General News
19 November, 2024
Left out of the loop
The owner of a Natimuk climbing shop is angered by the amount of secrecy and lack of transparency that existed before it was announced there would be bans on climbing at Mt Arapiles.
He's also disgruntled that climbers have been given a bad name in the process.
Wayne Webb owns The Climbing Shop and said all decisions had been made behind closed doors, which was frustrating.
"They are promoting Indigenous tourism, but I can't see that being a huge thing," Mr Webb said.
"In saying that, I don't know what it means, but how can I have any idea if I have never been spoken to?"
Mr Webb said it was continuously said that climbers weren't experts in archaeology, but then the government told them how to climb.
"We've never claimed to be experts in archaeology - all I know is where it is, because I have a life of being here," Mr Webb said.
"I don't pretend to know about the history or importance of it, but when it's a closed process, how can we learn?"
Mr Webb said the Minister for Environment visited his shop last week.
"It felt like to me he wasn't up to speed as to what was going on here," Mr Webb said.
"Melbourne politics had a narrative they were pushing and they hadn't done the groundwork to see how it would impact the broader community."
Mr Webb said he felt as though it was being pitched as a battle against the First Nations.
"This was an opportunity for us to sit together and create something bigger," he said.
“Climbing is an activity, but I am connected with the place; I lived in the campgrounds for two years."
“(Climbers) are being painted almost as these terrorists, like we are out there disrespecting the place, jack-hammering rock, but you cannot find a group more respectful that loves that mountain more,” he said.