Protesters mark out proposed bore hole sites

Opponents of the proposed cable car on kunanyi/Mt Wellington have held an early morning protest at the planned drilling locations near the mountain’s summit.

OPPONENTS of a proposed cable car for kunanyi/Mt Wellington have held a sunrise vigil at planned drilling locations near the mountain’s summit.

Women dressed in brightly coloured robes highlighted eight spots where the Mt Wellington Cableway Company is set to drill to conduct geotechnical tests and flora and fauna studies.

The authority granted by the State Government allows the developer to drill up to 32 bore holes around the site for soil and rock testing as well as conduct a floral and fauna study, including by drone.

A peaceful protest against the cable car on one of the proposed drilling sites on Mount Wellington at sunrise. Picture: SONIA CATON

Residents Opposed to the Cable Car said the vigil showed the potential impact of cable car-related structures on the mountain.

“Look at the scale of the planned construction proposed for this fragile alpine environment. Trashing this place for tourism is a step too far,” the group said on their Facebook page.

This vigil follows a picnic protest held last month.

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Residents Opposed to the Cable Car have received training in direct action from the Bob Brown Foundation, as their campaign against the development steps up a gear.

The Cableway Company has not revealed a timeline for the drilling.

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