This is the web version of the discussion paper. You can also download the official PDF version or the easy read version.

The discussion paper will tell you what the review is all about.

It can be used to guide your thinking, and act as a prompt for your long-term vision for Wellington Park. Once you have read the discussion paper, please tell us what you think and join the conversation.

Some parts of the discussion paper are not included below because they have their own pages on the website. These include:

• how to have your say
• about the park
• how the review will work.

Our mountain is one of Tasmania’s most treasured natural landmarks which plays a key role in supporting our natural visitor economy. The mountain is our most visited natural asset, attracting over 500,000 local, interstate and international visitors each year.

With this number expected to grow in coming years, now is the time to ensure the demands on the mountain can be managed into the long-term while preserving what makes it special.

We know that there are challenges and opportunities associated with the park. The existing infrastructure and facilities are outdated and no longer fit for purpose given the high level of visitation.

We have heard from many people that the mountain and the park also need better access and transport solutions for it to maintain its popular visitor status. We also know there are many views on how we enjoy, celebrate, manage, protect and access the mountain and broader park into the future.

That is why the Tasmanian Government has committed to a holistic strategic review of kunanyi/Mount Wellington to develop a shared community vision for the mountain and park.

Our Mountain’s Future is an opportunity for every Tasmanian to have their say.

Your feedback will help to shape the future of this iconic natural landmark by developing a long-term vision that represents the aspirations of the Tasmanian community.

I encourage you to get involved, and to have your say on Our Mountain’s Future.

Eric Abetz MP

Minister for Business, Industry and Resources

Why do we need a vision?

We want to make sure the park is well set up for the future

We have heard concerns from organisations and the Tasmanian community about funding sustainability, amenity, environmental and cultural issues, and the quality of infrastructure. As a vast natural asset, the park also needs to be managed for environmental risks such as bushfires and changes to the climate.

Now is the right time to review the current arrangements and make sure the park is set up to meet future demands as well as the community’s and visitors’ long-term expectations.

The number of visitors to the mountain is growing

If the current level of growth continues, the number of tourists is expected to increase to over 700,000 by 2033.

This increase significantly benefits Tasmania’s visitor economy and local jobs, but we must ensure the park is set up to meet the expectations of visitors while protecting what makes it special.

We need to consider maintenance given increasing demands on infrastructure

Increased visitation and the potential effects of changing climate (such as bushfire risk) are placing greater demands on the infrastructure in the park.

We need to make sure the park is set up to cope with these demands.

All Tasmanians should have a say on the future of the mountain and the park

The park is valued for a wide range of reasons and there are many views on its future.

We want to hear everyone’s view on what the park means to them as well as what recreational activities, transport options, visitor infrastructure, and opportunities for cultural and educational experiences are appropriate.

Theme 1: Values Management

The ways we value the park

We want to understand what the community most values about the park. This theme considers how best to protect, educate, and celebrate cultural and environmental values.

Cultural values and heritage

kunanyi/Mount Wellington provides deep connection to ancestors, culture, and Country for many Tasmanian Aboriginal people.

Its cultural significance is profound, ancient, and continuing, with stories passed down over thousands of generations.

For much of its history, the park has been recognised as a source of clean water, food and timber, and a destination for visitors.

Today, the park continues to provide Greater Hobart with fresh mountain water. Visitors continue to enjoy what the park has to offer in ever increasing numbers.

People continue to value and celebrate the heritage of the park in many ways including through written and oral historical accounts, interpretive signs, and art.

Question: How do you think we should recognise and celebrate the history of the park?

View of the mountain from Hobart and its surrounds

The mountain has significant presence in south east Tasmania and is a visual icon for Greater Hobart.

Question: What matters to you when looking at the mountain?

Environmental values

The park contains significant ecosystems:

• A diverse range of fauna species such as 67 species of bird and more than 5,000 invertebrate species.
• 500 native flora species including 167 kinds of moss.

The park is home to several threatened and species.

Geological construction, erosive processes and change have shaped the area over millions of years to form the landforms we know today.

Question: How important is it to you that we enjoy, conserve, protect and celebrate the park’s environmental values?

Theme 2: User experience

How we interact with the park

User experience is about how the community accesses and interacts with the park.

This theme considers how best to provide for recreation, access, tourism and other uses.

Recreation

Wellington Park offers visitors the opportunity to do a wide range of recreational activities, and access natural space close to Greater Hobart.

Question: For what recreational activities would you like to use the park?

Transport solutions for the Pinnacle and other areas of the park

Pinnacle Road is the only road to the summit of kunanyi/Mount Wellington. The road may be closed to maintain safety due to traffic congestion, snow, ice or unsafe conditions.

There have been many proposals for alternative transport solutions both to the Pinnacle, and to other areas of the park.

Question: What do you think is important when designing future transport options to access the park?

Appropriate facilities and infrastructure for users

The park currently hosts a basic range of facilities and infrastructure including for example:

• lookouts and shelters
• parking
• toilets
• walking and mountain bike tracks

The park is very popular with locals and visitors alike. More than 500,000 people are estimated to visit the park each year.

This number is expected to increase significantly over the coming decades.

We want to understand how people want to use the park, and what facilities locals and visitors expect when visiting the park.

Question: What facilities and infrastructure do you think the park needs?

Question: How important is it that our mountain and its amenities are easily enjoyable for all?

Theme 3: Administration

How we manage and maintain the park

The Wellington Park Management Trust is an organisation with representatives from councils, government and TasWater.

The park and the Trust were established under special legislation in 1993.

The Trust maintains a Management Plan which also acts as the park’s planning scheme. It does not own the land in the park.

Ownership is split between councils, the Tasmanian Government, and private owners. The Trust’s role is one of strategy and regulation, in partnership with on-ground management undertaken by the landowners.

Land management is funded mostly through a mixture of Tasmanian Government funding, and the ratepayers of the landowning councils. Funding is a critical aspect of management decision making for Park landowners.

The model of administration is a key consideration as we develop a plan for Our Mountain's Future and incorporates several non-negotiable functions such as fire management and water supply protection.

The vision will underpin the actions we need to take to make changes as we look forward and into the long-term.

While you're welcome to provide your thoughts on the administration theme now, most of the discussion around this theme will occur in phase two once we have heard about your vision for our park.