In the letter, the working group reports the proposed rock climbing bans have already deterred thousands of people from visiting this year.
“Just a few examples of fallout from the current situation: 3500-plus school students will sadly not be visiting Dyurrite-Mt Arapiles in 2025 due to school cancellations, plus alarmingly all nine campuses of the universities, TAFEs/RTOs have cancelled training of their students – critical for the future of the sector and facilitating Victorians getting active outdoors in nature,” the letter states.
The working group wants more open communication between all parties; to see ongoing evidence its key concerns – principle-based climbing restrictions and economic and social wellbeing – are being presented and considered seriously; and be able to openly communicate timelines, milestones and the direction of the process.
The letter calls on Mr Dimopoulous to assist ‘to resolve concerns with the operation of the working group and the broader consultation process’.
“We have raised many of these concerns too during the progression of the working group to no avail. A mutually acceptable outcome from this consultation process is essential to foster an enduring positive relationship between all key stakeholders; traditional owners, climbers, community and Parks Victoria.
“To date, CV and ADCG representatives have brought significant and meaningful input to the working group, engaged in constructive dialogue and fully respected the confidentiality of the process.
“In return we have had minimal feedback on progress, including being completely uninformed of the minister’s involvement and BGLC responses; we have been refused requests for further information that would help our understanding; we have been gagged on communicating anything meaningful to the people we represent.”
The working group said it had valid reasons to believe its input and submissions to the plan were ‘threatened to be ignored or undermined by behind-the-scenes negotiations with BGLC and decisions that may be made imminently’.
“We acknowledge the efforts of the minister and his team in engaging with BGLC to influence them to consider changes to their original decisions and recognise the level of confidentiality required for that engagement,” the letter reads.
“However, we need to be briefed by the minister on the broad nature of the discussion and how it fits in with input received through the working group and submissions.
“We are also concerned that, up to this point, the process has done little to bring BGLC and the community together, even at an introductory level.
“These concerns are raised with the sole intention of supporting the best outcome for the community as a whole.”
The working party’s concerns come after the appointment last week of former Environment Protection Authority chief executive Lee Miezis as the new leader of Parks Victoria.
Mr Miezis’ appointment follows a turbulent year for Parks Victoria where its former chief executive Matthew Jackson was ousted as Mr Dimopoulos ordered a review of the government body following mounting public criticism.
Graeme ‘Gus’ Dear, who was appointed interim executive and met with people in Natimuk as part of widespread community concern about the proposed plan, will remain on the board.
The new incoming chair, Daniel Miller, will be joined by Professor Kate Auty, Trent Nelson, Chris Newton and Mr Dear, while Lisa Marty and Gill Sparkes will remain as board members.
Yesterday, a Parks Victoria spokesperson provided a response to The Weekly Advertiser, but did not specifically address the newspaper’s questions about points in the letter.
“We would like to thank everyone who has provided feedback. We are currently reviewing all submissions to the consultation, which will help inform the final management plan,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said Mr Miezis would ensure Parks Victoria worked closely with BGLC and key stakeholders, including the working group, to finalise the management plan giving certainty to climbers and other visitors.
“The new leadership team at Parks Victoria is backed with experience and will make sure we protect what makes our parks unique while ensuring they are accessible for all Victorians,” the spokesperson said.
The Weekly Advertiser contacted Mr Dimopoulous’ office and BGLC for a response but neither responded before yesterday’s deadline.
The entire May 7, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
