Tuesday, 12 November 2024

 Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (19:13): (1272) My adjournment is for the urgent action of the Minister for Environment, and it relates to the ill-considered and economically disastrous decision by the government, through Parks Victoria, to ban rock climbing at the world-famous Mount Arapiles in Natimuk. Under the cover of the Melbourne Cup, just like the death tax by stealth, this week Parks Victoria, at the direction of this Labor government, chose to announce a decision which has devastated the local community by putting at risk jobs in tourism, as reported, and the safety and viability of the town itself.

Climbing Mount Arapiles is a thoroughly enjoyable activity enjoyed by locals, Victorians and those from abroad. Hundreds of global tourists flock to the mountain to climb the reported 2000 unique routes. Many residents from across my electorate have contacted me, and I am sure have contacted Labor MPs as well, to express their concern about this ban and also to say how much they enjoy this great recreational activity. Even Parks Victoria’s own website still states that Mount Arapiles is much loved and sees many thousands of visitors annually. The decision by this Labor government goes against the Premier’s previous statements that national parks should be enjoyed by all. Conservation is important, as is respecting heritage and history, and the best way to do that is to find the right balance – not raise the white flag – between cultural claims and the needs of the community today to allow the economic and tourism benefits the respect that they deserve.

Another concern raised by locals, as reported by the Herald Sun last week, is a potential loss of professionals, including health professionals, who have moved to the region for the amenity and active lifestyle that access to national parks allows, who may move back to Melbourne. To quote the article:

Natimuk farmer Brian Klowss said he feared white-collar workers would flee, including several doctors and teachers.

‘We can’t afford to lose these people …

The decision by Parks Victoria, an agency under the control of the Minister for Environment, has the potential to cost jobs and ruin livelihoods. Many constituents have written to me and called my office regarding this decision, including Nicholas Leong from Brunswick West in my electorate, who said:

The climbing community is ready to work alongside the Traditional Owners and Parks Victoria to create a management plan that honours both the cultural importance of the area and the unique climbing heritage that has developed over decades.

We have seen this before with duck hunting, where after my forum with 400 locals and an open letter to the Premier the Premier backflipped. I would like to see another backflip from the Premier, and I would like to let the minister know that we will not be letting this go but will continue to stand up for this community.