Member for Lowan and Deputy Leader of The Nationals Emma Kealy has welcomed the decision to keep 98 per cent of more than 3300 climbs open at Mount Arapiles-Dyurrite, after years of uncertainty for climbers and the Natimuk community.
“This is a huge win for climbers, Natimuk and common sense,” Ms Kealy said.
“I particularly want to thank everyone who has persevered through this long journey – the climbers, local businesses, community members and advocates who kept turning up, negotiating, advocating and fighting for a fair outcome.
“There have been plenty of frustrations and setbacks along the way, but they never gave up. They deserve enormous credit for getting us to this point.
“When Labor proposed closing more than 60 per cent of climbing at Arapiles, our community fought back.
“In February 2025, I presented a petition to Parliament with 10,373 signatures demanding genuine consultation and protection of established climbing routes.
“Today we have an outcome that proves we can protect significant Aboriginal cultural heritage while retaining access to one of the world’s great climbing destinations.
“That balance is what we have been calling for all along.”
Ms Kealy said the focus must now turn to rebuilding tourism and confidence in Natimuk after years of uncertainty and the impacts of bushfires.
“The message needs to go out across Australia and around the world – Arapiles is open for climbing,” Ms Kealy said.
“Now we need to get behind Natimuk, bring visitors back and make sure our local businesses and community benefit.”
Ms Kealy said the decision should also provide a pathway to resolve the long-running climbing restrictions in the Grampians.
“My first Parliamentary action on climbing access was back on March 20, 2019, when I called for an alternative to the extensive closures in the Grampians that protected cultural heritage while retaining established climbing access,” she said.
“Seven years later, Arapiles has shown that balance can be achieved.
“But there is still more work to do.
“Now let’s take the same common-sense approach to the Grampians.”