Extension for Grampians operators

Licensed tour operators have three-month extensions to offer rock-climbing and abseiling at Summerday Valley in Grampians National Park.

Parks Victoria extended operators’ licences after a decision last year to provide conditional access to the special protection area while parties developed a new management plan for the Grampians landscape.

Licence extensions and updates have support of traditional-owner groups and include a climbing area called Lookout Point Wall near Halls Gap. Strict licence conditions remain to ensure the minimisation and monitoring of the impact on environmental and Aboriginal cultural values at the locations.

Conditions include a limit on operating locations; compulsory completion of an Aboriginal cultural heritage induction program; ongoing education for operators and their tour groups; identification for tour guides and their customers; use of a booking system to manage and monitor access; and reporting of visitor data to help with planning and review.

Parks Victoria Western Victoria regional director Jason Borg said the new management plan, covering the national park and adjacent parks and reserves, would provide clarity on where and how licensed tour operators could offer recreational activities, including rock climbing and abseiling.

“Until then, Parks Victoria and traditional-owner groups have agreed to extend access for licenced tour operators offering rock climbing and abseiling in the Summerday Valley special protection area and conditional access to Lookout Point Wall,” he said.

“No-impact rock climbing otherwise continues to be permitted outside of the national park’s special protection areas.”

The licences have been extended until June 30.

Mr Borg said the management plan would also provide a framework for environmental conservation; cultural heritage protection, including Aboriginal rock art; tourism opportunities; visitor safety and experience; and management of fire and water catchments.

Community consultation on the plan started in September last year, with feedback used to inform a draft plan. The draft plan will be available for further public comment in mid-2020.

People can register their interest to be part of the process online at engage.vic.gov.au/grampians-management-plan. Information about how coronavirus has impacted on park management is on the Parks Victoria website, parks.vic.gov.au.