MEDIA RELEASE 5 November 2024 |
The Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) supports recent changes to rock climbing routes in Dyurrite (Mount Arapiles) as an important measure to safeguard the area’s invaluable cultural and natural heritage.
Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park is one of Australia’s iconic national parks. It houses a wealth of cultural heritage sites dating back tens of thousands of years and critical habitat for native wildlife, including the Peregrine Falcon.
VNPA strongly supports Traditional Owner co-management and joint management of state and national parks for the preservation and integrity of the landscape’s cultural heritage and natural values.
Spanning just over 1,500 hectares, this small park stands as a sanctuary amid a landscape of cleared land. It is rich with both wildlife habitat and examples of First Nations rock art.
However, the recent surge of rock-climbing routes—many created informally—has begun to threaten both the park’s cultural heritage sites and its natural diversity.
“VNPA supports efforts to protect cultural heritage in the Dyurrite-Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park. With more than 1,000 climbing routes now affecting cultural and natural values, reducing their impact is essential,” said Jordan Crook, VNPA’s Parks and Nature Campaigner.
“These changes will help restore the balance and make sure the culture and nature that our parks are meant to protect remain intact”.
State and national parks exist to manage recreation while preserving their key cultural and natural features. These updated rock-climbing guidelines are a vital step for restoring this balance and maintaining Mount Arapiles-Tooan’s legacy for future generations.
