General News
12 September, 2025
Community, climbers and Traditional Owners push for shared future at Dyurrite
In a positive move, Parks Victoria recently met with Barengi Gadjin Land Council representatives to discuss the use of Mt Arapiles/Dyurritte for recreation, while being mindful of the traditional owners' concerns about protecting sacred sites.
The outcome focused on the protection of Sacred Sites while increasing access as Parks Victoria and Traditional Owners work to reshape the Mt Arapiles plan.
Parks Victoria released a new Management Plan for the Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park in November 2024, which showed a reduction in climbing sites.
The new plan angered some members of the climbing and business communities, who believed the ban would impact Natimulk and tourism to the area.
The recent meeting held in Natimulk between Parks Victoria and BGLC showed signs of progress between the two organisations and hope amongst the climbing community that a conducive way forward may be possible.
As a result of that meeting, Parks Victoria acknowledged its role in the breakdown in communication and committed to doing better moving forward together.
"Parks Victoria is continuing to work with the Barengi Gadjin Land Council and a community working group to provide for more inclusive and diverse opportunities for visitors to Dyurrite, Mount Arapiles Tooan State Park," a Parks Victoria spokesperson said.
"These include celebrating the cultural and environmental heritage of the park to support economic and social benefits for the local community and region."
The spokesperson said that Parks Victoria was committed to reopening its Natimuk office and would employ two park rangers to work in partnership with Traditional Owners.
"Parks Victoria acknowledges the significant concern with the previous consultation process it has undertaken on the Dyurrite Cultural Landscape Management Plan to date and apologises for any negative impacts this process may have caused," they said.
"Parks Victoria is committed to improving how it engages with all parties, including key stakeholders and the community."
Part of the way forward will include Parks Victoria's commitment to working with Traditional Owners partners to refine the management plan, including alternative management approaches to protect important cultural heritage while opening more areas to rock climbing and recreational use.
The updated management plan is expected to be released in late 2025.
A spokesperson for Parks Victoria said its commitment to on-ground presence will be strengthened by the appointment of two full-time rangers to be stationed in Natimuk.
"There will be an opportunity for additional visitor facilities and educational programs with the reopening of the office," the spokesperson said.
Climbing enthusiast Felix Ritson said, "I am personally looking forward to ongoing collaboration and relationship building, working towards a management plan for Dyurrite that brings greater and broader enjoyment and benefit to the whole community.
"Parks Victoria's apology for its part in the breakdown in relationships in this matter was encouraging, and it was great to see the new leadership of this organisation owning this and making changes," he said.
"I feel this event is another example of the good nature of the local community and highlights the benefits of people sitting down together and talking."
Organisers said the event was very well attended, with only standing room left in the room.
"The meeting was respectful, and the event ran without incident," a spokesperson said.
"The speakers answered a broad range of questions and tackled various issues and perspectives related to reconciliation.
"It was great to see Natimuk coming together to listen, learn, and ask questions."
Just a week after the recent meeting, stickers promoting non-cooperation with BGLC were circulated throughout the community.
The Arapiles District Community Group responded quickly on social media, stating that there was no place for such disrespect and that it was harmful to reconciliation efforts.
They asked that members of the community join them in removing these stickers and destroying them, so that the recent progress made between stakeholders would not be negatively impacted.
Climbing Victoria said they also stand firmly against racism in all its forms.
"Recent targeted attacks on the BGLC have no place in our community and are deeply concerning," the organisation said in a statement.
"Climbing Victoria supports and acknowledges BGLC's role as an integral partner, and it should be respected accordingly.
"People can advocate what they believe in, but that should be done responsibly, respectfully, and with care."
The Mail-Times has contacted BGLC for comment about the meeting with Parks Victoria.