Mt Wellington Cable Car

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Mt Wellington Cable Car

The Mount Wellington Cableway Company Pty Ltd (MWCC) was established on strong community support. This was successfully ratified in our favour in November 2015.

MWCC is a Tasmanian company planning to sensitively develop, own and operate sustainable infrastructure and visitor facilities for kunanyi / Mt Wellington, Hobart Tasmania. Our first goal was to remove the planning scheme ban that had prohibited any consideration for commercial activity and development at the top of Mount Wellington/kunanyi for over 18 years. We successfully achieved this at the e

nd of 2013, which included a veto power removed through both houses of parliament. Secondly, MWCC conducted the feasibility study into the project opportunity and sourced a project team from around the globe to design, finance, build and operate the venture. We completed the feasibility in early 2014, celebrating with the launch of our Preliminary Proposal on April 16, 2014. Thirdly, in June 2014 we sought a boundary adjustment at the pinnacle to marry community sentiment with the planning scheme. In late 2015 the company restructured its finance plan from a foreign ownership model to a home-grown one, allowing Tasmanians to invest in the project, which has been successful. In 2016, a subcommitee of the Tasmanian Economic Development Board assessed our financial feasibility, capacity and technical capabilities. IN 2017, brand new legislation was tabled and approved in State Parliament to facilitate land access for studies and the preparation of a Development Application. This was supported by over 5000 formal petition signatories to the Upper House, one of the largest petitions in the history of State Parliament. In late 2018, we publicly revealed the fully designed proposal at a public display centre at Brooke St Pier and online. We gathered over 8000 feedback forms and used these to refine the proposal further before submitting the DA mid 2019. Over 75 requests for additional information was sought by the city council. In mid 2021, the DA was formally accepted and we agreed with the council to double the amount of time they advertised the proposal for public comment. MWCC wish to thank all of our long term supporters for their patience and input over the course of this epic journey as we aim to deliver the right mix of social, environmental and economic benefits for Tasmanians. Our page has been available since 2010 to debate the pros & cons of this project. Please keep discussions respectful.

10/09/2024

Back in 1956, nine military spotlights were installed to light up the Organ Pipes.

A photo found in a tip shop has got a few people wondering what was going on in Hobart in the 1950s.

05/08/2024

The terms of reference for the mountain review is out, have a listen to this interview on ABC Hobart radio:
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/hobart-mornings/will-review-of-kunanyi-pave-the-way-for-development/104183292?utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared

03/07/2024

The City of Hobart has closed the road to the top of kunanyi/Mount Wellington on and off this week due to 'deadly' conditions, while the Tasmanian Government has today confirmed they believe a cable car is a “sustainable transport solution” needed for the mountain.

The government say a 'significant review' underway into the mountain will consider access and infrastructure options like a cable car and whether to take control of kunanyi away from council.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds has previously called on the government to invest more in mountain facilities, but remains against plans for an ‘unlawful’ privately-funded cable car.

30/06/2024

Q: What is the #1 rated tourism experience in Australia, and #2 in the entire South Pacific?
A: Cable Cars in a geologically significant place showcasing epic scenic vistas, that educate and sustainably manage visitors. Congratulations to our friends at Scenic World Blue Mountains and their tour partners!

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Destination Southern Tasmania Discover Tasmania Tasmanian Hospitality Association Wellington Park Tasmania Eric Abetz Tasmanian Tourism Awards Felix Ellis MP Simon Behrakis Hobart Cable Car Supporters www.mwcablecar.com

We're thrilled to have been rated as part of the #1 experience by Tripadvisor in all of Australia.

Congratulations to our amazing partner 's Tours too!

https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-ThingsToDo-cTopExperiences-g255055

https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-ThingsToDo-cTopExperiences-g8

https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-ThingsToDo-cTopExperiences-g255055

The Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel. It's awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone!

25/06/2024

The view above the clouds is 💯 better in a silent 🚠

07/06/2024

What do you think about national park status?
💯💚🏔️🚠

Turning kunanyi/Mt Wellington into a national park could lead to the imposition of entry fees and leave the mountain open to inappropriate commercial development, some observers fear. Join the debate 💬 https://bit.ly/3X9JOQT

26/05/2024

Aerial Tramway 🤘
After a decade of research and a global design team spread across 3 continents, we know this style of cable car is the most feasible, accessible and sustainable transport solution for the Mountain.
And the Swiss have custom-designed one just for Hobart. 💚🏔️🚠

24/05/2024

Pretty clear sentiment across letters to the editor in ’s The Mercury Newspaper
💯🏔️🚠

Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Tasmanian Hospitality Association
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania
Hobart Cable Car Supporters
Eric Abetz
Simon Behrakis
Nick Duigan MLC
Jeremy Rockliff
Dean Winter MP
Tasmanian Liberals
Tasmanian Labor

23/05/2024

A cable car has previously been pitched, the mayor wants a parking and bus precinct - yet development on Mt Wellington is at a standstill. The state government is now stepping in 👉 https://bit.ly/4bszmbI

22/05/2024

💚🏔️⚡️ MWCC welcomes the announced review, which it has been advocating for. This is predicated on the review being as comprehensive and inclusive as it promises.

It is our strong view that it should provide an opportunity for a much broader range of stakeholders to contribute in an objective and constructive way to inform Government and all Tasmanians as to how kunanyi/Mt Wellington can be best protected and presented.

We have little doubt that the review findings will ultimately reflect our own learnings from the extensive consultation and work we have undertaken over the last ten years in respect to our own project.
Minister Abetz’s reference to the review taking twelve months is a real concern though in the context that much of the information and data is already generally available and surely this timeframe can be tightened up if this project is the priority that Government claims.

We encourage all Tasmanians to participate and for Government to promptly get on with this long overdue task to ensure a sustainable and responsible future for the mountain.

Ecotourism Australia Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

18/05/2024

The HCC’s eco credentials only extends to a no-competition 20 person capacity diesel bus running chains on a 20km loop charging $40 a head 🤦‍♂️

18/05/2024

The problem doesn’t just go away, it is getting worse.
We have the most optimal, sustainable solution. Designed by the world’s best and funded by passionate locals, we’re shovel ready and keen to employ hundreds of Tasmanians.

Closed. Typical…

15/05/2024

Meanwhile in Norway…

Tasmanian Liberals Tasmanian Labor

Just some airy evening maintenance 💪 😊

06/05/2024

Meanwhile in Switzerland… Matterhorn has just added an open air balcony to their aerial tramway…. This has been part of our design since 2015!

04/05/2024

Well we know why HCC didn’t allow comments on this one. Anyway, since we’re not operational yet, please follow their advice below to help make this trail running race a great one! Good luck to all participants of the kunanyi Trail Series!

If you’re planning on parking at the Springs on kunanyi / Mt Wellington this Sunday morning for a walk or ride you might want to plan your trip for lunchtime onwards, or choose a different start point.

We’re expecting 150 trail runners at this year’s kunanyi Trail Series Organ Pipes Classic, and they will be using the Springs as their run hub, so parking options will be limited.

It’s a quick race, 9-11am, so best to plan your mountain visit for 12 noon onwards.

Tips from our mountain team to avoid parking delays on busy days:

🚌 Bus it - Ditch the car and book a ticket on one of the two mountain explorer buses: https://mtwellingtonexplorer.com.au/

🚶‍♀ Park and walk - Park your car at the Fern Tree public car space and use one of our trails to make your way to the summit.

⌚ Timing is everything! The event peak period is 8.30 am-12 noon, so if you can, avoid parking at The Springs during this time.

More info: https://kunanyitrailseries.com.au/organ-pipes-classic/

[Image: Tracks Update graphic.]

05/04/2024

So much for 'High Visual Sensitivity'
…
Our proposal included a pre-oxidised treatment to Tower3, so that it would blend harmoniously into the rocky alpine landscape.

Pinnacle Rd barrier reflectivity - Yes, the new barriers are visible from Glenorchy and surrounds at the moment, but it is temporary.

The oxidation of the metal barrier will add a protective layer so that these expensive and disruptive works do not need to occur more often than necessary. This is the first time the barriers have been replaced since the road was constructed almost 100 years ago! The barriers will appear shiny in the weeks ahead as the sun drops to the north, but will become increasingly less visible over time. Your patience is appreciated as these important safety improvements adjust to the new setting.

22/03/2024

We look forward to working with a new parliament to resolve our planning approval, so Tasmanians can enjoy a truly sustainable solution for the mountain.
💯🏔️🚠🤩
Please make today count

20/03/2024

People centric, guided offerings and on site staff management to help protect the environment and provide 90% of mountain visitors a better experience and reason to stay a little longer, safely.

…Sounds like Ranger Ben has paraphrased our whole ethos. 🤦‍♂️

Visors are leaving tracks to get the photos they want, impacting the environment. Ranger Ben Masterman says satellite imagery is being used to plan better photo-taking spots to help protect the landscape.

19/03/2024

This is the same solution we proposed to increase suitable (not just replace potential habitat) for endangered species in the foothills of the Mountain. Instead, Hobart City Council spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees to dispute it.

The problem we proved with the current local planning scheme is that it only considered impacts that are negative, discounting the reality that impacts could actually be positive.

18/03/2024

Fantastic improvements to the zig zag track. Yet once again, just like the shiny new road barrier scar, costs have been worn by the public and the council insist on running cap in hand to State & Federal governments expecting more handouts.

Our proposal can sustainably fund the Mountain into perpetuity, it’s a proven model in special places around the world.

16/03/2024

How to share the mountain properly, for the enjoyment of all ages and abilities…

Next time you're on a hike on South Africa's favourite mountain, look up and wave to the passing cable car filled with guests about to embark on a beautiful journey.

📸:

13/03/2024

We’re delighted to read independent Louise Elliot has strongly declared her support to approve our project through the next Tasmanian Parliament!

Let her know her commitment to this majority-supported and state significant project is most welcome.

I support the Mt Wellington Cable Car project being assessed as a Project of State Significance given the significant potential benefits it could deliver for our state.

Having traveled on multiple cable cars across the world, I can see how this project can be respectfully executed. I support a low-emissions, safe, quiet, and reliable way to access the pinnacle. I also support the employment that will come during construction and ongoing from what would be an impressive tourism asset.

12/03/2024

Now THIS is worth voting for!

♥️ Absolutely, I’d change my vote to them!
👍 Yes, I want a govt that sticks to its commitments.
😢 No, I prefer the Mountain to be poorly managed by a conflicted council.

🚨 Tag your fav candidate to hear their views!

Please VOTE and SHARE!

16/02/2024

Our proposal passed 62 of 76 planning clauses. Whilst the final 14 were ambiguous, contradictory and subjective, 5 were related to ‘visual impact’.

Barely a few months after council wasted two years with multiple RFI requests, then spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on interstate lawyers to ensure the planning scheme relied on a ‘park design manual’ (in a bid to stop our proposal), they have since quietly retired the manual, stating that it is “no longer contemporary”.

Now they have installed 12km of shiny road barriers, with no visual assessment, no consultation and in total disregard to it. All to support council’s plan all along to monopolize access to the summit by bus, a plan that would have been threatened by our approval.

Our planning process was not fair play.

09/02/2024

Some people go to extreme lengths to see the Organ Pipes up close! Our passengers won’t have to. 😉💚🏔️🚠

Don't try this at home...

A man has gone viral on social media for making a 'very daring' jump between the Organ Pipes on the foothills of Hobart's kunanyi/Mt Wellington.

The seasoned jumper, whose dangerous video was seen more than 11 million times, was slammed by commenters for his "stupid" and "irresponsible" actions.

02/02/2024

Meanwhile, whilst we wait for sense and sensibility…

27/01/2024

We think ours will be pretty special too!

19/01/2024

The Lord Mayor is complaining about how much it costs ratepayers to maintain the mountain... 🙄🤦‍♀️
Our solution fixes that.

A revamp of the Springs lookout has been unveiled by Hobart City Council, with a renewed call for the state government to chip in more for infrastructure on kunanyi/Mt Wellington.

17/01/2024

15/01/2024

Meanwhile in South Africa…

Jeremy Rockliff

Address

85 Macquarie Street
Hobart, TAS
7000

Website

http://www.mtwellingtoncablecar.com/

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Videos

MWCC closing thankyou

TASCAT process complete ⚖️ We had 78 planning criteria to address, in arguably Australia’s most difficult and convoluted planning scheme. Council accepted most but refused 21. Of those 21, there were really only 5 subjective issues replicated several times across 3 planning zones. Hear our final closing remarks to the tribunal in this short video below. The entire hearing, (spanning 26 videos over 13 sitting days) is publicly available here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL61gigNNgsAN79tCXdXuldOHLD62xz6wY We await the Panel’s decision.

Just another snow day in Wellington Park. Acoustic readings waaaay above 50db.

MWCC view East from Shelter // before & after

When we first gathered public input in 2013, we heard loud and clear from over 2200 locals (including opponents) that any summit building needed to sit below the skyline. (survey results have been available ever since) -So in 2014 we successfully sought an extension of the pinnacle zone boundary to do just that. #planningAhead! The result has been a sensitively and cleverly designed visitor centre nestling on just 1900sqm of ground, yet packs in free and inclusive public amenities, interpretation, appropriate hospitality and on-site staff such as rangers, botanist and a full time nurse. #smarterVisitorManagement This Before/After video demonstrates how the design sits in the landscape (view from the existing Shelter). Neither our pinnacle centre or top tower blocks the scenic vista. (unlike the existing shelter) And because it is entirely maintained via the cableway, there is no need for a service road connecting it with the summit carpark (or a bigger carpark) unlike existing facilities already there #respectthemountain Final Days to make a representation in the planning process. Please share this link with friends, family, colleagues and neighbours! >> www.mwcablecar.com/takeaction

Rainy, lazy long weekend indoors? 🌧☕️✏️📨 Why not grab the family and each finish your representations to support our DA? 💚 All the detail is at www.mwcablecar.com/takeaction but here's a few handy and effective key reasons you may wish to consider: ✅ The proposed alignment enhances the Park's natural values, especially its biodiversity and geodiversity, because it allows more visitors to experience and appreciate the scenic beauty from an entirely new perspective. It also avoids any drinking water catchment zones. ✅ The entire proposal will provide spacious, high quality facilities for all ages and abilities, so that those with mobility issues can enjoy equality of access and experience. ✅ The proposed towers are necessary infrastructure to support the proposed sustainable transport corridor. They don't replace the existing road corridor and offer the smallest possible on-ground footprint/impact of any alternative transport system, including widening/modernising Pinnacle Road. ✅ The proposed tower near the summit has a unique engineering purpose and is likely to become of scenic interest itself, much like the existing (and much taller) transmission towers at the summit. ✅ The proposed pinnacle centre provides appropriate space and amenities to handle peak periods of mountain visitation without the current scenarios of overcrowding and degradation of the summit environment. ✅ The proposed base station is of high quality design utilising existing cleared areas to minimise bushland disturbance. Vegetation clearance for bushfire safety is also minimised yet ensures the effectiveness of the existing fire break is maintained. Disturbance is neglible compared to the City Council's own planned expansions of 'green corridor' fire breaks. ✅ The proposal can enhance Cultural Values by providing the space, on-site staff and resources for engaging interpretation and story telling of local heritage. ✅ The proposed access road outside of W

MWCC journey midpoint

All the hard work to write an effective representation has been done for you by fellow supporters, now YOU just need to add your name! LINK> bit.ly/lodgesupportnow And share this link with friends and family who are yet to lodge!

MWCC horizon restoration

Did you know our DA includes removal and rehabilitation of the existing shelter & boardwalks at the summit? Consolidating infrastructure (and replacing with more appropriate, all-ability facilities of high quality design) is a key desired outcome of the Pinnacle Zone planning scheme. Our proposal is nestled below the skyline to help restore uninterrupted views to the horizon, river and city vistas from the summit! More info at www.mwcablecar.com/takeaction

MWCC - Protecting the Mountain

MWCC Diaries 04 - 'Process'

MWCC Diaries 03 - 'Concepts'

MWCC Diaries 02 - 'Ethos'

MWCC Diaries 01 - 'Sites'

Part 2, Vin Barron, DST

MWCC Locals Part 1 - Steve Old

MWCC 2017 promo

MWCC What Tourists Say - Ovation of the seas - Single family

Shortcuts

Our Story

The Mount Wellington Cableway Company Pty Ltd (MWCC) was established on strong community support. Our first goal in 2012 was to reverse a planning scheme which had prohibited any consideration for commercial activity and development at the top of kunanyi/Mount Wellington since 2001, when legislation enabling the previous proponent’s ‘Skyway’ project was rescinded. We successfully achieved this at the end of 2013, which included removing a duplicitous veto power through both houses of State Parliament. Secondly, MWCC conducted the feasibility study into the project opportunity and sourced a project team from around the globe to design, finance, build and operate the venture. We completed the feasibility in early 2014, celebrating with the launch of our Preliminary Proposal on April 16, 2014. Thirdly, in June 2014 we commenced formal proceedings into the now-aligned planning system, starting with a boundary adjustment at the pinnacle. to marry up community sentiment with the planning scheme further. This was successfully ratified in our favour in November 2015. Since late 2015 the company has strengthened its governance, technical and financial capacity, which was assessed independently by the Tasmanian Economic Development Board in 2016. Project specific legislation was passed by State Parliament in 2017 and the company has focussed on preparing a development application since.

In August 2018 the company revealed the Full Proposal for public feedback. This page let's you stay up to date with our progress, debate the pros & cons of a Cable Car, Ask your questions and share your ideas to help steer how MWCC can resolve current issues and achieve the right mix of social, environmental and economic values.