Mt Wellington Cableway Company finally reveals detailed plans

THE Mt Wellington Cableway Company has unveiled its final plans, including the cable car’s route, designs for the pinnacle centre – and a new road. VOTE IN OUR POLL

An artist’s impression of the proposed pinnacle centre for the Mt Wellington/kunanyi cable car. Picture: Supplied

THE proponents of the cable car project will sell it to the public as a low-impact, environmentally friendly tourism investment that will improve the kunanyi/Mt Wellington experience.

After years of speculation, the Mount Wellington Cableway Company will finally reveal today that its proposed $50 million cable car project will launch from a clearing along the main fire trail within Mount Wellington Park.

MWCC’s preliminary proposal was for a two-stage cableway over 4.6km from the Cascade Brewery and also had an option for the end of Old Farm Rd.

But Carlton and United Breweries took those options off the table when it said it would not lease or sell any land to the company.

MORE:

THE PINNACLE: Big ideas for summit centre

THE ROAD: Company to build access road

THE MEETING: Call to keep details of project open

MWCC’s cableway length is 2.7km, which retains a height gain of almost 1000m, making it “the tallest cable car in the southern hemisphere”.

The proposed route for the cable car goes straight in front of the Organ Pipes.

The cable car will go over the Organ Pipes and the route proposes three towers. The first two towers are 45-55m in height near the base station.

The plan estimates only 10-15m of these towers will be visible above the tree canopy.

The last tower, near the summit, will be 36m tall sitting below the skyline when viewed from the city.

For this tower, there are two different options to gauge public preference — a rust-coloured metal lattice tower or a sculptured concrete tower.

MWCC has commissioned a custom-built cabin design from a Switzerland engineering company called Doppelmayr Garaventa Group.

The cabin features floor-to-ceiling glass, no motor and an open-air balcony for its two cable cars. These silent cable cars will be secured by three cables — two track cables for stability and one haul rope for propulsion, which the company says will allow for reliable operation in windy conditions.

The proposed route of the Mt Wellington/kunanyi cable car

At top speeds the cable cars can ascend and descend in under seven minutes, fit up to 80 passengers each and will be staffed by a tour guide.

Ticket prices for the service will be determined after a development application has been approved.

MWCC chairwoman Jude Franks said the company had listened to the public feedback.

“Our detailed plans address a range of issues raised with us including the location and road access to the base station, traffic amenity and flow,” she said.

Ms Franks said the company was highly confident in the technical design, safety and financial viability of the project.

“Since 2014 a massive amount of work has gone into the design and engineering as well as very detailed studies of weather and visitation patterns, and other aspects of this project,” she said.

Swiss engineers from Doppelmayr Garaventa Group will arrive tomorrow to examine the potential site.

The Mercury understands MWCC has applied for a new authority from the State Government to carry out final geotechnical surveys and is seeking permission from the council for a flora and fauna study for a proposed new link road.

If both are approved, MWCC will submit a development application to the council. The proponent aims to have the cable car flying high by 2021.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

How much will it cost?

About $50 million.

What is the scope of the project?

The route is 2.7km long with three towers. It consists of a base station serviced by 2.5km of new road and a pinnacle centre. The centre will contain a restaurant, bar, viewing areas and public amenities.

Will the cable car pass over popular walking tracks?

Yes, several walking tracks, in particular the Organ Pipes track, are under the path of the proposed route. The cable car will pass over the Organ Pipes.

Will the cable car require private land to be resumed or pass over private land?

MWCC says the project does not require private land.

Will the development on top of Mt Wellington or the cable car be visible from the city?

The developer says the visual impact of the cable cars will be minimal and the pinnacle centre on the summit will be positioned below the skyline.

What impact will the development have on traffic?

The developer predicts a slight increase in traffic on upper Macquarie St and Cascade Rd and a large reduction of cars and buses on Pinnacle Rd and the summit carpark.