Plans to build what would have been the longest and fastest zip-line in the Asia-Pacific have hit a snag after the Hobart City Council voted to reject the proposed tourism attraction.
Despite approval being recommended by expert council planners, six councillors voted against the development following a lengthy discussion at Wednesday evening’s meeting.
Several community groups, including Respect the Mountain, the South Hobart Progress Association and the Tasmanian National Parks Association, voiced concerns over the kunanyi/Mt Wellington development during the meeting.
Their objections ranged from potential noise impacts from screaming tourists to environmental concerns about birds potentially colliding with the zip-line cables.
Councillors Ben Lohberger, Bill Harvey, Mike Dutta, Zelinda Sherlock, Gemma Kitsos and Ryan Posselt voted against the development.
Their concerns primarily focused on the classification of the project under the planning scheme, which categorised the development as a transport depot.
They believed the expert council planners had got it wrong.
Only councillors Louise Elliott, Louise Bloomfield, Marti Zucco and John Kelly supported the development.
Developer Shane Abel from Tazzip said he was inspired by his “very successful” zip-line developments in New Zealand.
He said The Springs site was specifically chosen after extensive research.
“From a promotional perspective, you couldn’t find a better location to build a zip-line,” Abel said, noting the site’s location just 10 minutes from the capital city.
During the meeting, councillors were advised that if the decision is appealed to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, it could cost ratepayers more than $100,000 for the council to defend its position.
The refusal has already sparked debate on social media among Pulse Tasmania followers, with Planning Minister Felix Ellis even chiming in to condemn the rejection.
“Just ridiculous,” he wrote. “More anti-everything from Hobart City Council.”
