Climbing Victoria media release, Dyurrite Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park

It is now still less than 4 days since the Jacinta Allan government released the far reaching proposals to change
Dyurrite Mt Arapiles.

Since our initial media release earlier this week, we have now had time to digest the details and consider the
implications and consequences. We acknowledge the impact and pain felt throughout our community, along with
the potential risk to jobs, livelihoods and peoples futures.

We are working tirelessly on a number of fronts. Key initial activities include

1. In conjunction with the Natimuk Economic and Social Strategy Committee we are sponsoring a petition
supported by Emma Kealy MP for Lowan. This petition will be available in the very near future and we are1.
aiming to raise at least 10,000 signatures from Victorian residents so it will have to be heard in parliament.
This petition will be calling for a full engagement consultation process.
2. We have secured a meeting with the Minister for Environment, Steve Dimpolous to raise the concerns of the
climbing community and other affected stakeholders. We shall also be seeking a guarantee of a genuine and
comprehensive consultation to be undertaken and with climbing and the local community, not the sham
process that is currently in place.
3. We are working with a network of other key climbing organisations across Australia that have come to our
assistance. This demonstrates the value and importance of Dyurrite Mt Arapiles to interstate and
international visitors that then visit other parts of Victoria. The first action will be an open letter from these
organisations directed to the Allan government.
4. Obtaining greater detail and clarity from Parks Victoria on the details of the proposed management plan for
Dyurrite Mt Arapiles.
5. Media interviews and the provision of information to the media has been another key task.
6. Last but not least, we have clarified with Parks Victoria that the Pines Campground will remain open and
unchanged as will the road around it.

We continue to fully support and respect the Barengi Gadjin Land Councils’ (BGLC) right to protect cultural
heritage and Climbing Victoria are keen to work with BGLC to continue to find solutions so that climbing and the
preservation of cultural heritage can coexist in harmony.

We will keep you updated as and when we can.

In the meantime, keep going to Dyurrite Mt Arapiles, it is still open. Go in peace.

You can contact us at hello@climbingvictoria.com

If this situation is causing you anxiety or distress, please reach to Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 or Lifeline 13 11 14