Taronga Zoo Sky Safari

The only purpose of the Sky Safari should be for transporting zoo visitors, including disabled visitors, between the ferry wharf and the upper zoo. Consequently, the design should meet that objective with the minimum impact on the environment and for the cheapest lifetime cost. The proposed design does not do that as it has been designed primarily as a tourist attraction. The result is unnecessarily high pylons in order to gain wide views of the harbour and further afield. The tourist experience of the proposed Sky Safari will be barely better than the one it replaces which also offered spectacular harbour views and in any case the ride from bottom to top will be over in a couple of minutes. The excessive height of the proposed Sky Safari will adversely affect views from the Sydney's jewel, the harbour, and also from neighbouring areas. Arriving at the zoo by ferry the view is primarily of trees and bushland with limited glimpses of man-made structures, with the old Sky Safari structures (apart from the lower station) largely hidden by trees. This will change with the proposed Sky Safari whose pylons, cables and cars will be the dominant feature viewed from the water, particularly the tall upper pylons which will be a feature on the skyline. It might be thought that slender steel structures standing above the tree canopy would hardly be noticed, however the steel framing for Mosman High School's rooftop play area enclosure clearly disproves that.
I support a redesign that closely follows the elevation of the old Sky Safari, with cars that are the minimum size to accommodate wheelchairs, prams and strollers. The overall cost will be cheaper due to the shorter and lighter pylons and views from the harbour will be largely unchanged. There are already many places in the zoo that have outstanding views of the harbour, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. There is no need for fleeting glimpses of harbour locations as far afield as North Head. I would hope that the primary reason to visit the zoo is to see and learn about the animals. A Disneyland style attraction does nothing to improve that.

The Balmoral Branch of the Liberal Party unanimously passed the following motion at its meeting of 3rd April 2025:
That Balmoral Branch of the Liberal Party opposes the construction of the High Rise Skyrail by Taronga Zoo at the edge of Sydney Harbour.

I object to this proposal for the reasons outlined in my submission

See attached objection.

please see PDF attached

I am a resident of Mosman and frequent visitor to the zoo.
To be clear while I live in Mosman the project does not directly impact on my view, outlook or traffic in my street.
I am concerned about the proposal.
The project size and scope is excessive more akin to a theme park than a zoo.
The current cable car system if refurbished is perfectly adequate. The system when working functions well to move visitors between the upper and lower sections of the zoo. It is rarely at capacity even though it is free to use.
The proposed design of the 'sky safari' goes beyond building a useful transportation link within the zoo.
The proposed design is based on the zoo's desire to attract patrons for a wide ranging tourist experience over and above its charter of zoo and animal preservation. This is illustrated by the promotion of the potential views to the mountains and the heads as an attraction of the proposal.
The proposal should be rejected and the money better spent on retrofitting the current cable car system.

SUBMIISION REGARDING AMENDMENTS TO SSD-46807958 TARONGA ZOO SKY SAFARI
This reexhibition apparently relates to the additional works to the Lower Station which is enlarged and moves closer to the harbour edge. As a result a considerable amount of trees from a well established piece of bushland are sacrificed. This is serious enough but if it is truly essential for the Sky Safari, it just adds to the need to reduce the provocative height created by Pylons 3,4 and 5.
The bulk and impact of the proposed Lower Station are bad enough, but the excessive height of the pylons 3,4 and 5, at 26.2, 35.7 and 36.5 metres respectively, will produce a parade of rotating gondolas creating an unjustified and serious impact when viewed from the Harbour and its surrounds.
The failure of the Visual Impact Analysis to deal with the effects of the moving gondolas is grossly misleading as this moving element magnifies the intrusiveness of the Sky Safari in relation to its harbourside location.
The failure to properly announce and advertise this proposal means that many residents, particularly in highrise apartments, are unaware of its impact on their views.
The end height of RL98.98 at P5 is achieved to obtain fleeting views of North and South Heads and the mountains at the expense of its greater impact on Sydney Harbour. It is an incredibly selfish act on the part of the Zoo to exploit our beautiful Harbour for this momentary view which is provided “to attract new visitors to the Sky Safari” by offering “an iconic Sydney attraction”. These objectives go beyond the functioning of Taronga as a Zoo and transforms it into a Disneyland entertainment centre. Also labelling this experience as a view of Cammeraygal lands is superficial due to its quick exposure when it would be far more effectively achieved by a well designed interpretive experience.
While much has been made of the need to protect the twin Hoop Pines as part of the justification for the Sky Safari trajectory, they will be pruned to an extent as shown in the Arborist’s Report. Further pruning would allow a lowering of the trajectory. Whilst the Hoop Pines are protected and important, they are nowhere near as important as the need to protect the integrity of views from Sydney Harbour. What is the most “State Significant”? Sydney Harbour or Taronga Zoo?
This is an opportunistic proposal that seeks to exploit the Zoo’s privileged location on their wonderful harbourside location, in this well treed stretch of foreshore, with such unfortunate and intrusive consequences. It needs to be altered from its current profile to produce an efficient people mover, but on a lower trajectory, still obtaining views of the Harbour, that considerably reduces its visual impact on our iconic Harbour.
Robert Clark 8.6.25
[email protected]

I attach details explaining my objection

The Sky Safari as proposed will destroy the character of the headland.

Dear NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure,

I am writing as a concerned resident of Mosman, NSW, to express my strong objection to the amended development application (SSD-46807958) for the Taronga Zoo Sky Safari. While I acknowledge the need for facility upgrades at Taronga Zoo and the importance of accessible transport for all visitors, including those with prams and wheelchairs, the proposed scale and design of the new Sky Safari will irrevocably diminish the natural beauty and iconic views of Sydney Harbour and its headlands. This project, in its current form, transforms a vital transport link into a visually intrusive "theme-park" attraction that prioritizes commercial interests over the preservation of a national asset for all.

My primary concern revolves around the profound visual impact of the revised Sky Safari. The Headland Preservation Group (HPG) has consistently highlighted that the new pylons and cableway will be "clearly above the tree line," a significant departure from the current, more discreet, system. Specifically, the tallest pylon (No. 5) is designed to be as high as a 10-storey building, reaching well above the tree canopy. The Mosman Parks & Bushland Association further emphasizes that the re-exhibition shows "the heights of the pylons supporting the gondolas have not been reduced" and that the "Lower Entrance Station has been enlarged substantially, necessitating the removal of more trees". These changes are not design improvements but rather modifications made to "meet the requirements of the cable car contractor," leading to further visual impacts.

The intention to have 20-25 larger cabins circulating, approximately 40 meters apart, with 10-12 cabins visible up and down at any one time, will exacerbate this visual intrusion. These cabins are not included in the artist's impressions provided to the public, which is misleading. The sheer size and visibility of the new structure and its moving components will create a permanent scar on Sydney Harbour, visible from numerous land-based and harbour vantage points, including Cremorne Point. Sydney Harbour is an icon for all Australia and should not be compromised for what is essentially a fleeting tourist thrill.

Beyond the visual impact, there are significant concerns regarding the project's operational hours and its impact on the local community. The proposed operating hours of the Sky Safari can be as early as 5 am and as late as midnight. Such extended hours will inevitably lead to increased noise and light pollution, disrupting the residential amenity of Mosman, particularly for those living in proximity to the Zoo. While acknowledging the Zoo's need to upgrade facilities, the Headland Preservation Group emphasizes that the "protection of the irreplaceable natural values of its location on Bradleys Head and recognition of the impact of such a project on the local residential community are also important considerations".

Furthermore, the environmental impact statement needs to thoroughly address construction-related impacts, including noise and traffic. The Mosman Council noted in its submission that the proposed works have an estimated development cost of $77 million and involve substantial excavation works, tree removal, and pruning. There are valid concerns about the assertion that construction workers will use public transport, thereby negating the need for extra parking, as most workers prefer private vehicles for flexibility and equipment transport. The impact on parking for local commuters during the estimated 24-month construction phase is also a concern. The Council has also raised objections to any cessation or termination of public transport services (like the 238 bus service) or vehicular/pedestrian restrictions on Bradleys Head Road and Athol Wharf Road that would diminish public access.

A truly revitalized Sky Safari can and should be reduced in height. It is entirely possible to design a new cable car system that accommodates prams and wheelchairs and enhances accessibility without overwhelming or destroying the invaluable views from Sydney Harbour. The current proposal appears to be driven by a desire to create a tourist attraction in itself, rather than serving primarily as an efficient and accessible means of transport to and from the Zoo.

The short public exhibition period has made it challenging for the community to engage meaningfully with such a complex and lengthy Environmental Impact Statement. However, it is crucial that the Department acknowledges the depth of community concern.

I urge the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to reconsider this proposal. Protect the irreplaceable natural values of Sydney Harbour and the residential amenity of Mosman by requiring Taronga Zoo to amend its plans to ensure the Sky Safari remains hidden by the tree-line and canopy, respecting the natural beauty of our shared environment.

Sincerely,
Lachlan Commins
Concerned Resident of Mosman

I am writing to express my support for the proposed development of a Sky Safari at Taronga Zoo, a project that I believe will significantly enhance accessibility and inclusivity for all visitors.
The terrain at Taronga Zoo is both remarkable and challenging—its natural beauty is undeniable, but steep gradients can be challenging to navigate for many individuals, including seniors, people with disability, and families with young children. The introduction of a Sky Safari offers a practical, sustainable, and inclusive solution to this issue.
By providing safe, elevated transport across the site, Taronga's Sky Safari will provide access for more people to engage with the environment, experience its amazing scenery, and participate in educational and recreational opportunities. This aligns with the broader efforts by Taronga Zoo to ensure that natural and cultural landmarks are accessible to all, regardless of physical ability.
With careful planning and environmental stewardship, this project can be a model for responsible and inclusive development.

Morwenna Collett
Diversity & Inclusion, Disability & Accessibility Consultant

Taronga Zoo Sky Safari
I wish to make a submission regarding the proposed amended Skyway project. My primary concerns relate to the visual impact of the proposed pylons needed to support the cable cars.
I understand and support the main objectives of replacing the old Skyway which is transporting visitors from the Zoo ferry wharf to the top entrance of the zoo. The walking path from the bottom entrance up to the main entrance is quite steep and not conducive to someone pushing a pram or with a disability. The new facility will have gondolas with a larger floor area and wider doors that will allow mums with prams and visitors with wheelchairs to travel to the top entrance.
Visual Impact of the Rope Line.
There are six pylons proposed for the project. Figure 50 in the EIS report shows quite dramatically the impact the pylons will have on the landscape. It looks like a giant crane, only it will be a blight on the skyline for the next 30 to 40 years. The design of the vertical profile of the rope line has clearly been driven by the desire to provide a theme park styled ride with views across the harbour and to Sydney Heads. Raising the height of pylons 3, 4 and 5 does nothing to increase capacity or accessibility to the zoo. It should be noted that the travel time between pylons 4 and 5 will be less than 60 seconds so the theme park view will be short lived. Analysing the ground and pylons levels shown in the EIS indicates that the top level on pylon 4 and 5 could be lowered by 5 or more metres without any impact on ground level constraints discussed in the SCJ Appendix JJ report. The SCJ report of 16 April 2025 could be described as a “straw man” analysis designed to fail. The report shows that there would be about 20 metres clearance between top of existing cable line and top of proposed cable line at pylon 4 and 5.
It would give greater clarity to the visual impact assessment figures if the cable line included the gondolas which will hang underneath the cables, this would demonstrate that there will be 10 gondolas between pylons 3, 4 and 5, a much bigger impact than a 35-millimetre cable.
Fire and Safety
There is no report on fire and safety for the proposed facility. There is a high risk associated with a fire or a stalling incident on the skyway between pylons 3, 4 and 5 when the gondola will be over 30 metres above ground. Getting people down from the gondolas safely will be critical. There should be a report from the Fire and Rescue agency on how they would manage a major incident.
Economic Impacts
A new report has been added to the appendices, Appendix FF Economic Impact Report, the report was authored by URBIS. There would appear to be a number of errors in the report that has resulted in an overestimate of benefits related to switching from car to ferry. Based on the forecast figure of 90,000 visitors per annum transferring from car to ferry, this figure would include children and adults.
Comparison of private vehicle to ferry does not take into account that ferry passengers have to travel to Circular Quay to get the ferry most probably by train so the distance computed of 45 kms for cars and 3 kms for ferry is invalid.
The value of time used for ferry users is $24.94, TfNSW recommends $15 to $20 for ferry users and ATAP is showing $18.90 per hour. These valuations are based on adult users generally on work or business travel. The valuation of time on the ferry should be adjusted to reflect family composition and weekend travel.
The car travel has not been adjusted for vehicle occupancy which is around 3.5 passengers per vehicle as reported in the JMT traffic survey.
The reduced congestion, table page 22 has not been adjusted to take account of car occupancy. Example “reduction in private vehicles 89,984 per annum”, this is the reduction in number of visitors not vehicles.
The report needs to be remodelled and resubmitted.
Cost Estimate
The EIS page 6 shows an EDC cost of $77.32 million. Budget paper 3 for FY 2024/2025 shows a provision of $105.6 million for the Skyway. There is no reconciliation for the increase in project cost.

Dear Premier, Ms Wilson and Ms Kimber

I object strongly to the original and the revised plan for the Skyrail and associated infrastructure at Taronga Zoo proposed for our beautiful Sydney Harbour.

• Being as high as it is proposed to be, it will have a huge visual impact on people living around the harbour and on people using the harbour. It will be a poor relation to the iconic and widely reputed Sydney Opera House. And a poor cousin to Admiralty House on the opposite promontory.
• Irreplaceable trees will be lost for decades if not hundreds of years
• It is not fair to be promoting the proposal by emphasising the beautiful harbour and mountain views available to the site while at the same time adversely impacting those views for other harbour users.
Please use your every endeavour to have this proposed Skyrail development reconsidered.

Kind regards
Christine Crimmins

See attached submission.

Objection to Taronga Zoo Sky Safari

As Mosman residents, we are concerned that the proposed new Taronga Zoo Sky Safari is a gross over-development of the site, one that will result in a permanent blight on Sydney Harbour. From what we’ve been able to glean, we support the submission made by Mosman Parks and Bushland Association, as their goal is to preserve the natural foreshore bushland, and to respect the rights of all Sydneysiders to view the extant Mosman foreshore without further loss of native vegetation. Because of its excessive height, the proposed Sky Safari will be a permanent blight on the foreshore.


We believe:
• The Taronga Zoo Sky Safari is too high, too visually intrusive by day and even more so by night. It can and should be reduced in height.
• Just because a new sky safari must include cable cars that allow access for prams and wheelchairs, the resulting fixture does not need to overwhelm or destroy views from the harbour.
• The proposal appears to exceed the primary purpose of assisting zoo visitors to gain access to and from the ferry. Instead, it appears to be not so much a means of transport as a stand-alone tourist attraction. Its design compromises the integrity of the harbour and, sadly, positions the Zoo as a competitor with Luna Park.
• Its operating hours are too long. We understand it may run from as early as 5 am until as late as midnight.

With respect,
Catherine De Lorenzo
Len De Lorenzo.

The proposed sky safari is too high and too visible. It is an overtaking an attractive area and should be scaled back

The new sky safari will contribute to degrading the area of the zoo. Many trees will be lost to make way for the safari . The old one was perfectly placed and had no impact on the current environment. We are in an era where our environment needs to be preserved. The trees and the impact the current floor of the area will be impacted. It will not provide anymore advantage to the zoo. The zoo will always attract tourists for the animals which is what the zoo is about. It is not a theme park which is what this looks like it's aiming to be.
As nearby residents we will be impacted from more traffic in what is already a packed area on the roads. Everyone is using the back roads so therefore many more residents are affected.
The speed and types of cars being noisy and polluted contribute to the air and noise pollution of the area. We already have a huge amount of pollution from current levels of traffic.
Also as residents we don't need to be woken by early vehicles. We are residents who need sleep and the early and late hours of the zoo affect us terribly. The sleep disturbance will be on a large scale. No where else in Sydney would have this kind of disturbance and movement of vehicles. This would be extremely detrimental to the entire area of Mosman on the route. We have had no consultation to residents around so unless you live here you would not understand the impact.
If you need to contact I would be most happy to talk
Kind regards
Sarah

I think it is good for tourism, infrastructure and a effective way to navigate the zoo.

Dear Sir

I write to comment on and seek changes to the proposed Taronga Zoo Sky Safari.
I see the importance of providing supported travel from the lower end of the Zoo to the main entrance and saw that this was well met by the previous gondola skyway that allowed passengers to see the animals below for a different view of the animals, the reason they visit the Zoo. The proposed development now goes far beyond reason and at the same time takes away a lot of greenery from the Zoo and the harbour foreshore and replaces it with and incredibly intrusive higher, larger, complex and as I understand, formally uncosted project.
I do not object to the aim of making the sky way more accessible to those less capable of walking the zoo but see that could be achieved in several less complex and probably easier and cheaper to complete that a whole new project. These could include revised gondolas for the existing and refurbished skyway, or for greater access, moving walkways up the hill to the main entrance that would give a much higher capacity than most skyways.
The visual impact of the proposed sky way from the harbour and water traffic would break up the tree cover on the foreshore to the intense detriment of all the visitors that visit Sydney to revel in its beautiful visual aspects.
The evaluation of alternatives to the enlarged skyway appear not to be considered and there is no cost benefit of this project compared to other options so its justification on commercial grounds has not been independently verified. At present, the project has all the detriments of intrusion into the beautiful foreshore, disruption by intense and unnecessary construction works, and not conducive to the purpose of the zoo.

Yours Faithfully

Please find attached letter from our General Manager, Nick Lester in support of this very important project.

Kind regards
Holly Vaughan
Director of Sales and Marketing
SeaLink Marine and Tourism - Captain Cook Cruises