The Tasmanian Government has confirmed a cable car is a “sustainable transport solution” needed for kunanyi/Mount Wellington, as the City of Hobart again closes the road to the summit due to icy conditions.
The council earlier today said people could be at risk of dying in vehicle crashes on Pinnacle Road, which is frequently shut during cold weather to limit access to the top of the mountain.
“Our mountain is beautiful in winter when snow-capped, but black ice remains a hidden danger and if road access is not managed properly, we could easily see road deaths,” Open Space Manager Sean Black said.
“Black ice can be just millimetres deep, invisible to the naked eye but treacherous to drivers.”
Black said even experienced mountain crews are finding it “challenging” to navigate the road due to the increased presence of black ice this winter.
A government spokesperson told Pulse it “believes a cable car would be a sustainable transport solution for the mountain”.
“The Tasmanian Government … will be informed by the outcomes of the review,” the spokesperson said.
The review of the Wellington Park precinct was announced in May and will look to determine how its land, transportation options, visitor infrastructure and cultural experiences are best managed into the future.
Business, Industry and Resource Minister Eric Abetz the state government acknowledges there are challenges associated with the mountain.
“The review will seek to capture the community’s long-term vision and this means listening to all views on how the mountain should be managed,” Abetz told Pulse.
“Planning has commenced and further information, including how people can provide their say will be made available on the review’s website in due course.”
The review is expected to take up to 12 months.
“Access to the mountain, including to the summit, will be one of many things considered,” Abetz said.
kunanyi/Mount Wellington is the state’s top natural attraction, drawing in over 410,000 local, interstate and international visitors in 2023.
