As the deadline looms for a review of kunanyi/Mt Wellington’s future, voices on both sides of the development debate are rallying locals to have their say.
Launched earlier this month by the state government, the review will tackle pressing issues surrounding land management, transportation, visitor infrastructure and the preservation of cultural heritage on the iconic peak.
It has the goal of creating a strategy that protects the mountain’s environment while enhancing its reputation as a premier destination for recreation and tourism.
The mountain, which is Tasmania’s most popular natural attraction, drew in over 410,000 visitors in 2023 and by year’s end, an estimated 250,000 vehicles will have driven to the summit.
This growing visitation has sparked differing opinions about how best to manage the mountain’s future.
On one side, Friends of the Mountain, an alliance of community groups including the Tasmanian National Parks Association (TNPA), is calling for a cautious and sustainable approach.
“The optimum solution is likely to include restricting visitor numbers to sustainable levels at peak periods and will be far more complex than simply constructing additional intrusive infrastructure to cater for ever-increasing numbers,” the alliance believes.
TNPA President Nicholas Sawyer said the outcome of the review must protect “all the values of the mountain”, address the expectations of all visitors and not be a “sham justification for additional infrastructure development”.
On the other hand, proponents of the previously defeated Mt Wellington Cable Car argue that their development is key to solving many of the mountain’s current challenges.
“As the state’s most visited natural attraction, a sustainable transport solution is needed now more than ever to ensure a long term balance between visitation and environmental conservation,” they said.
“If you support our plan … all whilst improving environmental outcomes for the mountain, then this is your chance to help achieve an outcome that all Tasmanians can be proud of.”
The state government’s survey remains open to all Tasmanians until December 4.
