Media release – Residents Opposed to the Cable Car, 30 March 2021

CABLE CAR DEVELOPER MISLEADS OVER 2ND ABORIGINAL HERITAGE APPEAL

Despite public obfuscation, the proponent of a cable car and private commercial complex on kunanyi/Mt Wellington has lodged an appeal in the Supreme Court, challenging the planning tribunal decision that compelled it to follow the Wellington Park Management Plan and carry out a comprehensive on-site Aboriginal heritage survey on kunanyi.

The Supreme Court has confirmed that an appeal was lodged on 22nd March and a date has been set for a directions hearing. But on 25th March, the Mount Wellington Cableway Company denied progressing an appeal and claimed to ‘preserve the right’ to appeal, despite already exercising that right three days earlier.

“Resorting to court action to minimise assessment of the cable car’s impact on kunanyi’s Aboriginal heritage is a step backwards when it comes to earning a social license,” said Vica Bayley, spokesperson for Residents Opposed to the Cable Car.

“The cable car developer is fast running out of time to finalise a credible development application and have it advertised for public comment, so one wonders why it wastes more time and money in court action instead of getting on with the required assessment.”

Three days after lodging the appeal in the Supreme Court on March 22nd, the Mount Wellington Cableway Company chairman was interviewed on ABC local radio.

ABC Drive Presenter Lucy Breaden: “In terms of this decision from the Tribunal …is there the opportunity to appeal and is that something you would consider?”

MWCC Chair: “We will preserve our right to do that, I don’t want to resolve these matters through the court, I want to resolve them through consultation, and I think my fellow directors have exactly the same view and I’m sure most of our supporters do. I’ve got an adage never go to court or hospital unless you have to, it’s not something we do voluntarily, but if we have to do that we would consider it but surely these things can be worked out by people with good intent instead of going to court.”  (25th March – ABC drive – at 1:15:46)

“This second appeal and public obfuscation really begs the question ‘Where is that good intent and what has to happen for this company to be straight with the public and do the work it has been asked to provide or drop the project altogether?’” said Mr Bayley.

Inquiry of the Supreme Court reveals formal documents lodged list four ground of appeal.

Residents Opposed to the Cable Car calls on the cable car developer to release the details of the appeal and all development application documentation submitted to council.

Tasmanian Times has contacted MWCC and invited them to provide a statement.

Media release – Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens Leader and Member for Clark, 30 March 2021

Archer, Haddad Must Rule Out Joining Cable Car Aboriginal Heritage Appeal

The Mount Wellington Cableway Company’s (MWCC) appeal to the Supreme Court is shameful. They are appealing their obligation to assess the impact a cable car would have on Aboriginal heritage values on kunanyi.

That says everything you need to know about the cable car proposal, which has been backed by the Liberals and Labor from its inception.

During an election period, all significant government decisions must have the backing of the relevant Opposition spokesperson.

We are calling on Attorney General, Elise Archer and Opposition spokesperson, Ella Haddad to rule out joining MWCC’s Supreme Court appeal – as the Gutwein Government did when it joined the developer’s case in the controversial Lake Malbena court appeal.

The protection of Aboriginal heritage must be prioritised when assessing all development proposals. This is especially the case on kunanyi – a place of deep and timeless cultural significance to the Tasmanian Aboriginal people.

MWCC’s disregard for Aboriginal heritage has been, in large part, fostered by the Liberal Government’s sustained and overt facilitation of their divisive, destructive cable car proposal – backed in by Labor every step of the way.

A cable car on kunanyi is anathema to the protection of the mountain’s cultural and natural values.

We expect both Elise Archer and Ella Haddad to rule out supporting joining the MWCC’s offensive, culturally insensitive Supreme Court appeal.