Non-compliant cable car application refused

Published on 27 July 2021

Hobart City Council has voted to refuse the Mt Wellington Cableway Company’s planning application, proposing construction of a cable car and associated infrastructure on kunanyi/Mt Wellington.

The Council, acting as the Planning Authority, heard from 15 deputation groups – including the development proponent – prior to entering an extensive debate.

A report produced by a team of planning professionals with extensive experience dealing with large and complex projects had recommended refusal, based on 21 key points of non-compliance with the planning scheme.

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the Council had acted responsibly in reaching its decision.

“The assessment undertaken by independent planning experts clearly demonstrates that this proposal does not comply with the provisions of the Hobart Interim Planning Scheme 2015 or the Wellington Park Management Plan 2013,” she said.

“A number of threshold challenges were identified in the proposal and the planning application. The Council acted professionally, as a Planning Authority, to acknowledge these non-compliant aspects of the proposal.”

“This is a sensible decision for the mountain that reflects the need for the very best planning and development for public land. The community expects the Council to protect our public parks and natural assets from proposals that create irreversible negative impacts.”

Cr Reynolds thanked everyone who had contributed to the assessment and discussion.

“The assessment team had a huge task and has acted with professionalism and diligence throughout the process,” she said.

“We also thank everyone who submitted one of the 16,589 representations – that sort of response is unprecedented in Tasmania and is evidence of the passion that exists within our community.”