GOLD CAN BE GREEN
ANN WASON MOORE ON CABLEWAY
Guys, I think we have an image problem. For years, this city has been building its reputation as more than just theme parks and beaches – as fabulous and world-class as they are.
While rightfully proud of these homegrown features, we’ve been focusing on diversifying our attractions – witness the launch of the $60.5m HOTA art gallery this weekend as an example of an absolute victory.
But while it seems as though we might finally have culture covered, what about that well-worn tourism tagline touting our ‘green behind the gold’?
It sounds great – and it IS great – but does that image of a tourist-friendly destination match the actual attitude?
Despite the likes of Springbrook happily promoting its tourism attractions and even boasting its own Chamber of Commerce, it seems there is a disconnect.
Because almost any time we, as a city, try to truly promote our amazing Hinterland in an effort to boost both jobs and sustainability, it gets shot down.
And never more so than when the c-word is mentioned … the dreaded cableway.
The long, twisted and torturous history of this tourism unicorn is such that one dare not mention the word west of the M1. (No matter that the Kuranda Skyrail was similarly shrouded in controversy back when it was built in 1994, but now is considered a stunning ecotourism success.)
Look, I understand the absolutely legitimate concerns of environmental advocates and local residents. This is World Heritage-listed rainforest … one simply does not mess that up.
And literally no one wants to.
Speaking after Urbis advised council in a prefeasibility report that there was “merit” in investigating the city’s potential newest tourist attraction, Mayor Tom Tate tried to immediately assuage concerns.
“I want to ensure that key interest groups are fully involved in initial stages of any discussions, and throughout the proposed project,” said the Mayor.
“Of course, traditional owners are paramount but I want to include our city’s environmental groups. I will be asking council to ensure this occurs.
“With that in mind, I ask all parties to come to these discussions with an open mind. Let me be very clear – if this project does not meet the stringent environmental conditions, I will be the first to rule it out.’’
Those are pretty strong words.
Meanwhile, Mudgeerababased councillor Glenn Tozer is taking it a step further, writing to Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon and asking the Gaven MP to consider supporting a shared funding commitment to explore the environmental impacts before even starting community consultation.
In his letter to Ms Scanlon he said he was “neither for or against a cableway at this time” but the community needed comprehensive information on environmental economics and impact.
“Frankly, without a thorough assessment of the environmental value and impact of development in the target area, the economic benefit or cost is impossible to determine, regardless of what a consultant might say,” Cr Tozer told residents in a social media post.
And that makes complete sense. Before we touch a single leaf, before we engage in a debate, we better be sure that this proposal is environmentally sound.
But all that being said, does it even matter?
Will cableway critics ever be convinced? Even if the findings indicate this is a sustainable and sound ecotourism development?
Alas, I believe I already know the answer.
Because we’ve been there and done that when it comes to the light rail.
When it comes to this controversial kind of infrastructure, it seems you can’t let facts get in the way of emotions.
The concern with the cableway is that opponents are already effectively ruling themselves out of the conversation by the sheer refusal to listen or engage.
Personally, I support the cableway in theory, but if it will cause damage in practice that’s a big no.
What I don’t understand is why the very people whose neighbourhood and businesses would benefit from this development would not welcome the opportunity to discuss the ultimate promotion of their green behind the gold.
It’s time to speak up … but also to listen hard.
It’s the only way to ensure we make our actions and our image match.