International - how you can help.

Australia's Victorian Government and Parks Victoria recently announced far-reaching plans to ban climbing at the world-famous Mount Arapiles.

The move, designed to protect cultural heritage and conservation of the area, comes in the wake of numerous other bans in the Grampians and affects roughly 63% of the climbs at Arapiles. Crags that host treasured lines such as Punks in the Gym, the world's first 8b+ put up by Wolfgang Güllich in 1985, in addition to best most accessible climbs will be closed.

The closures risk devastating the small town of Natimuk (population 548), where climbers, artists, and farmers form a vibrant community. Residents fear economic downturns, loss of essential services, and an exodus of professionals like doctors, teachers, and tradespeople.

While locals support cultural heritage preservation and reconciliation, they urge a balanced approach to safeguard the town’s future.

Your help is urgently needed to advocate for a more balanced approach to the recreational use of Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park / Dyurrite.

Here's how you can make a difference.

1.With extended deadlines, new information and people in charge and so much media attention, you may be unsure of your next steps regarding Dyurrite/Arapiles. Here is a summary, and an updated Call to Action!

Firstly, keep climbing! Share your stories with each other and @humansofarapiles and keep making memories 💚

To all community members and supporters of fair and sustainable land management:

Your help is urgently needed to advocate for a more balanced approach to the recreational use of Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park / Dyurrite. This is an opportunity to support the protection of cultural heritage, whilst advocating for changes to the draft management plan released by Parks Victoria. The proposed changes threaten the economic and social vitality of Natimuk, Horsham and surrounding areas.

Here's how you can make a difference.

1. Submit feedback to Parks Victoria (anyone can submit feedback). All submissions must be read and considered. Parks Victoria is seeking feedback about the draft Dyurrite Cultural Landscape (Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park) Management Plan Amendment.

Submissions close 14th February 2024 (new extended deadline): https://engage.vic.gov.au/dyurrite

A summary of resources and links to help you make an informed submission:

• Learn about the importance of protecting cultural heritage and it’s signifiance to Traditional Owners. Visit: www.dyurrite.com.au

• Read the 5th November 2025 update on behalf of the Gariwerd Wimmera Reconsiliation Network.

• How much climbing is drafted to be closed? A visual analysis: download the JPEG here.

• Read about the ways in which PV has not acted compatibly with relevant legislation: Understanding the legislation v4.pdf

• Read out Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Dyuritte Management Plan: download the PDF here.

• Understand the impact of the Dyurrite Cultural Landscape Management Plan Amendment on accessible climbing.

• Read Louise Shepherd’s Letter to the Editor in the Weekly Advertiser: A proud, working history.

• Read Melissa Edwards’ OPINION: The Issue Surrounding Dyurrite/Arapiles is a Failure of Government, Not Climbers or Traditional Owners for We Are Explorers.

Some key points you may like to include in your submission:

• Push for review of all areas, including those proposed to be closed in the current draft plan.

• Protection of cultural heritage can be balanced with low-impact recreational activities and rock climbing.

• Advocate for a process that includes public community consultation, inclusive decision making and a collaborative outcome that will be accepted by the whole community.

• Cultural heritage should be protected proportionately and from the perspective of a climb by climb analysis, rather than closing entire climbing areas where values exist.

• Highlight the ways in which PV has not acted compatibly with the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act (Victoria 2006) or the Equal Opportunity Act (Victoria 2010), details here.

• Note the incredible and well documented positive contribution climbers have made to the Dyurrite landscape through conservation and land care efforts. Find out more: Friends of Arapiles, Crag Stewards Victoria and Cliff Care.

• Advocate for a new plan and a complete review on the basis that the proposed draft amendment is not fit for purpose and inconsistent with the guiding principles of Park Victoria's Land Management Strategy.

• Note that PV has failed to meet the Park Management Policy (Pol -710) commitment that “Planning will be evidence based and undertaken openly and collaboratively with the community.”

• Push for a new plan that is constructed by a multi disciplinary team under the direction of stakeholder representatives.

2. Sign the petition via change.org for international residents. (1 minute)