The battle between those who want to see greater commercial activity in Australia’s beauty spots and those who don’t is one that is being fought out around the country … but nowhere more fiercely that in the Apple Isle.
However, the latest proposal to build a cable car ride up the face of Mt Wellington/Kunanyi has brought the debate a lot closer to home for many Tasmanians. Rather than relatively minor activities being mooted for remote areas, this would see a highly visible change to the mountain that towers over Hobart.
The company behind the initiative, Mt Wellington Cable Car Company, also plans to build a visitor centre and restaurant at the pinnacle, which sits 1271 metres above sea level.
An artist’s impression of a potential future view from the top. PIC: MWCCC
While the idea for a cable car ride from the city to the top of the mountain is not new, it has never been as close to actually becoming a reality.
Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman and State Growth Minister Matthew Groom have just announced their support.
“I’ve got no doubt at all that the cable car has the potential to show off our iconic mountain to Tasmanians, people around the country and right around the world, in a way they’ve never seen it before,” said Mr Groom. “It is really important as a state to be always looking for new ways to provide different experiences, world class experiences, new experiences and exciting ones so people enjoy the beautiful scenery and vista that we have here in Hobart.”
While there are already some minor structures on the iconic mountain, there are concerns in some quarters about the whole concept and the ‘visual pollution’ it might bring.
A group called Residents Opposed to the Cable Car (ROCC) has already formed.
“The idea is that you’re changing the place that we love in order to satisfy tourists,” ROCC spokesperson, Ted Cutlan, told The Huffington Post Australia. “Tourists see Tasmania as this wonderful beautiful place, so why change what we have in order to give tourists what we think they want?”
However, the CEO of the Mt Wellington Cable Car Company, Adrian Bold, says current Tasmanian attractions like the Museum of Old and New Art have only limited appeal to some groups.
“But this will pull like a magnet,” he said. “There are only so many people who go to Tassie and can go on walking tracks.”
While the State Government may pave the way for the cable project by solving landowner consent issues, the proposal would still need all relevant environment, heritage and Aboriginal approvals.
· Would you ride in a cable car from Hobart to the summit of Mt Wellington/Kunanyi? Should it be built? Comment below.
All for it,live here would take all 6 of my kids as don’t have 4wd when it snows.yes yes yes.
When can I book for the 1st ride, this would certainly draw crowds & how beautiful would it be going up if there was snow falling. What about the tourists with no vehicles & locals that want to show their visitors the fanastic views. It would be in the top 5 on trip advisor. Win win I say.
Absolutely. We have been to Tassie 5 or 6 times. Would be great. Especially when you don’t have a vehicle
If it is as good as the one at the Stanley Nut, It will be well and truly used by locals and tourists alike. very good idea