As many in the climbing community may be aware, climbing/bouldering in the Grampians National Park has more recently come under the spotlight for a variety of reasons. Recent impacts to cultural heritage in the park may be driving the current push for climbing
management, but there are other issues also, that have been building for a long time.
Increased route development – both climbing and bouldering, increased use of fixed protection, lack of boundaries, environmental impacts and the increase of people coming into the sport are all concerns to land managers. All the usual issues that impact climbing areas and that the community eventually need to deal with. But now access to many of the areas we climb at is under threat. The Victorian Climbing Club and CliffCare are now engaging in discussions with Parks Victoria, Traditional Owners and other stakeholders. We are concerned that the activity that we love is impacting cultural heritage. We are committed to engaging with land managers to ensure that these values are protected whilst still ensuring that the legitimate activity of climbing in the park can continue sustainably. We look forward to positive engagement with Parks Victoria and ask the climbing community to support us in our endeavours to look after your interests.
On 4th October, we submitted the following letters to Parks Victoria. These can be viewed on the CliffCare website.
VCC/CliffCare Proposal – Climbing Policy Update
VCC/CliffCare Proposal – GNP Climbing Management Plan
Ongoing updates on the process will be communicated regularly to the climbing community. Over the next few weeks, more information will be made available.
Thank you
Tracey Skinner
VCC Access & Environment Officer
Paula Toal VCC President