A further 47 climbs, 1.4 per cent, will need re-routing or other mitigations such as descents changed.
Parks Victoria is seeking community feedback on a revised proposal, which takes a much more balanced approach to protecting cultural heritage and allowing greater access for recreation activities.
Feedback is also being sought on how the State Government’s commitment of $1.7-million for visitor facilities should be spent.
The revised management approach has been informed by ongoing engagement with the traditional owners and the advice from the Dyurrite Community Working Group, consisting of representatives from Barengi Gadjin Land Council, BGLC, Arapiles District Community Group, Horsham Rural City Council, Climbing Victoria, Department of Premier of Cabinet and licensed tour operators.
Parks Victoria chief executive Lee Miezis said the proposed changes provided better protections for the significant cultural heritage at Dyurrite and clearer guidance on where recreational activities, including rock climbing, could take place.
Mr Miezis thanked members of the Dyurrite Community Working Group for their work over the past two years and the mutual respect and shared trust they have demonstrated.
“This is about shaping the future of Dyurrite by better protecting the significant cultural heritage values and creating more opportunities for people to connect with and enjoy this remarkable landscape,” he said.
BGLC, representing the traditional owners of the land, said in a statement it had a legal and cultural obligation to protect the ‘irreplaceable cultural heritage of all country, including Dyurrite, with and for the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk people’.
“In relation to Dyurrite, our priority is to ensure all cultural heritage within the park can be protected while allowing continued recreational use of the park,” the statement read.
“We encourage all community members to engage with this consultation process and provide feedback to Parks Victoria on the draft addendum, to ensure the irreplaceable cultural heritage within the park can be protected for future generations.”
Horsham Mayor Brian Klowss said he was ‘really happy’ with the outcome of the draft addendum. “ I’d strongly encourage community members to view the draft plan and take the opportunity to provide feedback through Parks Victoria’s consultation process,” he said.
“I think this is actually a really good example of everyone working together for a good outcome for the community.”
Lifelong Natimuk resident and climbing authority Keith Lockwood said the addendum was an ‘excellent result’ and congratulated all involved over the seven years for their work, honesty, and dedication.
“I don’t think the outcome could have been any better,” he said.
“The new addendum has targeted specific areas for protection and that’s good because culture will be protected and a lot of other areas will be opened up for the climbers and general public to enjoy what’s a beautiful world-famous place for not only climbers but for everyone else.”
Climbing Victoria strongly endorsed the addendum with a few aspects for improvement and clarification, and encouraged the climbing community to make submissions supporting the new plan so that ‘it is not subjected to major changes or alterations after the consultation period is complete’.
“Unlike what was proposed in the 2024 draft amendment or the current voluntary restrictions, significant areas will be open with only limited climb-by-climb closures.
“So places including Declaration Crag, The Plaque, Fang Buttress, Bard Buttress, Tiger Wall, New Image Wall, The Pharos, Yesterday Gully, The Pinnacle Faces and Mitre Rock will be available for climbing once everything is finalised.
“The addendum reflects the application of the guidance framework, which is a set of principles designed to minimise the risk of harm to cultural heritage, but without unduly constraining recreational activities.
“What this means is that climbing will be able to take place near to cultural heritage archaeological sites, without significant ‘buffer zones’.”
“Traditional owners are demonstrating a significant level of trust that the climbing community will get on board and observe the limited restrictions that are expected to exist.
“These sites, which are very important to the traditional owners, have existed for potentially thousands of years and while they often consist of hard rock, can still be subject to harm over time through repeated exposure such as climbers leaving dirt, climbing rubber or chalk behind.”
Climbing Victoria advised there would not be any licensed tour-operator-only areas, and walking off track would continue to be permitted.
The peak climbing body is finalising a list of several improvements in the new plan, and while they have been assured that Centennial Park, The Pines, would not be closed, it is seeking confirmation to be stated in the addendum.
Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said the push for an excessive government ban had disregarded community sentiment.
“Temporary closures announced six years ago have dragged on year after year, leaving Natimuk and the wider Wimmera paying the price. It simply should never have taken the Allan Labor government this long to find a balanced solution,” she said.
“I’ve consistently called for an approach that respects cultural heritage while recognising the enormous social, sporting and economic value of climbing at Arapiles.
“We welcome Parks Victoria finally moving towards a more balanced approach, but after years of unnecessary uncertainty, the community deserves to see the changes delivered without further delay.”
Community engagement will close on August 19. Full details can be found at www.engage.vic.gov.au/dyurrite.
The entire July 29, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
The entire July 29, 2026 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!
