.
She said the organisation would continue to fight for better heritage protections.
“On a daily basis, Aboriginal people are having to react in an attempt to protect Aboriginal heritage due to a lack of any type of Aboriginal heritage legislation that gives any type of protection,” she said. “We need to ensure adequate heritage legislation is put in place to avoid the risk of destruction of Aboriginal heritage from proposals like this in the future.”
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said it was a comprehensive decision.
“It does endorse the council’s decision to refuse the planning application in 2021, that decision was based on expert advice,” Ms Reynolds said.
“I’d be keen to see the proponent take the advice of the tribunal, they’re the independent umpire and they did back in the decision the council made based on planning law, expert opinion and really strong information.
“It certainly does make it clear this proposal is not a suitable proposal for the mountain.”
South Hobart Progress Association president Phillip Hoysted said it had been a long road.
“It’s taken 10 long years to arrive at this decision. Ten years of debate and division. Ten years of time and resources wasted, and 10 years of community anxiety,” Mr Hoysted said.
“Scarring our mountain with yet another inappropriate eyesore and thousands more cars travelling through the South Hobart local road network was simply not on.”
South Hobart resident Karl Rollings, who was party to the appeal, was also relieved.
“I would’ve seen it every day crossing the Organ Pipes, I would have seen it driving home, I would have heard it until 10pm every day from my house,” Mr Rollings said.
Former chairman of the Residents Opposed to the Cable Car, Ted Cutlan, has been involved in the fight for 30 years.
“Privatisation of the mountain is abhorrent to most people,” Mr Cutlan said.
“We just believe in natural values rather than man-made Disney buildings on top of the mountain.”
What do you think of the decision? Join the conversation in the comments below.