General News
6 November, 2024
Mount Arapiles climbing restrictions spark outrage among Natimuk community
Rock climbers protest $1.7M plan, site closures at Mt Arapiles.
Natimuk's rock climbing community has criticised the Victorian Government's recent $1.7 million investment plan for Mount Arapiles, saying new restrictions on climbing sites and campground closures could devastate the community.
Renowned climber Keith Lockwood, Member for Lowan Emma Kealy and more than 80 community members, expressed frustration over what they claim was a lack of consultation with the local and climbing communities.
On Monday, November 4, the State Government announced improvements to facilities, tracks, and access points at Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park.
Mr Lockwood said the announcement would also include additional bans on climbing sites and the closure of one of the popular camping areas often used by climbers.
"Premier Jacinta Allen, this is not the way to get a harmonious treaty," he said.
The government said the updated management plan provided certainty for the Traditional Owners, represented by the Barengi Gadjin Land Council, and all state park users. Mr Lockwood disagreed.
"It has been divisive," he said.
"There has been no proper consultation with the community. Parks Victoria's latest bans means there is little left to climb."
Mr Lockwood feared if the government's plan goes ahead, it could destroy Natimuk's rock climbing focused tourism economy.
"I have friends from the UK arriving this weekend specifically to climb Mt Arapiles, and now the whole purpose for their trip has been wiped from under them," he said.
"The 80 sites referred to in the government's announcement, which included boulders to bolster their numbers, are not worth mentioning.
"Parks Victoria and Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation are not listening.
"There's been no consultation with climbers or the community and this announcement has caused hurt and heartbreak amongst the climbing community."
Mr Lockwood said the reverberations of the announcement were felt worldwide
"IIt has made international media, especially in the UK and USA, where many climbers come from," he said.
Ms Kealy met with about community members in Natimuk on Wednesday, November 6, who voiced their dismay.
"Mount Arapiles is a world-renowned, iconic climbing destination that attracts tens of thousands of climbers to the region every year and underpins tourism and the economy in Natimuk and the wider area," she said.
"Locals and climbers care deeply about cultural heritage and have always supported its protection, but had been waiting for an opportunity to provide input into these plans - it never came.
"I have already heard from climbers across Australia and overseas, some of whom have already cancelled planned trips to Mount Arapiles next year."
A consultation process is open, but Ms Kealy fears concerns will fall on deaf ears.
"Communities deserve a right of appeal for decisions made behind closed doors, but once again, we're seeing Labor completely stifle community voices and make decisions without local input," she said.
"This announcement followed a secretive four-year process to investigate cultural heritage in the area, which involved no community or industry consultation.
"We saw the same thing happened five years ago when the Grampians National Park access was cut without consultation."
Natimuk Pubs employee Katie Jones expressed concern about the town's potential loss of business.
"Most of our business comes from the climbers and tourists, and without them, I'm not sure what we'll do," she said.
"I don't climb anymore, but I am a second-generation climber, and I feel for them."
The Victorian government said the investment followed the release of the draft management plan for Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park-Dyurrite Cultural Landscape, which included areas of cultural significance to the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia, and Jupagulk Peoples.
Mr Lockwood said all cultures matter.
"Where is respect for our culture? Our history?" he said.
"We will work with the Indigenous community but haven't been given the chance.
"I was vilified for speaking out over the bans in 2019 and might be again, but I still feel the need to speak out.
"We, [climbers] feel we have held our tongue for so long, there comes a time to speak out.
"What has been overlooked is the relationship and the climbers' passion for Mount Arapiles and the care we have shown the mount for decades. There's been no truth-telling in this decision."
Public consultation on the draft management plan is open until Saturday, December 2. To provide feedback, visit engage.vic.gov.au/dyurrite.