Transport options, visitor infrastructure 'not up to standard' on kunanyi/Mt Wellington as government announces review of park
Hobart sits in the foothills of kunanyi/Mt Wellington and is central to the lives of many residents. (ABC News: Loretta Lohberger)
The Tasmanian government will undertake a comprehensive review of the management of one of the state's most iconic tourist attractions, kunanyi/Mt Wellington, but the announcement has prompted fears among some local residents that it will reignite controversial plans for a cable car on the mountain's face.
Hobart's kunanyi/Mt Wellington attracts more than 400,000 visitors per year, and for a number of years there have been concerns about the long-term viability of its current infrastructure as the mountain's popularity grows.
"It's clear that the land management, transport options, visitor infrastructure and cultural experiences are not up to standard for such an important natural asset," Minister for Business, Industry and Resources Eric Abetz said today.
"We know that high visitor volumes are placing strains on existing infrastructure and facilities which will need to be addressed."
The mountain is an attractive destination for many of Hobart's visitors as it offers panoramic views of the city and its surrounds. (ABC News: Maren Preuss)
The "holistic" review will investigate ways to improve transport and safety on the mountain.
"There are many views on how the mountain should be managed and what improvements should be made, and we want them all on the table," Mr Abetz said.
"Stakeholders have expressed a myriad of concerns relating to the mountain, including the desperate need for upgraded infrastructure, better access, transport solutions and fire management."
The mountain is currently managed by the independent Wellington Park Management Trust.
Tourism groups welcome review
Tasmania's tourism industry has welcomed the review and hopes it will uncover ways to make the most of the 18,000-hectare site.
"It's something that we need to get right, and we do need to take our time to get right," Destination Southern Tasmania chief executive Alex Heroys said.
"We know that we need to look at a sustainable transport solution, but also understand how we're going to pay for that and find out some sort of funding model that can help us into the future."
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania's Amy Hills said the mountain was in need of investment.
"We feel like we have been talking about the future of [kunanyi/Mt Wellington] for quite some time, so we're hoping that this review can be done as soon as possible."
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds was positive about the review, but said it had been a long time coming.
"We have been calling for the state government to be more involved in the management and supporting the infrastructure on the mountain," she said.
"This is a really good sign that the state government realises that this is an asset that's so important to Tasmania [and Hobart] and that they need to be a bit more involved than they have been for a number of years."
More than 400,000 visitors summit kunanyi/Mt Wellington each year. (ABC News: Maren Preuss )
Visitor experience should be central to review, mayor says
Cr Reynolds said the existing Wellington Park Management Trust model should be revisited during the review.
"Looking at whether that particular model could be reformed to make it work, even better, so it can play a stronger leadership role in management of the mountain, or whether it's getting sufficient resources is a really important part of the discussion."
Cr Reynolds said she wanted the review to focus on enhancing the visitor experience.
"These are all things that we can look at together and identify a vision for the future of the mountain that really does invest proper resources into the visitor infrastructure, so that it's really a great place to visit for the future.
"We don't need to be distracted with over-engineered Disneyland-type solutions. What we do need is to work together in partnership to deliver the really practical visitor infrastructure that everybody's looking for."
"Let's look at what proposals are simple to deliver that can be delivered easily without necessarily millions of dollars and lots of disruption [and] damage."
Access to the summit is often affected by snow and poor weather conditions. (ABC News: Jordan Young)
Ms Reynolds also hopes the review looks into alternative funding sources to sustain the mountain in the long-term.
"We can't rely on Hobart City Council ratepayers to fix tracks and lookouts and build new toilets.
Review could reignite cable car debate
But the review has prompted fears among some local residents that it will reignite controversial plans for a cable car on the mountain face.
"The premier has been a vocal supporter of the cable car and the association believes a so-called "strategic, wholistic " management plan prepared by the Department of State Growth is a thinly disguise attempt to get the cable car built," vice president of the South Hobart Progress Association Phillip Hoysted said.
"I'm sure it will be [brought up] by those that support it, by those that oppose it," Mr Abetz said.
He said the state government will consider all submissions with an open-mind.
"So that we can have a long-term vision for our mountain and ensure that we get the maximum benefit out of it for the benefit of the people of Tasmania while ensuring that we preserve its heritage and environment."
The state government said there would be thorough consultation with relevant groups and stakeholders, including the Aboriginal community.
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