‘Visual scar’: Controversial Taronga Zoo project to go ahead

2 hours ago 1

A plan to revive Taronga Zoo’s cable car attraction has been given the green light after the $105 million tourism drawcard divided opinions among residents in Mosman and sparked backlash from a rival zoo in the city’s west.

Six pylons, standing up to 36.5m tall, are a step closer to towering over the lower north shore landscape as part of approved plans for a new cable car system connecting Sydney Harbour to the gated entrance of the 28ha tourist site.

A concept view of the new cable car system, as viewed from Athol Bay on the lower north shore.

The new attraction, approved by the NSW Department of Planning on Friday, will replace the zoo’s retired Sky Safari cable car system, which closed in 2023 after assessments found the 35-year-old “ageing asset” had “reached the end of its workable life”.

The approval follows almost two years of planning, during which time dozens of submissions were lodged, both supporting and opposing the project.

Supporters of the plan included Destination Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison who said the project would “deliver substantial” tourism benefits and enhance the zoo’s “global reputation”.

But opponents have argued the height of the new cable car system could obliterate harbour views, and increased crowd numbers drawn to the attraction could lead to unacceptable noise and traffic congestion impacts for surrounding home owners.

An artist’s impression of the lower station for Taronga Zoo’s proposed new cable car.

On Sunday, volunteers from the Mosman Parks & Bushland Association gathered to express their “heartbreak and disappointment” at the government’s decision to approve the project.

Association president Kate Eccles labelled the cable car towers a “visual blight” that risks degrading the Sydney Harbour foreshore.

“We’re very disappointed because this thing will be built right on Sydney Harbour, and it will be a scar on the landscape we’ve fought hard to protect” she said.

“The headlands should be the prominent feature of the harbour displaying the lovely green bush, and instead we’ll have this cable car monstrosity which will be the equivalent height of a 10-storey building.

The cable car line will stand up to 36.5m tall, overlooking the harbour.

“The primary purpose of it in my view isn’t about educating the public about wildlife. It’s about creating a fun ride.”

The objections from residents were not the only grumble during the planning process with Taronga Zoo’s rival, Sydney Zoo, also complaining.

In a submission to the Department of Planning, Sydney Zoo’s managing director Jake Burgess questioned whether the cable car project would give Taronga Zoo – which receives government grants and funding – a “competitive advantage”.

“It is clear that the proposed development is designed to improve the competitive advantage of Taronga’s overall customer experience as opposed to improving animal conservation outcomes in direct competition with Sydney Zoo for patronage,” Mr Burgess claimed in the submission.

Sydney Zoo managing director Jake Burgess says the development at Taronga Zoo will have a significant negative impact on Sydney Zoo.

“This will cause significant negative impacts on total visitation at Sydney Zoo, reducing its viability and resulting in significant adverse social and economic impacts.”

A Taronga Zoo spokeswoman, in a statement to the Herald earlier this year, said the $105 million budget to deliver the upgraded Sky Safari included state government grant funding, as well as a contribution from the zoo’s operating reserves. She said no donations to the Taronga Foundation had been, or would be, spent on the project.

The Department of Planning – in approving the project – stated the cable car line would “not significantly obstruct existing views, impact the use or enjoyment of surrounding public spaces” or “materially alter the visual amenity of residents at the top of the Mosman peninsula.”

“The Department is satisfied that the proposal would not result in any significant social or economic impacts in the locality, and will bring several positive outcomes, including improving accessibility,” the department stated.

A concept image of the proposed cable car that was approved on Friday.

The cable car network will be built along the route of the old system which attracted around 20 million visitors per year before it was closed.

Taronga Zoo, in planning documents for the project, stated the development will generate about $5.7 million in economic activity each year and “assist in securing the financial future of the zoo to ensure that it can continue to undertake a range of conservation and education projects”.

Plans show construction work will include the removal of 62 trees which Taronga Zoo has pledged to offset by planting 124 new trees.

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.