A federal government pledge of $3.2 million to plan for the development of a new transport hub at the foot of kunanyi/Mount Wellington has been welcomed by Hobart’s lord mayor.
The funding will support the Halls Saddle precinct, planned to target growing traffic pressures and visitor numbers by turning a former quarry into a park-and-ride facility with shuttle buses, walking tracks and a potential cafe.
Senator Carol Brown said on Friday the investment would “transform this iconic area into a multi-purpose precinct”.
“[This is] something that will do justice to the iconic kunanyi/Mount Wellington ranges,” she said.
Independent Clark MP Andrew Wilkie described the commitment as a turning point for the mountain’s accessibility.
“This is the sort of thing people come to Tasmania for. This is the sort of thing locals want,” he said.
“[This is a] project that – eventually – will open up the mountain to even more people, allow them to get on the mountain on their bikes, walking or just sit here maybe in a cafe and enjoy the view.”
Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds, speaking alongside the federal politicians at Halls Saddle, said the site offered spectacular views and would provide much-needed visitor infrastructure.
“It is the most highly visited natural place in Tasmania so we’re really thrilled to be able to do this work with the federal government,” she said.
“It’s going to be a wonderful transport hub and investment in visitor infrastructure for our mountain.”
The mountain currently attracts more than 500,000 visitors each year, with numbers expected to reach 700,000 by 2028.
Pinnacle Road sees more than 2,000 vehicles a day at peak times, all competing for just 280 parking spaces in Wellington Park.
The federal funding will cover feasibility studies, design work and community consultation over the next 18 months.
Construction costs are yet to be secured, with earlier estimates putting the full build at $5.7 million.
The proposal comes as the state government signals it may revisit the cable car project, previously rejected by council and the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT).
The council hopes its Halls Saddle plan will win backing in the state government’s upcoming kunanyi/Mount Wellington action plan, expected to be released mid next year.
