Mt Gillen hikers to be banned at request of traditional custodians and for safety concerns

HIKERS will be banned from climbing the Territory’s spectacular Mt Gillen at the request of traditional custodians and amid concerns for public safety

Looking from the top of Mt Gillen near Alice Springs. Hikers will be banned from climbing it from March 1, 2021. Picture: Phil Williams

• Incredible picture: Hordes rush to climb Uluru before closure
• Uluru climb ban: Disrespect contributed to decision
• Tourism numbers drop off after introduction of Uluru climbing ban
• ‘Whitefellas agenda’ led to Uluru climb ban: Bureaucrats accused

HIKERS will be banned from making the trek to the top of spectacular Mt Gillen from Flynn’s Grave car park 7km west of Alice Springs on Larapinta Drive.

The steep and testing walk is un-formalised and un-signposted and takes you to the Mount Gillen summit with its breathtaking views over Alice Springs to the west of the main Heavitree Gap.

The Environment, Parks and Water Security (DEPWS) Department is closing access to Mt Gillen from March next year at the request of traditional custodians and concerns for public safety on the unmaintained trail.

Looking from the top of Mt Gillen near Alice Springs. Hikers will be banned from climbing it from March 1, 2021. Picture: Phil Williams

The walk is an unauthorised trail starting adjacent to Flynn’s Grave and traversing the slope of Mount Gillen up to the summit.

DEPWS senior director Parks and Wildlife Operations, Chris Day said through ongoing consultations with the Department and Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA), Mparntwe custodians have made it clear that their preferred course of action is to close access to the trail permanently.

“We understand the Mt Gillen climb is a popular activity, however the department respects and supports the wishes of the traditional custodians to stop access to protect sacred sites and for cultural sensitivity,” he said.

MORE CENTRALIAN NEWS

Ballooning company weighing up plea over death of tourist

Woman accused of assaulting other driver after crash, taken into custody

Housing investment provides 200 per cent return over two decades in Alice Springs

“The trail is not an authorised walking trail and therefore is not maintained, which is also creating issues with erosion creating safety and environmental concerns.

“The department has a strong relationship with the traditional custodians and after many years working to explore alternative, safe routes, it has been decided that closing access is the only option.

“Out of respect for the taditional custodians, signage has been installed requesting that the public no longer use this sacred site for recreational purposes. Access will be closed from 1 March 2021.”

Traditional custodian and spokesman, Benedict Stevens, said the site was central to Ayeye Akngwelye Mpartnwe-arenye – the Wild Dog Story of Alice Springs.

“The climbing track never should have been there, and the old people have asked for a long time for it to be closed,” he said.

“We share this place. We want to keep the people and the sites safe.

“It is important to respect the sacred sites, and we are pleased Parks is now asking people to stop climbing this way.”

OFFER EXTENDED: Amazing Centralian Advocate subscription offer: Read everything for $1

Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority Board chairman, Bobby Nunggumarjbarr, said the Authority supported the decision by Parks and custodians to restrict access to that site for safety and cultural reasons.