Media release – Residents Opposed to the Cable Car (ROCC) , 6 December 2022
This kunanyi cable car saga is over – let’s prevent another
Residents Opposed to the Cable Car (ROCC) has welcomed the expiration of the deadline by which the kunanyi cable car proponent could have appealed the recent TASCAT rejection of its proposal to the Supreme Court. The 30-day window of opportunity closed late yesterday afternoon with no notification that an appeal had been lodged.
This signals the end of this cable car proposal, the only one of the eight proposals floated over the last century to have been formally assessed as a Development Application, with its rejection confirmed on appeal.
“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,” said Vica Bayley, spokesperson for ROCC.
“Congratulations and thank you to all who have contributed to this campaign over the years – individuals, organisations, experts and elected representatives.
“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. The concept of a cable car and the proponent who championed it have lost all credibility through this long, sorry saga and it should be the end of a cable car on kunanyi for good.
Recently, the Wellington Park Management Trust released a Draft Visitor and Recreation Strategy for kunanyi, and is seeking comment until the end of January. ROCC is urging all those who love the mountain and support proper protections, to engage in this process and make their views known.
“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.
“Now this cable car proposal is behind us we look forward to seeing a strategic and consultative approach to infrastructure and access, with the protection of natural, cultural and amenity values always prioritised.
“With the Wellington Park Management Plan soon to be reviewed, we’re keen to see strong protections for values maintained and a reversal of the 2015 changes that were made in an attempt to accommodate the cable car’s private commercial centre on the summit.”
