The council will advocate for a reference group be established representing a diverse range of users that have strong associations with Mount Arapiles, and that the group work together to oversee the implementation of the amended management plan.
Council also plans to request a State Government-funded economic and social impact assessment of Mount Arapiles, including the number of visitors and professional people who chose to move to the Horsham municipality for rock climbing.
The management plan, made public on Melbourne Cup eve, seeks to protect areas of cultural significance to the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk Indigenous groups, represented by Barengi Gadjin Land Council.
The park is home to one of Australia’s largest stone quarry complexes with rock art and scar trees dating back 3000 years.
But there has been backlash about the amount and types of rock climbing routes planned to be banned, with many in the Natimuk community opposing the plan, believing the changes will cull visitor numbers to the area, resulting in economic losses to the town’s businesses.
The Weekly Advertiser understands that at least two Natimuk-based businesses have announced plans to close – Open Spaces, a 30-year-old business that distributes climbing guide books, posted a statement on its Facebook page saying it would cease trading on December 20.
“Most of you will be familiar with the increasing access difficulties faced by Victorian recreational users over the past five years,” the statement read.
“These closures and restrictions within many of our best public parks and reserves have adversely affected large numbers of regional businesses, including ours.
“For our wonderful town of Natimuk – home to hundreds of climbers and their families – this is a devastating outcome.
“Natimuk, once a showcase regional success story, has now been condemned to a slow but inevitable death.”
Cr Brian Klowss, representing the Wyn Wyn ward that includes Natimuk, said if approved, the plan would cause devastation to Natimuk and pain to the wider Wimmera.
“I’ve had long talks with the Natimuk local businesses, most are anticipating a 50 per cent downturn as a minimum,” he said.
“Others such as the climbing shop really don’t know what their future is now.
“The flow-on effects to Horsham and the greater Wimmera communities are massive and potentially unrepairable.”
Cr Klowss listed the various professionals, including many difficult-to-attract skilled workers, who were living in Natimuk due to their love of rock climbing.
Cr Klowss said The Climbing Company in Natimuk employed 52 guides, half of who live in Natimuk, and the Natimuk Fire Brigade consisted of about 60 per cent climbers.
“Over the years, the Wimmera community has spent millions trying to attract people to live and work in our community,” he said.
“To have this major attraction taken away is going to leave a massive hole that we may never fill.
“I believe that this plan has been put together with little or no consultation with the local community.
“I also believe that if done right, culturally significant areas and climbing can co-exist without blanket bans.”
Federal Parliament
The Natimuk and district community’s concerns were taken to Federal Parliament on Monday when Member for Mallee Anne Webster called on the Federal Government to explain its position on cultural heritage matters.
Dr Webster also called for the State Government to genuinely consult with all stakeholders, and ensure all established climbing routes at Mount Arapiles remained in force until such consultation occurred.
“I share the community’s outrage at the Mount Arapiles decision, particularly for Natimuk where enjoyment and awe of the mountain has been a major driver of the local economy,” she said.
“Rock climbers and other Australians respect indigenous heritage and sentiments – and the need to conserve the local environment. Locking Australians out of enjoying natural landscapes only fosters further division and alienation.”
Liberal Senators Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Jonathon Duniam put forward a motion in the Federal Senate on Monday for a Senate Inquiry to be established to look into cultural heritage laws that are ‘blocking development and locking up our country on the basis of race’.
The motion listed the rock climbing bans at Mount Arapiles and Grampians National Park as particular points of reference.
However the motion failed, with the Senate voting against, 25-29.
Premier responds
At a press conference in Horsham last week, journalists quizzed Premier Jacinta Allan about the plan to ban more than 50 per cent of the climbing routes at Mount Arapiles, and what support would be put in place for Natimuk.
“There is a consultation process underway right now and we do want to hear from the local community because I have already heard some of the concerns and issues that have been raised and I know the Environment Minister (Steve Dimopoulos) has heard those directly,” Ms Allan said.
“He came to Natimuk, he met with local residents, businesses and council representatives and will continue to listen to the local community.
“Just too, as we have also through Parks Victoria, been listening to the traditional owner groups as well because we do need to have an outcome that is about providing certainty for rock climbers to continue to enjoy the beautiful landscape, the unique landscape that we have here in this region.
“Certainty around how cultural heritage is going to be recognised, but also too, in terms of the investments for the local community, the minister has already made an announcement of $1.7- million that’s going to go into investment in upgrading outdoor recreation facilities, tourism access facilities.”
Ms Allan said the government was consulting with ‘a broad range of stakeholders’, and she encouraged submissions through the engage.vic.gov.au website.
• Letters, page 11.
The entire November 27, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
The entire November,27, 2024 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!
