‘Situation is madness’: Felix Ellis says government will look for solutions after cable car outcome

After a long running saga, the Mount Wellington Cableway Company’s bid for a cable car has been put to bed, but does it spell the end of the divisive project?

Artists impression of the proposed development of a cable car on Mt Wellington / kunanyi by MWCC.

Liberal MP Felix Ellis says the cable car outcome is disappointing, after the Mount Wellington Cableway Company chose not to appeal a decision which knocked back its proposal.

A tribunal decision upheld the council’s refusal of the development application last year.

The company had the option of appeal it in the Supreme Court but chose not to.

“...obviously disappointed that the outcome hasn’t been successful this time but frankly, the current situation on the mountain is madness,” Mr Ellis said.

Minister Felix Ellis addresses media at the press conference in Deloraine. Saturday October 15th 2022. Picture: Grant Viney

“We can’t be in a situation where we have the volume of traffic that we have there.

“It’s not a sustainable solution long term.

“You can’t tell me diesel buses and petrol cars are a better solution environmentally than a cable car.”

Mr Ellis said the state government would be looking at what options were available.

“We’re a strong supporter of a cable car solution for the transit problems on Mount Wellington and we’ll continue to look further at some of these tourist transport solutions to tread lightly on some of our most important environmental areas,” he said.

‘Long, sorry saga’: End of the line for cable car... for now

The Mount Wellington Cableway Company (MWCC) did not appeal a recent decision which knocked back plans for a cable car on kunanyi, prompting calls from opponents to keep the mountain free of the development forever.

The Hobart City Council voted down the proposal in July last year, a decision which the MWCC hoped could be overturned by the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

In November, the tribunal revealed it upheld the council’s decision, leaving the MWCC with 30 days to launch an appeal with the Supreme Court.

Artists impression of the proposed development of a cable car on Mt Wellington / kunanyi by MWCC.

The company had until Monday afternoon to do so, but because a decision was made not to, it’s means the end of the line for this particular development application.

The company must wait two years before it can lodge a new DA with the Hobart City Council.

For the Residents Opposed to the Cable Car, it’s a big relief.

“This is the end of this kunanyi cable car proposal and should be the end of the cable car pipe dream on a mountain with extensive natural and cultural values and a huge place in Hobartians’ hearts,” the group’s spokesman Vica Bayley said.

Anti-Cable Car Meeting at Hobart Town Hall, conservationist Vica Bayley. Picture: Chris Kidd

Mr Bayley called for changes to be made to prevent a cable car being built on the mountain.

“Unless this proposal is substantially changed or government steps in to take over assessment under its major projects process, this cable car development cannot be reassessed for two years,” Mr Bayley said.

“It should be the end of a cable car on kunanyi for good.

“The reality is this cable car proposal has stymied progress on genuinely sustainable and socially acceptable solutions to the challenges that come with people wanting to visit such an iconic place.”

The MWCC declined to comment.

City of Hobart Mayor Anna Reynolds lauded the “positive news” on her Facebook page.

“This was a damaging proposal that failed to meet planning laws,” Cr Reynolds said.

Mayor of Hobart, Anna Reynolds Picture: Linda Higginson

“Our decision to reject it was challenged, but ultimately agreed to by the independent Planning Tribunal experts.

“Where to from here? For the first time in a decade we have clear air to work with the community and other agencies who are responsible for the management of our beautiful kunanyi / Mt Wellington.

“I’m keen to agree on a Master Plan for improving transport and visitor facilities and then get local, state and federal investment in quality public infrastructure for Tasmania’s most highly visited natural place.”