Call to Action on Behalf of the Natimuk Economic and Social Strategy Committee & Climbing Victoria

Australia - how you can help.

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.

DOWNLOAD the Frequently Asked Questions document here.

Here's how you can make a difference.

1. Sign the Parliament petition to push for an extended consultation period that is expanded to include banned areas, a broader engagement with impacted communities, and an economic impact assessment. Every signature helps and this petition matters. Help reach a goal to ensure this call to action is presented to the house of Parliament as a 'take note debate' in the Legislative Assembly. This petition is for Victorian residents only.

Petition link: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/rock-climbing-in-mt-arapiles/ (1 minute)

Not a VIC resident? Sign the change.org petition (anyone can sign) here. (1 minute)

2. 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

3. Sign the Open Letter (anyone can sign) calling for open, transparent and full consultation with all stakeholders and the wider climbing community.

Sign via Google Forms here. (1 minute)

4. Donate to the Climbing Victoria Advocacy Fund

This fund is to be used to support advocacy for improvements to the Mt Arapiles Tooan State Park Management Plan that are of mutual benefit to Traditional Custodians, the climbing community and the region.

Donate now: https://www.trybooking.com/au/donate/climbingvictoria

5. Email your representatives and the Horsham Rural City Council to express your concerns about the closures and the future of our community, and to advocate for transparent and inclusive decision-making. Share your story respectfully.

It is important to highlight this is not just about climbing; it’s about the future of our community and fair access to recreational use of parks.

Together, let’s work towards solutions that respect and celebrate cultural values, preserve local livelihoods, and maintain our vibrant community to achieve a long-term, collaborative plan to maintain Mount Arapiles - much as we’ve done already - while respecting cultural and community values alike. Thank you for your support. Know that we are in this together and here to support each other.

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Petition to Extend Consultation and Seek Balanced Access to Mount Arapiles / Dyurrite (more information)

The petition of residents in Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Assembly to the Allan Labor Government's devastating decision to close a significant number of climbing areas at Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park (Dyurrite) and the government's failure to consult with the climbing community and local residents impacted by this decision.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly of Victoria demands all relevant stakeholders to be engaged in a transparent, extended, and expanded consultation process regarding these closures.

We respectfully urge the Legislative Assembly of Victoria and Parks Victoria to:

  1. Expand the scope of the consultation process to include banned areas.

  2. Extend the consultation period.

  3. Engage community representatives and major user groups in consultation.

  4. Incorporate an economic impact assessment.

ADDITIONAL CONTEXT:

Whilst recognising and respecting the cultural significance of Mount Arapiles / Dyurrite to Indigenous communities and fully supporting efforts to protect these sacred sites, the recent closures pose significant challenges to the social and economic wellbeing of Natimuk, Horsham, and the surrounding Wimmera region. The changes to the draft management plan have been implemented without consultation with Climbing Victoria, local organisations and businesses, major user groups or the broader community.

The Wimmera region has become a vibrant, diverse community where people from across the state,  country, and worldwide have chosen to live, work, and contribute to local life. Many residents initially moved here to enjoy Mount Arapiles / Dyurrite, but they bring far more than their appreciation for the landscape. Individuals and families who enjoy the mountain are mental health professionals, doctors and nurses, teachers, artists, environmental scientists, IT specialists, engineers, agricultural researchers, builders, SES and CFA volunteers and staff, data analysts, wind farm technicians, and local business owners. Their lives and livelihoods are interwoven with the community’s success, and they are committed to a sustainable future for the Wimmera.

The proposed changes risk current residents leaving the township, dramatically reducing visitation to the area, impacting businesses, service providers, and essential local operations. This, in turn, will likely undermine and have a detrimental impact on the social and economic wellbeing of the region. A balanced approach - one that respects and preserves cultural heritage while supporting responsible recreational and economic activity - will allow the Wimmera to thrive and grow.

This petition matters. With a minimum of 10,000 signatures, it will be presented in Parliament. This is an opportunity for you to ask for a balanced, sustainable path forward, one that respects cultural heritage and the community’s longstanding ties to this cherished landscape.

This petition is for Victorian residents only: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/rock-climbing-in-mt-arapiles/