To this day I still haven't used it, and I've lived in Launceston for about 19 years.

Call me a wet blanket, if you will, but when I was a child, the notion of a seat being the only thing between me and the depths of the First Basin was unsettling.

Although I understand it is and always has been incredibly safe.

The recent announcement that the Gorge would get an additional lift development piqued my intrigue, perhaps I should give the red-seated Launceston staple another chance.

One thing this new project has done is remind me that a gondola does not just refer exclusively to the traditional Venetian watercraft.

That being said, I would not complain if my Gorge gondola journey was accompanied by a gondolier who would sing sweet Italian tunes while I enjoyed the Gorge from above.

On a more serious note I do appreciate what this project accomplishes for the Gorge.

There are many in Launceston who cannot access the current chairlift for one reason or another, this project removes that barrier for them.

Combine that with the people who would now be able to see parts of the Gorge that they might have been unable to before due to age or ability.

It also brings something refreshing to the Gorge, other than that wicked mouse wheel that was recently built of course.

There have been a few understandable objections to the project, namely around the supposed 'ruining of the natural facade' the Gorge currently has.

I wouldn't label this project as a 'Disneyfication' of our beloved Gorge, I am inclined to compare it to a similar project in the Blue Mountains.

I've been to the Blue Mountains and enjoyed their scenic skyway among various other operated tours, I truly recommend paying the area a visit.

Not only is the natural heritage of the Blue Mountains maintained but celebrated by thousands of visitors per year.

I believe that same thing can be accomplished here on a smaller scale, and I have faith that the developers are more than capable of building an attraction that compliments the area.

Remember, they have done it before.

I guess some people would just prefer something else be built at the Gorge instead, a Big W perhaps?