The proposal for a cable car on Hobart’s Kunanyi/Mount Wellington has reignited debate among local authorities and community members. Documents released under Right to Information laws reveal that the Wellington Park Management Trust recently questioned the inclusion of the cable car in draft recommendations from the State Growth Department. These discussions stem from a strategic review aimed at improving management of the mountain and Wellington Park.
In minutes from a meeting held in July, trust members expressed their concerns regarding the cable car suggestion. They sought clarification on its inclusion, prompting presenters to cite a recognized need for enhanced all-weather access and alternative transport methods. The minutes stated: “Trust members questioned why the cable car was included as a draft recommendation.”
The draft recommendations have drawn criticism from some local leaders. Vica Bayley, deputy leader of the Tasmanian Greens, expressed that the proposals were “deeply disturbing.” Kunanyi/Mount Wellington draws over 400,000 visitors annually, many of whom reach the summit by driving along a winding road. A review of transport options and park management is set to commence, which may include discussions about the cable car.
The latest cable car proposal faced rejection from the Hobart City Council in 2022, with a vote of nine to three against its development. The Mount Wellington Cableway Company, the proponent, subsequently appealed the decision to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT), but the appeal failed. TASCAT determined that the proposal did not meet necessary standards regarding noise, visual impact, and effects on geological heritage and biodiversity.
Following the rejection, the Mount Wellington Cableway Company has remained relatively quiet. Bayley emphasized that the matter “should have been settled,” given the community’s stance and the decision by the planning appeals tribunal. He reinforced that the proposal contradicts the preservation values of the mountain.
In response to the draft recommendations, the Wellington Park Management Trust provided feedback indicating their disapproval of a focus on increasing visitation beyond what the park can currently support. The trust highlighted that while the park was designated for recreational and tourism purposes, it should not seek to actively grow visitation. Their letter stated, “There appears to be an overarching repositioning of Wellington Park as a commercial tourism product.”
The community remains divided over the cable car issue, which has historical roots dating back to its first proposal in 1905. Criticism has also emerged regarding the Indigenous heritage assessment conducted by an external consultant. When the Hobart City Council rejected the most recent cable car proposal, attention surged, with 10,000 people tuning in to the live-streamed meeting and over 16,537 public submissions received on the development proposal.
In May 2024, then-responsible minister Eric Abetz announced a strategic review aimed at enhancing the management of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington and the broader Wellington Park. The review seeks to evaluate land management, transport options, visitor infrastructure, and cultural experiences.
The government’s review is set to conclude early next year, with public feedback highlighting the community’s divided opinions on the cable car. In a total of more than 9,000 public submissions received during the review, support for a cable car was noted by 30 percent, while 28 percent opposed the idea. As the review progresses, some local residents remain apprehensive that it may reignite discussions surrounding the cable car.
The Mount Wellington Cableway Company has been approached for further comment regarding the latest developments.
