General News
11 December, 2024
Doctor hopeful, but cautious
The announcement of an extension to the consultation process for the draft management plan threatening to close around half the climbs at Mount Arapiles is a glimmer of hope, according to Doctor Ashlee Hendy, just one of many Natimuk residents who have been campaigning against the proposal.
Dr Hendy and fellow Doctor Felix Ritson travelled to Melbourne recently to meet with an advisor to the Minister for Environment, Steven Dimopolous at Parliament House.
Late last week, the Minister made an announcement, ordering a comprehensive review of Parks Victoria, to advise how the organisation can better serve the needs of Victorians and help them enjoy the great outdoors.
“The extension of the consultation period certainly provides us with some hope," Dr Hendy said.
"But for any meaningful progress, we need to see the scope of consultation to be broadened."
"More time is only useful if the community can also provide input on measures for protecting cultural heritage, that don’t require large exclusion zones.
"The majority of people who visit the park, whether it be for climbing, walking, bird watching or other activities would like to be able to learn about and appreciate the rich cultural history."
Dr Hendy said there are examples all over the world where this has been carried out effectively, including in nearby Gariwerd, where climbers and registered aboriginal parties came together and found a balance at Taipan Wall.
"After initial closures were applied to the whole wall, friendly negotiations resulted in the reopening of more than 60 climbing routes on the left side of the wall," she said.
"Climbing can be compatible with cultural heritage protection, if all of the relevant stakeholders are given the opportunity to collaborate.
"Building these types of collaborative relationships supports reconciliation and allows all parties to move forward with the trust and respect that’s needed for successful joint management."
"That can’t be achieved by blocking out key user groups and hoping they will disappear.”