Tension over extension to Mount Arapiles climbing ban consultation

A proposal to ban some rock climbing routes at a famous Aussie site due to cultural heritage protections has proved controversial.

An Indigenous land council has criticised the decision to extend consultation into a proposal that includes the closure of large swathes of popular rock climbing routes at a Victorian site.

Plans are progressing to close about 48 per cent of climbing spots at the Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park in western Victoria, with the state government last month unveiling a $1.7 million draft management plan.

The state government initially set a December 2 deadline for public consultation but has now extended the process to February 2025, after a review into Parks Victoria was announced.

The Herald Sun reports that, in a letter to Premier Jacinta Allan, the chair of the Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation took aim at a “radical rock climbing minority” for attempting to undermine cultural heritage laws.

Jeremy Frost rock climbing at Mount Arapiles. Picture: Jason Edwards

Chairman Dylan Clarke wrote that opening up “unnecessary and unprecedented consultation extension … has the serious potential to draw into question” heritage and traditional owner legislation.

“We urge you to remain steadfast during this critical time and not to deviate from the current plan due to a radical rock-climbing minority who have launched a misinformation campaign aimed at undermining cultural heritage laws,” his letter stated, according to the Herald Sun.

Mount Arapiles – also known as Dyurrite – has been recognised for its world-class climbing routes but the rediscovery of significant heritage sites dating back 3000 years has seen moves to preserve the area.

Traditional owners have welcomed the draft management plan, with Wotjobaluk man Stuart Harradine recently telling the ABC: “What we’re achieving now is realising the goals of our elders in the past.”

Mount Arapiles is located in the Wimmera region of western Victoria. Picture: Jason Edwards

Locals in the small town of Natimuk have rallied against the closure of the climbing tracks saying the loss of tourism could devastate small business.

“It could be the death of the town,” publican Bill Lovel told A Current Affair last month.

In response to Mr Clarke’s letter, Australian Climbing Association Victoria president Mike Tonkins said the “you can’t deny consultation for public land”.

“Parks Victoria has to manage the parks, and it has to manage the parks for everyone, and so, consultation with different user groups is absolutely essential to achieve that,” he told the Herald Sun.

Natimuk locals come out in support of rock climbing access at Mount Arapiles. Picture: Jason Edwards

Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos announced the extension to public consultation on November 29, when it was revealed Parks Victoria chief executive Matthew Jackson was leaving “by mutual agreement”.

“It’s clear that Parks Victoria’s current operations need to be improved to meet community expectations,” Mr Dimopoulos said in a statement.

“I have therefore ordered 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.”

Minister Steve Dimopoulos ordered a review of Parks Victoria in November: NewsWire / Diego Fedele

The $1.7m commitment from the government promises “improve parking, refresh tracks and trails as well as upgrade visitor facilities including new barbecues, picnic tables, toilets and new signage telling the cultural story of the area”.

Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins said at the time it was important to strike a balance to “respect cultural heritage and allow Victorians to continue to visit and enjoy the outdoors in the Dyurrite Cultural Landscape”.