A review into the future of kunanyi/Mount Wellington will begin later this year to address concerns about the mountain’s land management, transportation options, visitor infrastructure and cultural experiences.
Minister for Business, Industry and Resources Eric Abetz said key stakeholder groups, including the Hobart City Council, Destination Southern Tasmania and the Tourism Industry Council, have expressed various perspectives on the mountain’s future in recent years.
“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,” he 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 best way to tackle these concerns is for a comprehensive, holistic, strategic review led by the Tasmanian Government, in consultation with stakeholders, landowners and the public.”
Minister for Parks and Environment Nick Duigan said kunanyi is the state’s top natural attraction, drawing in over 410,000 local, interstate and international visitors in 2023.
“We know that high visitor volumes are placing strains on existing infrastructure and facilities which will need to be addressed,” he said.
“But as our population and tourist numbers grow, now is the time to ensure the demands on the mountain can be managed and met.”
“We need to get the long term vision for kunanyi right, so that Tasmanians can enjoy the mountain for decades to come.”
The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is urging the state government to end the uncertainty and make a definitive decision on mountain management by the end of the year.
“The management of the mountain has been just about reviewed to death over the years,” CEO Michael Bailey said.
“We all know where everyone stands on this issue, it’s time the Government just made a decision one way or the other.”
Bailey stressed that the current mountain management structure “clearly isn’t working” and needs to be simplified.
“The business community also needs clarity on what sorts of projects and investments will and won’t be allowed on kunanyi going forward,” he said.
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds welcomed the review as a “significant step forward to future proofing” the iconic natural asset.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure its preservation and carefully manage any enhancements and that is why we have long lobbied for attention to be given to this much-loved site,” she said.
The review will be led by the Department of State Growth, with initial consultation due to begin in the second half of 2024.
