Cable car plan puts climbers on edge

SIMON Bischoff says this is no stunt — he is hanging off the Organ Pipes on kunanyi/Mt Wellington for a reason. And it’s not just the amazing view.

The Hobart daredevil is part of a two-night “cliff-sleep” protest against plans for a cable car to the summit of the mountain, with a rally against the project tomorrow.

THIS may be a death defying stunt for some, but for Simon Bischoff this is a way of voicing a very loud and visual opinion — with a pretty spectacular view.

Yesterday, Mr Bischoff and an anonymous climber established a suspended camp on kunanyi/Mt Wellington’s Organ Pipes as part of a twonight “cliff-sleep” protest against plans for a cable car up to the summit.

Images and footage of the protesters, who are 100m off the ground, will be broadcast around the world to highlight the protesters’ opposition to the Mount Wellington Cableway Company’s plans.

Mr Bischoff, of Hobart, said he had concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the project, which he believed was out of step with public opinion and would “trash” Tasmania’s brand.

“We are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world because people want to see nature and breathe our fresh air,” he said. “If they want to take a ride in a theme park they can go to Disneyland.”

Mr Bischoff also called on the community to take a stand against the project by attending the Mountain MayDay at Cascade Gardens tomorrow.

Cable care company chairwoman Jude Franks said everyone had a right to protest.

“However, we look forward to consulting with them [the climbers] and any other groups that feel like talking to us,” she said.

State Growth Minister Peter Gutwein said this week he was seeking advice on whether the company could still conduct investigative site works on the mountain after revelations it was considering building a terminal at the end of Old Farm Rd.

He said it appeared the project may be different to the one considered when he granted the works approval.