What approvals does the Springbrook Cableway need before it can proceed?

The proposed Springbrook Cableway project is a complex development that faces multiple independent approval regimes across federal, state, and local jurisdictions. All of these regimes must be satisfied before the project can proceed.

1. Federal Environmental Assessment

Springbrook forms part of the Gondwana Rainforest World Heritage area. Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) , any action that will have a significant impact on a World Heritage property must be referred to the Federal Environment Minister for assessment as a “controlled action.”

2. State Nature Conservation

As a national park, a cableway through Springbrook requires a special lease or licence under Queensland’s Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Qld) . This may also trigger an amendment to the park’s management plan, which involves a public consultation process.

3. Native Title and Cultural Heritage

The Yugambeh people are the traditional owners of the area. Under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) , activities on land where native title has not been extinguished require either the consent of the native title holders or the exhaustion of a formal statutory negotiation process.

Current Status

In December 2025, the Gold Coast City Council resolved to fund $400,000 for environmental assessments. They are currently assessing a second route option at Tamborine alongside Springbrook. The Council has explicitly determined that no further progress will occur until broad community and First Nations backing is secured, with a definitive answer on the route expected by the end of 2026.