The state government is exploring options with their federal counterparts to fund the proposed $190 million Cradle Mountain cableway.
The federal government withdrew its previous $30 million contribution last year after the state’s deadline for providing required information was missed.
The cableway, which was first proposed eight years ago, is a central part of the Cradle Mountain Master Plan and would connect the visitor centre to Dove Lake.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff told a budget estimates committee meeting on Tuesday that the state government is willing to spend a committed $30 million on the project.
“Of course, we’re continuing to invest in the masterplan itself more broadly,” he said.
Co-ordinator General John Perry revealed that discussions are underway with the federal government about future investments in the project.
“We are not looking for private sector investment into the cableway,” he said.
“We have been engaged with the federal government around co-investing into the cableway.”
“We are in discussions with them around funding for the entire $190 million.”
According to Perry, the state government will work with private investors on “other components” of the masterplan.
This could include walking trails, employee accommodation and development in the Cradle Mountain gateway area outside the national park.
Updated 4:40pm, Wednesday September 25: The Office of the Co-ordinator General has since clarified that “discussions are ongoing” regarding the final makeup of the project’s funding sources.
“[Mr Perry’s] statement was not suggesting that the Australian Government would be expected to fund the entirety of the project,” a spokesperson said.
“Mr Perry’s comment to the Budget Estimates hearing on 24 September 2024 was in response to a question about seeking project funding from the private sector.”
