Liberal MP says Climbing Ban on Mt Arapiles Would Cause Devastation in Community

The prohibition of rock climbing at Mt Arapiles will have a devastating impact on local businesses, with many unlikely to recover, according to Bev McArthur, the Liberal MP for Western Victoria.

The Allan Labor government is under increasing pressure from thousands of climbers regarding their management of land access, especially affecting the towns of Natimuk and Horsham due to the climbing restrictions.

Last month, Parks Victoria and the Barengi Gadjin Land Council (BGLC) announced bans on over half of the climbing areas at Mt Arapiles, known as one of Australia’s best rock-climbing sites and a top traditional climbing destination globally.

Approximately half of the tracks around Mount Arapiles in western Victoria will be closed to safeguard Aboriginal artefacts, scarred trees, and recently discovered rock art.

Recognized as the heart of Australian rock climbing, Mt Arapiles is vital for the financial well-being of the neighboring town of Natimuk.

A petition challenging the ban, supported by Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Mental Health Emma Kealy, with over 9,300 signatures, has been circulating.

McArthur has strongly opposed the bans, stating, “Parks are meant for the people, not for Parks Victoria or the government bureaucracy.”

She highlights the significant impact of the recent ban on rock climbing at Mt Arapiles on the towns of Natimuk and Horsham.

Many businesses have already closed down, affecting the large climbing community and one of the most essential climbing destinations in the world.

Labor Striving for Balance

Jacinta Ermacora, Labor MP for Western Victoria, explains that the climbing restrictions aim to strike a balance between recreational activities and the preservation of ancient Aboriginal culture and art.

She notes that the majority of rock climbers are committed to protecting and conserving the cultural heritage of the region.

State parliament acknowledged significant cultural heritage discoveries in the Dyurrite cultural landscape, including numerous artefacts, scar trees, rock art dating back thousands of years, and a substantial Indigenous stone quarry complex.

She stresses the importance of ongoing consultation to manage the area effectively for the benefit of the local community, climbers, traditional owners, small businesses, and tourism.

Impact of the Ban: McArthur’s Perspective

McArthur asserts that the implications of the Mt Arapiles climbing bans extend beyond rock climbers to negatively affect various industries and the community.

She mentions that the Natimuk community stands to lose professionals, educators, and businesses like Open Spaces Publishing.

Businesses will suffer, affecting tourism and other areas, as highlighted in parliament.

McArthur shares the closure announcement from Glenn Tempest, the owner of Open Spaces Publishing, indicating the personal significance of Mt Arapiles and the bans’ impact on public land access.

She also mentions how the bans will prevent many gold prospectors from pursuing their recreational activities.

Government Management Plans

The Victorian government has announced a $1.7 million investment and amended management plan for Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park (Dyurrite Cultural Landscape) to balance recreational use with cultural heritage and environmental protection.

The plan includes upgrades to visitor facilities, improved access, and protection of cultural artifacts and threatened plant species.

The Allan government extended the community consultation period, emphasizing the need to find a balance between cultural heritage, local tourism, and climbers.

The management plan focuses on protecting areas of cultural significance to Indigenous groups and includes economic and social-impact assessments of Mt Arapiles.