The Mount Arapiles climbing community has secured a major victory, with the Allan Labor Government forced to abandon its plan to close thousands of climbing routes at one of the world’s premier climbing destinations.
A state government ban on climbing the Mount Arapiles (Dyurrite) could be reversed with more than 3,000 popular climbing routes now a chance to remain open, after Parks Victoria issued a new plan for public consultation.
Shadow Minister for Public Land Management Melina Bath said the outcome was a victory for common sense.
“This is a win for the climbing community, local businesses and everyone who fought for a balanced outcome,” Ms Bath said.
“After years of uncertainty, a rational outcome could be delivered for Mount Arapiles that would strike a balance between cultural heritage and public access.
“Until now, Parks Victoria and the Allan Labor Government have ignored the calls for a proportionate approach from user groups.
“A ban would have had significant impacts on regional tourism and the local economy through the loss of recreational activities for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Ms Bath said the proposed amendment reinforced the need for balance in public land management, with cultural heritage protection and recreational access coexisting.
“Blindsiding climbers, local businesses and tourism operators and locking them out of one of the world’s premier climbing destinations without consultation was ill-conceived.
“This dramatically scaled back proposal is welcomed but it also raises serious questions about how the government’s original plan was allowed to progress at all.
“A Liberal and Nationals government will continue to support Aboriginal cultural heritage while ensuring access to world-class outdoor recreation that supports regional communities, jobs and tourism.”
The Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said the push for an excessive government ban had completely disregarded community sentiment.
“For almost six years, our local businesses, tourism operators, the climbing community and local indigenous people have lived with uncertainty,” Ms Kealy said.
“Temporary closures announced six years ago have dragged on year after year, leaving Natimuk and the wider Wimmera paying the price. It simply should never have taken the Allan Labor government this long to find a balanced solution.”
“I’ve consistently called for an approach that respects cultural heritage while recognising the enormous social, sporting and economic value of climbing at Arapiles. We welcome Parks Victoria finally moving towards a more balanced approach but after years of unnecessary uncertainty, the community deserves to see the changes delivered without further delay.”
Anyone wishing to support the proposed addendum, which has been endorsed by representative group Climbing Victoria, can do so through engage.vic.gov.au/dyurrite.