The Victorian government has announced a significant management plan aimed at protecting culturally important sites within the Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park. This plan will lead to the closure of approximately 48% of the park’s renowned rock climbing areas, a decision that has sparked mixed reactions from local communities and climbers.
Cultural Heritage Protections
Traditional owners, represented by the Barengi Gadjin Land Council, have welcomed the new plan. They believe it will help “reset” the balance between cultural heritage and recreational activities in the park, which is famous for its rock climbing. Wotjobaluk man Stuart Harradine emphasized that these cultural protections are long overdue, stating, “What we’re achieving now is realigning the goals of our elders in the past.” The plan follows extensive archaeological and ecological surveys conducted in the area.
Impact on Climbing Community
The proposed changes will restrict access to many popular climbing routes, including iconic spots like Punks in the Gym, which holds historical significance as one of the first 8b+ climbs in the world. Local climbing experts have expressed their dismay over these restrictions.
Simon Carter, a prominent figure in the climbing community, called the decision “utterly devastating,” arguing that it threatens to dismantle Australia’s climbing culture.
Climbing Victoria has announced that they have secured a meeting with Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulous to discuss their concerns regarding the plan. The organization is urging climbers to voice their opinions on the draft management plan before the public comment period ends on December 1.
Economic Concerns
Critics of the plan, including local residents and business owners from nearby Natimuk, have voiced concerns about its potential economic impact. They argue that banning climbing could devastate local businesses that rely on tourism from climbers. Melbourne radio host Tom Elliott described the government’s decision as “self-inflicted economic vandalism,” emphasizing that Mount Arapiles is a major draw for tourists and climbers from around the world.
Local resident Kerry Walker expressed frustration over feeling excluded from discussions about the management plan. She noted that while residents support protecting Indigenous heritage, they also want to be involved in conversations about how to balance that with recreational use of the park.
Next Steps
The public has been given 28 days to respond to the draft management plan. Parks Victoria will consider feedback before finalizing any decisions regarding access to climbing areas. The outcome of this plan could shape not only the future of rock climbing at Mount Arapiles but also its surrounding communities and their economies.
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