A proposed $20 million skyway at Launceston's Cataract Gorge has taken the community by storm.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Larter family, Gorge Scenic Chairlift owners, announced their plans for the project on Thursday.
David Larter said the proposal would have big economic impacts for the region.
However, the proposal has received some mixed reviews from the community.
Despite many supporting the proposal, some comments on social media have highlighted concerns the cableway could impact and intrude on the Gorge's natural beauty.
Commenting to The Examiner's Facebook page, Melissa West said she did not see the value.
"It's just another money making idea that defaces the true natural value and beauty of the Gorge. It's beautiful, natural, special and amazing just as it is," she said.
RELATED STORIES
Joy Edmunds said people go to places such as the Gorge to see the natural environment and "get their spiritual fix", not to look at more built environment.
The proponents said steps had been taken to minimise the structural and visual impact, preserve the Gorge's cultural and historical heritage, and to protect flora and fauna.
An ecological assessment of the skyway was undertaken by Pitt and Sherry.
The report's major finding was the presence of threatened species Veronica plebeia, which would need to be taken into account during construction.
No special management for threatened fauna was recommended, and no dens were found near the tower sites. No significant habitat impacts were anticipated.
An economic impact report undertaken by Deloitte highlighted some positive effects the project could have on the region.
The report said the project had the potential to generate an additional $1.5 million in Launceston visitor expenditure during its first year of operation and would attract an additional 10,886 visitor nights in 2021.
"This impact would increase to an additional 24,770 visitor nights in 2030, generating an additional $3.4 million in additional visitor expenditure," the report said.
In addition to this, full-time jobs would be created from the project.
Between 2020 and 2030 financial years, about 17 additional full-time equivalent jobs would be created in the Launceston region as a result of the project. About 38 full-time equivalent jobs would be created in the construction sector during the development's first stage.
Reports are available at launcestonskyway.com.au.
What are your thoughts? Vote in our poll below.