The Tasmanian Planning Commission’s decision to hold a public hearing on proposed changes to the Wellington Park Management Plan that would enable a cable car has been welcomed by the Tasmanian Greens.
Greens’ Member for Denison, Cassy O’Connor MP, said a public hearing is necessary to ensure the Wellington Park Management Trust is not simply able to rubber stamp its plan to expand the development footprint on the mountain at the request of a private developer.
“The Trust’s draft decision to expand the Pinnacle Specific Area requires detailed scrutiny by the Planning Commission and public input,” Ms O’Connor said.
“Regrettably, the Wellington Park Management Trust has become politicised, and instead of exercising its duty to protect the natural and cultural values of the mountain for public benefit, it appears to be doing the bidding of private developers and the government of the day.”
“In its draft decision, the Trust moved to change the development footprint on kunanyi/Mt Wellington at the explicit request of cable car proponent, Mr Adrian Bold, who also happens to be a close, personal friend of State Growth Minister, Matthew Groom.”
“This appears to be a sad example of a public entity acceding to a private developer’s plan for private profit.”
“The stated Mission of the Trust is to, ‘...preserve the natural, cultural, recreational, tourism and drinking water qualities of Wellington Park for their own value and for the safe enjoyment of all people ...through outstanding management, sympathetic development and a cooperative relationship with our communities.”
“I am sure all those Tasmanians who love this wilderness on Hobart’s doorstep will welcome the Tasmanian Planning Commission’s decision to hold a public hearing, and the necessary scrutiny of the Trust’s processes and decisions such a hearing will entail,” Ms O’Connor said.