Cable car opposition grows

A NEW poll commissioned by opponents of the proposed Mt Wellington cable car shows support for the project falling.

A ReachTEL poll commissioned by the Residents Opposed to the Cable Car group found 44.6 per cent of Denison residents opposed the project.

The figure was up from 40.3 per cent in a similar poll conducted for the Mercury last year.

“Public opinion against the cable car is growing as more becomes known about the project, the proponent’s poor process and secrecy are exposed, and the Government writes special rules to assist its assessment,” the group’s spokesman Ted Cutlan said.

The poll of 645 residents on Tuesday night found 42.2 per cent supported the cable car, while 13.1 per cent were neutral or undecided.

Residents were provided with a description of the project before being asked whether they supported or opposed it. The poll found 54.3 per cent of respondents opposed the compulsory acquisition of land by the State Government for the project, with 36 per cent in support and 9.6 per cent neutral or undecided.

A total of 47.2 per cent said the Cascade Brewery should not back the project by making its land available, but 40.4 per cent encouraged the brewery’s support and 12.4 per cent were unsure.

Architect Robert MorrisNunn’s visitor centre and restaurant proposal for the Springs was supported by 69.6 per cent, with 19.2 per cent against and 11.1 per cent undecided.

The polling comes after thousands rallied against the proposal in South Hobart two weeks ago. It follows a State Government decision this week to request the Mount Wellington Cableway Company submit a new application for access to the mountain to prepare a development application after the company changed its planned cable car route.

Opposition to the project has grown from 36.4 per cent in a 2014 ReachTEL poll. But a majority of respondents in electorates outside Denison supported it in the 2017 poll.

“This poll demonstrates a majority of Denison residents now oppose the cable car,” Mr Cutlan said. “Of course, we know many people outside of Denison also want kunanyi/ Mt Wellington protected so this is a very clear message to Government, the proponent, potential investors and the broader community.”

Mount Wellington Cableway Company chair Jude Franks said the survey excluded people on the Eastern Shore and Kingborough and the figures were the result of misleading information about the company’s plans.