We are disappointed to hear this last week of the Victorian Government's decision regarding the accessibility of the Arapiles for climbing without consultation. We are working with Outdoors Victoria to work towards a collaborative outcome which considers all parties and finds a viable solution to all those involved.
Below is the statement by Outdoors Victoria.
Outdoors Victoria's position on upcoming climbing closures at Dyurrite Mt Arapiles
Earlier this week the Victorian government released the far-reaching announcement to close approximately half the climbing at Dyurrite Mt Arapiles from March 2025.
Outdoors Victoria’s position as the umbrella peak across Outdoor Education and Outdoor Recreation is that we acknowledge the impact and pain felt throughout our outdoors community, along with the potential risk to jobs, livelihoods and people's futures, and so are working hard to represent the community. We also continue to support and respect the Barengi Gadjin Land Councils’ (BGLC) right to protect cultural heritage, however we are working now for real consultation with BGLC, Parks Victoria and the climbing community.
The most effective way for OV to have impact is dedicating significant resources to work with the State activity peak for outdoor climbing, the entity Climbing Victoria (OV forwarded Climbing Victoria's media release a few hours ago). This is made up of the seven organisations that for years has worked as the Climbing Victoria Advisory Council and have been heavily involved with work in Gariwerd Grampians eg. through compromise with Traditional Owners re-opening of part of Taipan Wall and an extra 50 climbing crag assessments are currently underway. Further detail of future actions will be released in coming days.
Outdoors Victoria with Climbing Victoria, are working with Parks Victoria, reconciliation organisations, hopefully BGLC, as well as Minister Dimopoulous and Premier Allan’s offices.
We will continue to keep you directly updated, as well as through our online Industry Forums, or reach to OV to book a chat anytime via: info@outdoorsvictoria.org.au
