Striking the balance for nature, culture and recreation

Rising abruptly up from the once-forested earth surrounding it, Dyurrite (Mount Arapiles) is striking and spectacular.  The rock formation is part of the Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park and the Dyurrite Cultural Landscape, an area rich in heritage for First Nations peoples.

Peregrine Falcons nest high on rocky ledges, Skeleton Fork Ferns shelter in rock crevices and Black Rock Skinks scamper along sunny boulders. It’s also internationally renowned for rock climbing, and a place many climbers strongly identify with.

But the management plan for this incredible place is out of date. It doesn’t reflect the presence of threatened wildlife, cultural heritage changes and progress on First Nations rights.

A draft plan with updated amendments has been released. Feedback on the Dyurrite Cultural Landscape Management Plan Amendment closes 2 December 2024.

Complete the online survey or make a submission

These steps towards a future vision of harmony at Dyurrite (Mount Arapiles) will be challenging for many, as access to the area will change. But the new plan is our chance to strike the balance for nature, cultural heritage and recreation.

Tips for taking the survey

The survey is very short, with eight open fields and a few multichoice questions. Below is a concise list of what would improve the plan that can be used to put into this field. You’re welcome to use these as a guide. NB: fields have a 1000 character limit. Make sure you focus on the issues that matter most to you.

Survey question: Do you have any feedback on the draft management plan amendment?

  • Changes to the plan achieve a much-needed balance that protects nature and cultural heritage and retains climbing and bushwalking, but must include updated information about threatened wildlife.
  • The plan must update the Wildlife Management (6.2) and Notable wildlife species (6.2.2) sections to include Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act  species lists, and records of endangered and threatened wildlife.
  • Long-term ecological monitoring to track recovery of threatened wildlife and assess the influence of the amended plan.

Survey question: How can we make information clearer about where you can rock climb i.e. maps and/or guidelines? How can we make this information more accessible?

  • Improve interpretive signage to help park visitors understand the natural and cultural context of the park.
  • Update Parks Victoria website to include: Park Notes, management plans, park regulations, reasons for regulations and the special and unique nature and culture the park protects.
  • Guided walks by ecologists, Park Rangers and (where appropriate) First Nations representatives, anthropologists, park users and the local community to better understand changes to park management.
  • Improve communication of short walks available within the park and surrounding reserves.

Survey question: Do you have any suggestions about updates we can make to signs and available information in the park?

  • Regional context of native vegetation in the Wimmera, as highlighted by VEAC (2010) ‘The Wimmera is one of the state’s largest bioregions and the second most heavily cleared. A small proportion (16.9%) of the original extent of native vegetation remains in the fragmented landscape. A very small proportion of the bioregion is represented in the conservation reserve system (1.5%).’
  • Signage informing visitors about the plants and animals live in the park (including threatened wildlife) and why the park is essential to their survival.

Survey question: Do you have any suggestions about what more we can do to promote clean rock climbing techniques (example: use of chalk)?

Survey question: What other information would you be interested to know about Dyurrite?

  • Update Parks Victoria’s website to include: park notes, management plans, park regulations, reasons for regulations and the special and unique nature and culture the park protects.
  • Improve interpretive signage to help park visitors understand the natural and cultural context of the park and surrounds.
  • The regional context of vegetation communities, plants and animals that call the park home.
  • Make clear maps of short walks available online and in the park.
  • Clear information about park facilities (including toilets and picnic grounds) on Parks Victoria’s website and within the park.

Points to include in written submissions:

  • The changes that protect nature and cultural heritage and retain rock climbing and bushwalking achieve a much-needed balance.
  • The plan needs to its Wildlife Management (6.2) and Notable Wildlife species (6.2.2) sections. This must include updated Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act  species lists, and records of endangered and threatened wildlife.
  • Long-term ecosystem monitoring to track recovery of threatened wildlife and assess the influence of the amended plan.
  • Improve interpretive signage in the park to give park visitors insight into the natural and cultural heritage of the park.
  • Improve information on the Parks Victoria website including park notes, park regulations and reasons and the values the park protects.
  • Run guided walks by ecologists, Park Rangers and (where appropriate) First Nations representatives, anthropologists, park users and the local community to grow understanding of park management changes and connect people with local nature and cultural heritage.
  • Improved information about short walks within the park and surrounding reserves.
  • Education resources on the regional context of nature in the Wimmera, as highlighted by The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (2010): ‘The Wimmera is one of the state’s largest bioregions and the second most heavily cleared. A small proportion (16.9%) of the original extent of native vegetation remains in the fragmented landscape. A very small proportion of the bioregion is represented in the conservation reserve system (1.5%)’.
  • Signage informing visitors about the plants and animals live in the park (including threatened wildlife) and why the park is essential to their survival.
  • Include information about minimal impact bushwalking, rock climbing and camping ethics.
  • Clear information about park facilities (including toilets and picnic grounds) on Parks Victoria’s website and within the park.

Upload a written submission

Key background information

  • Dyurrite (Mount Arapiles) is renowned for rock climbing – it’s a place many climbers strongly identify with. Changes to climbing routes will be challenging for many, as access to the area will change, affecting long-held connections.
  • Parks Victoria website for Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park
  • The Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia, and Jupagulk peoples are the Traditional Owners of Dyurrite (Mount Arapiles).
  • Park management plans are more than a words on a page. They’re the blueprint of how we care for an area’s unique web of life, guide recreational use and respect First Nations enduring connections to culture and Country.
  • The rediscovery of one millennia-old rock art site and one of the largest Australian Indigenous stone quarry complexes is a profound accomplishment by the Barengi Gadjin Land Council and Parks Victoria.
  • The draft Dyurrite Cultural Landscape (Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park) Management Plan Amendment reflect years of detailed survey work. These identified scar trees, cultural artefacts, ancient rock art and one of Australia’s largest Indigenous stone quarries. Ecological assessments also found threatened plants like the ancient Skeleton Fork Fern (Psilotum nudum) and Western Pellitory (Parietaria australis) that need extra protection.
  • Some walking tracks will be adjusted or closed, and there’ll be a reduction in rock-climbing routes, including illegal routes. The changes are focussed on balancing the protection of threatened wildlife, cultural heritage and respectful recreation like bushwalking and rock climbing.
  • The Victorian Traditional Owner Settlement Act and the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 are important pieces of legislation. They help secure cultural heritage values for generations to come.

Why get involved?

  • Express support for evidence-based protection of Victoria’s natural and cultural heritage
  • Learn about the issues facing our natural places and web of life
  • Positively impact the decisions being made on your behalf
  • Reinforce and illuminate collective concerns

Next steps: Management Plan finalised and released to the public early 2025