A comprehensive community consultation on the future of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington has revealed significant differences in how Tasmanians want to experience the state’s most visited natural attraction as demand continues to grow.
The government’s ‘Our Mountain’s Future’ review, released on Tuesday by Business, Industry and Resources Minister Eric Abetz, found support for upgrades, but plenty of disagreement over how to manage rising visitor numbers.
The consultation, which ran from October to December 2024, received 8,560 survey responses and 566 written submissions. About 65% of people said they had been unable to visit at some point due to poor weather, while 51% pointed to road closures as a barrier.
Snow emerged as both blessing and curse, with the review highlighting it as a key drawcard for visitors but also the main reason for closing the road.
“Understanding the community’s vision for Our Mountain’s Future provides our government with a roadmap to move forward and develop a long-term plan that sets out strategic objectives and actions to guide future improvements,” Abetz said.
The review also found current facilities are struggling to meet expectations.
Just 38% of people who only visited the Pinnacle were satisfied with their experience, compared with 77% of active visitors who regularly hike or cycle.
“The consultation shows that demand for accessing the mountain is growing and we need long term solutions that ease congestion, improve safety and respect the character of the mountain,” Abetz added.
The review also found where people live makes a big difference to how often they visit. About 52% of Hobart residents said they visit the mountain often, compared to just 15% in Clarence and 16% in Kingborough.
For people in outer areas like Brighton, the Derwent Valley and Sorell, one in three reported difficulty even getting to the park.
When it comes to transport priorities, environmental benefit topped the list, with 55% ranking it first or second, followed by safety at 50% and all-weather access at 35%.
The consultation revealed growing appetite for cultural experiences, with participation in cultural or spiritual activities expected to more than double from 11% currently to 25% wanting to participate in future.
“We’ve heard that people want to see common-sense improvements including better shelters, toilets and safer transport options, to help everyone enjoy the mountain safely. That includes families, tourists and people with disability,” Abetz said.
Views on new infrastructure were split depending on location. A visitor centre at the Pinnacle has 44% support, while 58% backed one at access points like Fern Tree. Adventure tourism infrastructure was opposed by 52% at the Pinnacle, but only 35% at entry points.
While the survey didn’t directly ask about a cable car, many people raised the issue anyway in written comments.
The analysis found 31% specifically supported a cable car, while 27% opposed it. Only 20% of Hobart residents backed the proposal, compared to 62% in Brighton and 55% in the Derwent Valley.
Minister Abetz said many people wanted to see a wider range of transport and tourism options.
“Many respondents were supportive of improved transport solutions and adventure-based infrastructure, especially in areas that are already developed or less environmentally sensitive,” he said.
“This vision is not the end of the process. It is the foundation for the next stage. This is about planning for the long term. We need to preserve what makes the mountain special, while also allowing sensible development that helps more people experience and enjoy it.”
A detailed plan with specific actions and goals is expected later this year.
