High-flying protest against cable car

SKILLED highliners from the United States have walked across the face of Mt Wellington’s Organ Pipes to share a message that no cable car is welcome on Hobart’s landmark summit.

At the request of Hobart residents against the proposed cable car, the two US climbing specialists this week attached a highline across the Organ Pipes before walking across it and draping a “No Cable Car” sign from the wire.

Protest organiser and Hobart resident Simon, who did not want his surname published, said the two highliners were friends of his and were asked by locals to conduct the protest.

“It [the proposal] goes a long way beyond Hobart,” Simon said.

“They’re [the highliners] not interested in there being a cable car and they have created that discourse about opposing it.”

This month it was revealed State Growth Minister Peter Gutwein signed an authority for the Mount Wellington Cable Car Company to enter the pinnacle site to do drilling, surveying and other works. He made the decision on the final working day before the state election was called. The move sparked fury from conservation groups and the Residents Opposed to the Cable Car. Group spokesman Ted Cutlan said the highliners highlighted his group’s cause.

“It draws attention to the issue at a time when the Government is pushing ahead with this terrible planing process,” Mr Cutlan said.

“It shows there is that concern from lots of people and I hope it [the protest] gets international attention.”

Mount Wellington Cable Car Company chair Jude Franks declined to comment.

Three daredevils walked and unicycled across a highline in front of the Organ Pipes in 2015. At the time police said it was not aware of a breach of law but said council approval could be needed.