So different to ‘80s version
MT WELLINGTON CABLE CAR
WITH the cable car development reaching a critical juncture, we should all take a step back and look at the fresh design. People who made up their minds 30 years ago may not be aware the aerial tramway with only three towers (two down in the foothills) is completely different to the 1980s version with dozens of towers across the mountain face. Back then, we underestimated how long it would take for traffic volumes to reach the capacity of the road and although people were aware of harmful emissions from fossil fuel vehicles, it wasn’t front of mind for many.
Construction methods have changed. Kuranda Skyrail, through rainforest near Cairns, was labelled by some as environmental vandalism. It adhered to such high standards it has won international awards for sustainable tourism. The Mount Wellington Cableway Company is fortunate to have Kuranda’s project manager on its team. The proponents have spent several years refining the design based on community feedback. They certainly can’t be accused of having rushed into it. We should make our decision on facts, not on rumours, hearsay and scaremongering. cars, restaurant and conference facilities to name a few. People everywhere, queues, noise, stress, infrastructure, environmental destruction. One can only ask the question as to why such a scheme should even be considered. Let alone proceed.
Incorporate bypass
If the MWCC wants to build a 2.5km road to the left at McRobies Gully why not build it to the right as part of a bypass to the northern suburbs and incorporate the cable car location with it and lobby the state and federal governments for road costs. Also there has been talk about the Giblin St quarry of late. Would that be suitable for something like the Eden Project as another tourist attraction on the new highway to the northern suburbs?
Visionary plan
CONGRATULATIONS on securing and reporting such clear, transparent and comprehensive information for readers ( Mercury, August 4). And what a very well thought-out, visionary plan B it is by the MWCC from its preliminary (plan A) 4.6km, two-stage cableway proposal. As a long-standing member of the Australian Institute of Project Management, my observation is this project is still a two-staged development. Stage 1: The new 2.7km proposal by the MWCC is within a defined, manageable budget, is fully scoped out, totally fit for purpose and, most importantly, fully publicised. Stage 2: Once the cable car is shown to be a resounding success (which no doubt it will be), one presumes an extension will be built aligned with the new road service linking the main terminal within Mount Wellington Park to McRobies Gully (cue local NIMBYs).
Yes. All Tasmanians, not just Hobartians, need to get involved “in what will be a major decision for our capital city” (Editorial, August 4).
Where are the pylons?
WHY does the artist’s impression fail to include a single pylon keeping the structure in place? Could it be because a whole series of pylons will be dotted up and down the mountain disfiguring the landscape to an appalling degree? Going by the artist’s impression, this is some kind of magical cable car that is able to sustain enormous pressure, to say nothing of the weight of passengers, on the mere slimmest of silk threads. Fantasy engineering methinks.
Too much light
LIGHTS from cable car structures and buildings on the skyline would be always there. The ancient heart guarding and holding Hobart would be exposed to continuous light at night and sunlight on glass in the day. A significant change. A huge impact for those many locals like me nourished by kunanyi/Mt Wellington’s strong and silent presence every morning and night. The focus would highlight one area, changing the skyline forever.
Weighty police armoury
I CAN hear physiotherapists, chiropractors, etc, rubbing their hands together now Tas Police have incorporated body cameras into their vest armoury. Going by the photos ( Mercury, August 7), it will be amazing to watch an officer attempt to chase a culprit with all this armoury hanging from their body. Can I suggest as soon as the crane is finished at the RHH it could be used as an assist to load such officers in and out of vehicles or when dressing in such vests.
A place where people live
MEMO to news outlets that persist in referring to Lombok as a tourist island: Lombok is a place where people live. It is not simply a holiday playground.
Regular rail, too easy
YOU are not alone, Sharon Jackson (Letters, August 1). I sent a detailed letter to the Government about what Adelaide has achieved, especially for all the southern suburbs — an excellent rail system running every 15 minutes from the city to as far south as Noarlunga Centre and free to pensioners five days a week 9am to 4pm. Quick, clean and city car free. Park’n’ride under proper supervision. Too easy!
Data honeypot
WHILE some may have a proclivity for computer hacking, a country’s central health database with individuals’ private information may be a honeypot too big to resist.