LABOR’S shutdown of rock climbing at Mount Arapiles in the state’s west should be a wakeup call to all regional Victorians.
It may be a world-renowned rock formation, but figuratively this is the tip of the iceberg.
Cultural heritage laws are the driving force for the change, and there needs to be a total review of the process.
Without change, the padlocks will keep coming.
There are rumblings that the Rainbow Desert Enduro in the state’s north-west could be next high-level pursuit under threat, with competitors locked out.
Will we have to get used to lockouts and a user-pays system for such events and pastimes?
We can only hope common sense will prevail.
It comes ahead of the start of secretive Treaty negotiations between the Allan Labor Government and Indigenous groups within a fortnight.
Victorians have every right to be alarmed by the recent developments and looming talks, which lack transparency.
Without openness, Victorians will never know what rights or access to land and water will be traded away without their knowledge or agreement.
The Mount Arapiles call came suddenly and without consultation, leaving the Natimuk community and climbers around the world devastated.
Premier Jacinta Allan continues to leave regional Victorians to pay the price for government’s mismanagement.
Peter Walsh
State leader, The Nationals
