News

| March 18, 2025

Thousands make a stand against Labor’s callous climbing bans

The Allan Labor Government is on notice for its disgraceful decision to close scores of rockclimbing routes at Mt Arapiles, with The Nationals’ Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy, tabling petitions in Parliament bearing more than 12,300 signatures, opposing the government’s plans.

Ms Kealy launched the petition in November following the release of the Dyurrite (Mt Arapiles) Cultural Landscape Management Plan Amendment, which proposed closing up to half the climbing routes at the mountain.

The management plan followed a secretive four-year process to investigate cultural heritage in the area, with no community or industry consultation.

The petition calls on the government to engage in transparent and expanded consultation with all stakeholders and demands that established climbing routes are not removed until this occurs.

Ms Kealy said the petition received more signatures than almost any other to be tabled, by any MP, in the current term of Parliament.

“The enormous amount of support for this petition makes it very clear that Labor has made a monumental mistake,” she said.

“Mt Arapiles is an iconic destination known around the world that attracts tens of thousands of climbers every year, but Labor’s plans will force climbers away and in turn devastate the local economy and the town of Natimuk. It’s absolutely gut-wrenching,” she said.

“Since the plans were announced I have heard from hundreds of people locally and overseas, completely shocked and angry that they were given no say in something that directly affects them and, in many cases, will compromise their livelihoods.

“There is a pathway forward where we can protect our cultural heritage assets while maintaining our best and beginner climbing routes. But rather than build trust and respect between all users, Labor has acted to divide our community.

“I sincerely thank everyone who has contacted me to share their views and lend their voice to this campaign. It is now incumbent on the government to listen and ensure everyone has the opportunity to have their say over the future of Mt Arapiles.”