AUSTRALIAN environmentalist Bob Brown has joined community opposition to the proposed luge at Arthurs Seat, backing a campaign to stop the development.
Brown met with members of the community group “Save Our Seat” over the weekend of 25 April, where he described the project as “madness” and urged residents to keep fighting.
“They trade on us getting sad about the loss of the environment,” Brown said.
“Don’t get depressed, don’t get angry, get active. That’s what saves nature, that’s what will save Arthurs Seat.”
Members of the community have been advocating against the development since it was announced. Save Our Seat have held public meetings and continued to rally over concerns regarding the effects on the environment and the community (Campaigners step up opposition to Arthurs Seat luge, The News 18/03/26).
Construction is expected to commence this year and be completed around December 2028. The development includes Victoria’s first luge ride, a new observation tower, an expanded café, and an immersive experience centre.
Brown, who co-founded the Greens party and is known for his involvement in the Franklin River campaign, was visiting the peninsula after appearing at the Sorrento Writers Festival where he spoke about his latest book.
During his visit to the site of the proposed development, he called on the owners of the Arthurs Seat Eagle to reconsider the proposal and prioritise the environment.
“I’d say to the owners of the gondola who now want to go further and make more money out of a rollercoaster down the hill here: hey, you know that nature is being destroyed at the greatest rate in history,” Brown said.
“You know we’re in an environmental crisis and you have an obligation to stop that destruction.”
Brown said he wants the peninsula community to join him in supporting the campaign.
“All strength,” he said.
“I hope you’re going to win here, because if you win, nature wins.”
Save Our Seat’s spokesperson Kylie Greer said Brown’s visit was a boost for the campaign. They are arguing that developers don’t have community support and the project should be dropped despite Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny granting planning permission.
Brown urged the developers to think not of themselves, but of future generations.
“And think of those coming after us – leave Arthurs Seat as natural as it is now,” he said.
First published in the Mornington News – 5 May 2026
