Controversial Grampians rock climbing ban to go ahead
Dozens of rock climbing areas will be shut in the Grampians after Parks Victoria announced that its controversial bans will be maintained and a permit system may be introduced for climbers.
Victoria
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The Victorian government will maintain its bans on rock climbing in scores of areas in the Grampians National Park, potentially killing the site as a global recreation destination.
Parks Victoria announced today 66 climbing areas will be closed permanently in the park and climbers could face a permit system.
The government is also examining whether to end free camping arrangements in certain areas as well as banning climbing in a further 126 areas. Decisions will be based on cultural heritage assessments.
While climbing is allowed in 89 areas of the park, the sector fears the draft management plan for the will discourage climbers and end the Grampians status as a globally-significant destination.
Under the draft plan, the government will make protecting cultural heritage an overwhelming priority.
The Grampians is one of the world’s key destination for climbers, a group that has become embroiled in the government’s push to protect cultural heritage after more than a century of neglect.
While the draft plan will go out for consultation, climber concerns have largely been ignored during the process.
It is believed there were more than 250 climbing areas pinpointed by Parks Victoria during their cultural heritage assessments.
The government is expected to dump its use of so-called Special Protection Areas to determine where climbers and others can access the bush.
While climbers accept that some in their community have caused damage, they believe the impact has been overstated by Parks Victoria to justify bans on climbing.
The initial bans ran to more than 500sq km in western Victoria.
Parks Victoria also has banned climbing at parts of nearby Mount Arapiles, with cultural heritage issues also cited.
Parks Victoria CEO Matthew Jackson said parks were primarily for preservation of nature and culture.
“This draft plan aims to meet the many complex challenges facing this unique landscape so that it is healthy and resilient for future generations,” he said.
“While these parks and reserves exist primarily to conserve natural and cultural values, as required by legislation, they play an important role in connecting people with nature. This draft plan outlines how sustainable recreation and visitation will continue, while ensuring this special landscape is protected.”
“Parks Victoria is proud to be working with Traditional Owners to develop a 15-year plan to protect and celebrate the greater Gariwerd cultural landscape.”
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