protect the mountain

The state government is refusing to rule out a dirty deal for the Mt Wellington Cable Car Company. The government is showing contempt for the mountain, for the planning system and for the 12,000 or more Tasmanians who raised their voices in opposition to the cable car.

Major project status is the last desperate hope for this beleaguered white elephant. The Cable Car has no sound business case, no social license and comprehensively failed against the Mt Wellington Park Management Plan.

Working with our allies and supporters from 2016-2020, we were able to get the following changes to the fast-track laws after a four-year campaign:

  • Removed the direct ministerial control of appointment to the Major Projects assessment panel.

  • Brought the appointment of the panel under the control of the independent Tasmanian Planning Commission.

  • Tightening of the Major Projects declaration criteria, making it harder for inappropriate developments to be declared.

TCT has a plan for what to do if the Cable Car is declared a Major Project. If our lawyers advise us that there is a good chance of success, we will challenge the Cable Car’s in court.

If the cable car is declared a major project, we will need to act fast!

With your help TCT will continue to defend the mountain.

 

Archive - TASCAT Cable Car Decision (2022)

On Thursday 3 November the Civil and Administrative Tribunal upheld the Hobart City Council's refusal to issue the company with a permit. Unless the proponent succeeds in an appeal, the cable car proposal will not proceed in its current form. This is a huge win for all those who love the mountain and its wild and natural beauty.

Visual impact, natural and cultural values, biodiversity impacts, traffic issues, building design and building siting and noise were all upheld as reasons for refusal.

TCT understands that the Mount Wellington Cableway Company and its backers have 30 days from 03 November, to launch a review of this decision in the Tasmanian Supreme Court.

If an appeal is launched, the Tasmania Conservation Trust will consult with the other parties and consider joining the case. The following groups have been integral to the campaign to protect the mountain: the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, Residents Opposed to the Cable Car, the Environmental Defenders Office, Respect the Mountain, the Wilderness Society, South Hobart Progress Association, Bob Brown Foundation and Planning Matters Alliance Tasmania.

TCT has fought to protect kunanyi for the last 10 years when the cable car proposal re-emerged. We were part of the campaign that successfully protected Mt Wellington Park as a formal reserve in 1993.

TCT works with the the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community, local residents and other environmental groups to protect Tasmania’s biodiversity, reserves and cultural Heritage. By donating you can help protect our beautiful kunanyi Mt Wellington.

All donations of $2 and above are tax deductible.

Archive - The Cable Car proposal (2021) - The Mt. Wellington Cable Car Company proposed a 35m tall pylon and four story 3,147m2 complex above the organ pipes; a 3,408m2 base station, two pylons (45m & 55m) inside Wellington Park and a 2.2 km access road through protected eucalyptus forest. The road (above the South Hobart tip), base station and pylons require substantial clearing of native vegetation (some threatened) on council land and within the boundary of the Wellington Park. The pinnacle complex and upper pylon will sit above the organ pipes in a highly sensitive alpine environment and will be visible from most places in greater Hobart.

kunanyi/Mt. Wellington was formally reserved as Wellington Park in 1993 after a long campaign by Tasmanians and environment groups including the Tasmanian Conservation Trust. It is protected by a management plan which sets out what development is allowed within the park.

About TCT - TCT has a proud history of conservation outcomes in Tasmania including establishing the Mt Wellington Reserve, playing a role in stopping the Super Trawler and Tamar Valley Pulp Mill as well as countless local projects.

Some of the most prominent examples are listed here. TCT depends on donations, big and small to continue fighting for Tasmania's biodiversity and unique natural values. The TCT stands with communities across Tasmania to:

  • prevent over-development in local  reserves and national parks.

  • protect threatened and endangered species, including their important habitat.

  • oppose planning decisions that favour property developers and shut out local communities.

On this page is a summary of the first week of the Mount Wellington Cable Car hearing at TASCAT. The hearings are recorded and available on the Department of Justice YouTube Channel. View the summary page of the Cable Car TASCAT hearings here.