SAVE ARAPILES CLIMBING - The Future of Australian Climbing is at Stake

[@Robins_Adventures]

Hey everyone, sending some love from Belgium. Arapiles was such a magical place for me. I showed up thinking I’d stay a couple of days, and before I knew it, I was there for almost three weeks. The Pines campground had this incredible energy! Campfires at night, slacklines everywhere, self-made pizza in Natimuk, and the best kind of random conversations. It just felt like home. I’ll never forget learning trad climbing a bit there. I had no clue what I was doing, but people like Johny, Jason and many more took me under their wing, showed me the ropes (literally), and got me up the wall. I was terrified half the time, but it was amazing. For me, Arapiles wasn’t just about the climbing, it was about the people. It was about this big, warm community of climbers who shared everything: their gear, their knowledge, their passion. Hearing what’s happening now is heartbreaking because places like this aren’t just “spots” on a map. They’re about the connections and memories we build there. I really hope there’s a way to protect that for everyone who loves it and everyone still to come. 🧡

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for commenting! These stories are what it’s all about! Not just climbing but sharing these memorable moments! Thanks for sharing your story of araplies!

[@bernivdw]

@@LucasCorrotoFilms Also from Belgium and remember spending an amazing two months in Arapiles, Grampians and the Blue Mountains in 2019. Met the best people there (Hi Lucas!). So sad that a lot of those places seem to be off limit right now and that the next generations will not be able to experience the same things.

[@haydenwalton2766]

this is an issue that concerns the rights of ALL australians, not just a select few. i know it's a cliche, but this really is the thin end of the wedge. we need to fight now, to maintain public access and fair use of our natural environment

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for commenting mate!

[@tobyorchard8798]

Kev's surf break closure comparison was spot on

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for commenting!

[@maxfarr4142]

This and the Gramps closures have caused a grenade to go off in my heart. What a perverse tragedy. I love you Arapilies, so long my friend. Lucas, thanks for helping get the message out so succinctly and beautifully.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for commenting mate!

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks heaps for the photo at the frame and for sharing your story!

[@jonastrolliet4527]

Hi, Big support from France. Same as many other people, I spent about 3 weeks in Arapiles about a decade ago. My memories are still intact, the community, the café, the climbing shop, nice people all around and incredible rock. what is happening and what has already happened in the Grampians is a shame. I hope you guys find a way to fight against this. This isn't fair for anyone.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for the wonderful comment!

[@SideTripProductions]

Great work, Lucas! You’ve achieved a difficult task of handling this issue with sensitivity and certainly making it clearer to explain what’s going on to non-climbers as well. Can see you’ve put a ton of work into it- I hope you get some time to go climbing now!

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks heaps for the comment! Now to go climbing!! 😊

[@SocialStylesAust]

I started climbing at Arapiles in 1987 and then as a 15yr old spent summers living at the pines with my climbing buddies. It was, and still is, a critical part of who I am now. The freedom we had as teenagers - living independently and learning life lessons through climbing was priceless and I only wish every teenager could have the same experience. Climbers have always been on the forefront of nature and cultural protection and I can still remember when we first became familiar with the the Aboriginal name of the mount (if I remember rightly Louise you were one of the main drivers of this with your guide), and this was at least 15 years before anyone else was doing it. Consequently, I find it extraordinary that local climbers have not been consulted. Simon, Louise, Chris, Kevin etc I remember you all as much younger guides and you along with all of the other remaining 'OGs' should have been consulted. As a side note one of my core memories was coming back to the pines after a very hot day climbing in the summer to John M, in out hammocks and drinking our port - as teenagers we were so in awe he would chat with us that we looked past his 'opportunistic' behaviour. 😀

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for sharing your story!!

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for sharing your wonderful story!

[@SocialStylesAust]

@ No probs - as a postscript, today I happened to be at Mt Buffalo and who did I meet in the car park - HB (horsham Bruce - Malcolm Mathieson)

[@gustau4764]

In 2002 I spent the whole year touring around the would for climbing. I visited many, many places in different continents, and Arapiles was one of them. I remember two things: my initial disapoointment seeing it from afar, as it looked like a pile of choss, and my complete epiphany when I actually got to touch the rock and got climbing on it. I can honestly say it had the best vibes and dome of the best climbs I have fone in my life. To think that lines such as Quo Vadis or Kachoong may notbe enjoyed by anybody else ever really strikes a very sad chord. I hope an arrangement can be made.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks heaps for commenting!!

[@MrTdahlen]

thanks for this movie! having climbed at Araps for months over the last 20 years, coming from Norway, this breaks my heart! And there are still lots of climbs I aspire to climbing which Parks want to close down - that's unacceptable!

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for commenting. It’s heart breaking but amazing to hear your memories all the way from Norway!

[@bensanfordmedia]

Incredible Lucas, such beautiful frames, editing and overall powerful piece you’ve put together. An immense amount of effort, thank you! 💛

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks mate, appreciate it!!!

[@masterpropper2485]

What is happening in Australia in regards to climbing in the Grampians - and now Arapiles - is unbelievable. For me as a European (who visited Australia 6 times) it's incomprehensible. It's as if Parks Victoria (or whoever else is involved) is out to completely destroy climbing and climbing history in this country. Your governments and officials/representatives seem to HATE climbers and climbing over there... tragic.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for commenting! 100% climbers are being targeted with many different reasons but mainly to remove climbers so they can monetise these parks.

[@biorapid0073]

Beautifully shot. I felt like I was back at the piles. Blanket bans are a terrible way to handle this. There have been numerous examples in the gramps of climbers consulting with indigenous locals (their initiative, no parks involvement) and making changes like moving paths closing individual climbs/boulders. The approach taken here divides indigenous from non-indigenous and does not look at education and how visitors to Arapiles and the gramps can develop connection with country. A friend of mine used to teach climbing at Arapiles for Latrobe uni and would get in local elders to talk with the students. It would be nice to hear from him. This uncle had no problems with climbers being there.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Beautiful words! Thank you so much! I too believe we can all get along and share the beautiful place called Arapiles.

[@haydenwalton2766]

@@biorapid0073sure they're indigenous, but so am I (5th generation). to differentiate them, aboriginal is a more accurate term.

[@alanjamesnz]

The week I had climbing at Arapiles remains one of the best experiences of my life. Now my son has really got into climbing. It's really important that he has a passion for something that isn't delivered via a screen, something physical rather than virtual. I'd love to visit Arapiles with him. That would be a bit of an undertaking from NZ, but I'd love to show him what a magical place Arapiles is, one of the best places in the world for rock-climbing.

[@alanjamesnz]

PS nice to see Louise Shepherd in the video. I still remember some of her classic quotes from the guidebook, like "often has a wet patch around the crux like the average Bruce!"

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for sharing! Very important our kids can enjoy the outdoors!

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

@@alanjamesnzhaha classic!

[@mikerockell8590]

Stunning. Beautiful. What a tragic needless crime that has been attempted by those in power.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for the comment mate! 😢😢

[@billking8843]

Very beautifully made film that will get people caring about the issue who might have been unmoved until now.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for commenting mate!!yes hopefully people can see the truth that these bans effect everyone in a negative way!

[@claudionardi5837]

A beautiful piece of work. I’m currently in Australia for a 3-week vacation, and tomorrow we’ll be in the Arapiles. We decided to visit the Arapiles because of the climbing and the historical significance of the area. I want to climb some iconic routes that I feel connected to, as I saw them 20 years ago in films, read about them in books, or saw pictures of them in climbing magazines. Let me know if there’s anything more I can do besides just signing a petition. Feel free to reach out.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for commenting mate! You can sign the petition in the link below and that would be awesome! Have a great trip!

[@Hyphae]

Really great video! Appreciate the effort into saving such a historical climbing site for not only aus but the world.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks heaps for commenting!

[@dogact6338]

Some of my favourite memories are at araps . It holds a special place in my heart, i can still picture the first time i topped golden streak at age 12 in my mind

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for sharing your memories!! 😊

[@markradford6856]

Well done Lucas. This is a well produced clip…..around very important issues.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for commenting!!

[@space_ape92]

Great film Lucas! Can I suggest a small edit for your consideration - the beautiful footage at 7:30 onwards would be a perfect time for a voice over to explain to non-climbers what removable protection is and how most of Arapiles climbing is trad. It would compliment the points Wayne makes about climbers being blamed for bolts and damaging rock. Thanks for the massive effort to produce this, really well done!

[@isthisstix]

Just finished watching this, and i thought the exact same thing - a voice-over explanation 👌

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for the tip!❤

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

⁠@@isthisstixgreat idea. Thanks for commenting!!

[@billbegg1139]

Brilliant video Lucas. Well done. You have really hit the sweet spot articulating our annoyance about the lack of transparency in the PV decision making, the impact on the local and wider climbing community and the love, care and respect climbers have for the environment of Arapiles.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for watching it, and thanks for the comment.

[@JuanFernandez-rv6zm]

I used to dream of Arapiles when I was living in Germany in the mid 80. I started climbing at the age of 13 and when I saw pictures of Arapiles it touched my heart ❤️. What a magic place , the colour of the rock and the landscape, beautiful. Eventually I moved to Australia went to Arapiles and had the best time. Please keep Arapiles alive it's unique and one of the most iconic climbing area in the world.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks so much for sharing your story!

[@iangrabowski7667]

Great film Lucas and Magui. It's a magical place for the place, people, community, wildlife, heritage, geology and of course the climbing for attracting us there in the first place and bringing all of that into our lives. We've all been so many places with climbing but there is truly no-where like Araps.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks mate!! So sad!

[@wingmantools]

Yes - It is truly a sacred place and worthy of protection. BY KEEPING IT OPEN! It's hard to comprehend this heavy handed banishment. There is nothing very obvious to protect here? No tombstones, bush art, ancient structures or any other visible relic of the past, cultural or otherwise. I have been returning to the Arapiles for 20 years and have experienced some of my best times, climbing and hanging out with great friends. It is a special place - a meaningful and valuable site for all. Its obvious that all park visitors today are respectful of the past, there is no damage done here by climbers, except for the creation of a few walking tracks, and some white dabs of chalk visible on the rock. Thanks for creating this video and sharing the story and insanity of this 🙏

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for the awesome comment!!

[@alexanderwootten5160]

Superb video! There is no Natimuk without climbing. The economic hit to Horsham will be large too. Losing a world class climbing area for no discernible reason is heart-breaking. My family done many climbing trips to Araps and they are some of our best memories, not having the opportunity to create new ones feels terrible.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for the comment! These stories and memories is def worth fighting for!!!

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for commenting!

[@Particularpete]

Man he hit it on the nail. Future generations not being able to experience this incredible place is such a damn shame.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Yep very easy to understand!! Thanks for commenting!!

[@SuperTeamTroll]

such an amazing take on the current situation. amazing work, thankyou so much

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for commenting!!!

[@richardcarey169]

I'm a climber of 50 years duration, I have climbed in many places including the RAPS, I have climbed with some Australian legends, this is all a result of the weakness and pusillanimity we demonstrated over the last 5 years, we acquiesced and they know how vulnerable most drones really are.....I thought climbers were independent thinkers? Some are, most are now mutants.....they were going yo close climbing in Canberra after the fires, so I motivated the community and became the foundation member of the CANBERRA CLIMBERS ASSOCIATION, it worked and we saved all our crags.......COURAGE IS THE CURE

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks mate very well said!

[@jcrotty18]

If you give an inch they will take a mile. All this crap talk about "traditional" owners is just a cover game for power grabs.

[@richardcarey169]

@jcrotty18 to late, we acquiesced 4 years ago, and everything is linked, everything is about totalitarian control, unfortunately the followers are mutants now, and the moss is gathering on the rolling stone.....or rock 🪨 excuse the pun

[@stuartwales629]

Awesome film! Reel Rock, please share this globally. Because in a time when small rural towns are dying, to willfully execute an oasis in the Wimmera where people actually move from the city to build a life, and to do it without care or consultation is a disgrace. So many memories of driving through the flat dry lands to see the mount bearing out on the plain, the excitement of knowing you'll again build indelible memories with great friends, wonder at the amazing rock, thanks your stars for that perfect placement (just when you couldn't face any more run out). Parks Victoria? Walled Victorian Gardens more like. Pay to play or keep out.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for commenting!!

[@GeoffTosio]

Lovely film, such a gut wrenching topic. Shame on those in Parks Vic for letting this happen 😢

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for commenting!

[@davidanstee1224]

Beautifully shot and well developed narrative. Am forwarding onto my Johnny Foreigner climbing mates.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for the support mate!!!!

[@chrisabernethy6985]

Lots of support on this chat. Don't forget to sign the petition with your preference to help.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for commenting!

[@itspetedee]

It’s just so symptomatic of the over reach and turning of a blind eye to what the people want and need! Parks Victoria have closed all of the great trails in Woowookarung Regional Park in a similar ‘consultation’. It’s just disgusting!

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Very true!! Let’s hope this has a positive outcome for everyone! ❤

[@MichaelBurnsGuitar]

Thanks! Loved all the local perspectives. Gotta get cafe mate's signature

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for commenting mate!

[@brendancherry362]

Well captured film. I wanted to get into climbing in 2019 but was afraid of the bans starting to be implemented. I finally got into climbing in 2022 and I want it to be part of my life forever. As a a trail runner and hiker I also can't imagine the idea of losing this too. Have written to my MPs etc and hoping for the best

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks heaps for watching mate! and thanks for the comment.

[@jonbrown314]

Nice film. Is there anything like this but for the closures? I can't get my head around why it should be shut.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

No that’s the issue they haven’t told the reasons!!

[@kieranpower5964]

Such an amazing place. I hope Parks Vic can reach a sensible position that respects indigenous culture and makes climbing accessible to all who want to experience the joy of Arapilies .

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks so much for commenting!

[@BloodSugarBouldering]

I just came to Australia, nearly two years ago. I have been wanting to go on a few climbing trips, and it’s a total bumber that these bans have started. There will be things I will never get to climb 😢

[@BloodSugarBouldering]

Beautiful video btw 👌🏽

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks mate!

[@dcollins850]

Parks Victoria have a dreadful legacy of destroying heritage sites, rather than manage them. Deans Steps, immortalised in the surf film A day in the life of Wayne Lynch, was a series of stairs built by WW1 returned soldiers to access the beach near Port Campbell. We used to surf there on trips “Down South”, but PV decided it was a liability and blew them up with explosives. Disgraceful. They close off established tracks at Wilson’s prom. They simply prefer to deny access rather than manage. The thin green line my arse….

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Mate that story is hectic! It is very much so the same with Araps, they never wanted it 60 years ago when they used it as a rifle range. Now climbers have planted trees and added vegetation we are accused of making walking tracks in this same vegetation. Thanks for commenting and hopefully things work out for the best!

[@nathanhoette328]

A special and unique place that deserves to be presevered but also shared. I really hope for the next generation of climbers benifit , that we can all continue to harmless scramble up these bueatiful rocks in this amazing place 🫶

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Beautiful words mate, and yes, hopefully we can continue to scramble up these rocks!

[@wendymorgan6651]

My partner and I are not climbers but we love watching people taking on different locations around the world I’ve been told in the past that this government has an issue with liability when it comes to people involved in extreme sports you can thank insurance companies for that My partner has been involved in extreme sports all his life he recently looked into insurance for a mountain bike park we wanted to build on our own property we were looking at tens of thousands of dollars so we canned the idea. Even Gymnasiums around the country struggle because of these high insurance costs. My partner grew up in the seventies exercising was such an important part of his life without it he said he would have taken his life many years ago. challenging your self physically is really important for a lot of people Governments are robbing us of our way of life

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks so much for commenting.

[@sebastionbach]

As much as the climbing community want to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land, there comes an inflection point where climbers and other nature users need to decide how much power they want traditional owners to have over recreational access. Many climbers are left-leaning and support / respect traditional owners, I get it, but many traditional owner groups if given the choice, will lock everyone else out of what they see as areas of significance (which tend to be unqique landmarks such as mountains). Many State Parks agencies (VIC, NSW, QLD) have explicit policies where management of lands is based on significant input from traditional owners, some of whom have pushed to declare some areas off limits (Mount Warning, Grampians, Arapiles). The closure of Arapiles is ostensibly justified by Parks Vic on one basis only, and that is cultural heritage. Unfortunately, I feel that all of this discourse around "welcome to country" and acknowledgements of traditional owners has permated the political narrative to the point we are losing access to simply walk in certain places. Some hard conversations are coming, and I think climbers need to be willing to stand up for a reasonable balance.

[@melissaedwards1187]

You're so right. It's probably becoming more obvious here because for miles and miles there is nothing but farmland, beside the mount. Unlike Grampians/Gariwerd where there is 'somewhere else to climb' I guess it's about perspective. Plus, unlike anywhere else in Aus, there is a town of 150 climbers who have built their lives around this mount and under the precedent that we would be able to continue climbing it! People tell me to 'just climb somewhere else' and I laugh because I simply can't! Housing is affordable enough that in this cost of living crisis I was able to get a mortgage and buy a house in Natimuk last year, and I'm dreaming if I can go somewhere else now, I couldn't afford it and already I'd be set to lose money if I tried to sell. I also work as a climbing guide, like many others and it's a real tragedy this closure will have on the industry and opportunities for school-aged kids to connect with nature. Mostly it's the virtue signalling city gym climbers who just word vomit their statements about Aboriginal self-determination without thinking about what it really means. I believe in the right to advocate against the current draft management plan, on the basis that to truly uphold the principles of Aboriginal self-determination decisions need to be made within a framework that values genuine, respectful collaborative partnerships where we can work together towards a shared vision for our futures, where the society and culture of the Wotjobaluk, Wergaia, Jupagalk, Jadawadjali and Jaadwa peoples are cherished and where we have an opportunity to engage and share.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this complex issue!

[@hanneshuch8965]

Welcome to Absurdistan. It breaks my heart that the saame thing happens over and over again. Here in Germany climbers experienced and are experiencing a lot of climbing bans "to protect nature" which is amost funny wouldn't it be so sad. I mean as the world and its nature is a perfectly protected space now the last species is doing harm to the world is the species of climbers. Not. I feel that there are not only few politicians that feel provoked by the freedom vibe climbers have. "Climbing is freedom" said Wolfgang Güllich and of course young people consuming social media can be much easier controlled than free thinking climbers ... It's time to fight for your right to climb! All the best from the Frankenjura, Hannes Huch

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for the comment Hannes! Hopefully things work out for the best!

[@patricksawesomeprobarly3331]

The gate on the interview audio seems a little strong. Love the vision!

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Apologies for the audio mistake! ❤

[@Sackfullofbadgers]

Awesome fillum Lucas.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thankum you!!!

[@microspartan]

I signed the open letter and I hope its no to anyones offence but this is my uneducated opinion from a shallow glance. "I think its highly hypocritical and self invested for the Victorian state to apply such banning and conservation around climbing in the mountains yet they happily destroy aboriginal heritage such as bulldozing the Djab Wurrung directions tree and threating other Djab Wurrung sacred land just in favour of a highway to save 5 minutes. Really disgusting. If any time is spent invested in communicating with the climbing community and associations you would understand that there is a large respect and connection to the land and rock that is climbed on. Taking away that opportunity to climb and also experience history that has been created in that area is seriously selfish and again i must say hypocritical,, when it is clear the Victorian state has no interest in truly caring for the traditional land owners. My two cents."

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks so much for the wonderful comment!!

[@scott1572]

Just keep climbing. Don't listen to the government. Don't pay the fines. Just ignore the government over reach

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

We shouldn’t have to lurk in the shadows! 😅

[@melissaedwards1187]

Sounds easy but I don't want to be looking over my shoulder on the look out for fines and I genuinely want reconcilation and ignoring protection of cultural heritage is not a way towards that.

[@philipstevenson5166]

sure is hard to understand. climbing is very low impact compared to 4wd or even mountain biking.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Yeah 100%!

[@Secretlyanothername]

it's about control

[@davidgrech8534]

This video makes me cry 😭😭😭

[@melissaedwards1187]

me too :(

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

me three! : (

[@oliviapage9457]

Thank you

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Appreciate the support!

[@gerhardtadams5852]

Great video.. but why don't we ever see the famous climbers with hundreds of thousands of followers speaking up about Arapiles to help spread the word of how ridiculous these proposed closures are?

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

❤

[@adynannetts1740]

The climbing community is pretty extreme left. They would have voted in government and agencies that would allow this... At the end of the day it is sad, but not surprising!

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for commenting.

[@Secretlyanothername]

"I never thought they'd ban my thing" says person who voted for the party that bans things. The most important thing is that others learn and prevent this from happening again

[@bod3102]

How many rock climbers vote labor? As a percentage, maybe 80%?

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for commenting.

[@lilstu7851]

fantastic video!

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for the comment!

[@katabatica]

Sort yourself out Parks Vic. Seriously, this was a really poor decision, and really poorly managed. And the State Govt. needs to take responsibility too.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

100%

[@rafaelandreollo]

It's interesting that this seems to be the only one of your films with acknowledgement of traditional owners. What made you include it in this one and not the others?

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

First film I have done on a complex topic that is about reconciliation that is affecting climbing bans. I was not able to get an interview from indigenous groups so we wanted to make sure we acknowledged them in the video.

[@danhonneyman6911]

Extreme left at work again. The funny thing is if there was gold or other commodities on the land the government would let corporations destroy it regardless of aboriginal concerns. I have worked in Aboriginal health too, i understand some of the frustrations / issues. in the end i decided to move from australia to the US as i saw the gradual erosion of peoples rights and the rise of the police state (it has happened in the UK too where i spent my 1st 25yrs)

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

So true! Climbers are of no use as they can’t monetise climbing!

[@pobblebonk3]

This video just popped up on my feed. I read the transcript and the comments. It’s clear the climbing community is grieving for a loss of something precious. I know a few climbers myself. The footage is a nice record of what people love about the place, and the meaning behind that love. I’m sorry for the loss of all that, even though it’s clear there’s still a lot of access. Having read the comments though, I’m moved to offer a counterpoint. There’s precious little in the comments that even mentions the sacredness of that range of indigenous people. Certainly little or no use of Gariwerd, or the Djab Warrung or Jardwardjali. In the NT, there are many places there’s absolutely no way you’d be climbing or driving and camping. You’d need owner’s permission to just set foot on the place. The reason that isn’t the case in Victoria is because of the wholesale destruction of aboriginal lands and lives because of farming and mining. Economics, profit. We benefit from that, without taking any account of how it happened. Australia is beginning to mature as a country, we are accounting for our history. That involves a loss for non-aboriginal Australia, which I believe in the long run is a gain for all of us.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for your perspective, I'm glad you're considering the sacredness of the land and its history.

[@tonyforster1]

Not a very informative video, more an emotional appeal for most of this video BUT an excellent discussion of the issues by DrJess Hopf at 11:00 to 12:49. See also some hard data on what is banned at 11:24.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for commenting, unfortunately picks vic have not really told us much more than this!

[@hthring]

great video, have climbed and visited there, hopefully this doesnt happen

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for the comment mate!

[@jarfrobinksss]

Seems like a requirement that every aussie climber have a cliche mullet

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

You bet!

[@livealittle3654]

Wether you're a rock climber, 4x4 driver, hunter or bushwalker now is the time to band together, everyone is loosing out with these new rules.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

So hectic!

[@jamesmcgall8234]

Great film bud, would actually love to see a bit of the aboriginal side in this too but really well done, hopefully they save the climbing here

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for commenting, unfortunately they don’t want to talk to us or be on camera!

[@Consta76]

❤

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

❤

[@kalidoscope511]

Land council = Corporation = Government Control

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Very true!

[@ronzonneveldt8283]

Connection with others interaction and sport. Such a immature botched action banning this great learning and sharing location.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Wry true words mate!

[@pladdy4055]

I'm all for this video and it's messaging. But I do wonder how many people involved with this were vocal during the shut down of Ayers Rock. Australia has gone off the edge of a very slippery slope. Access to mountains and nature areas being removed is now a common occurrence. Say what you like. But I was born in Australia. The claim of "our land" does not resonate with me. If this isn't "my land" then I don't know what is.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for commenting.

[@jelesstaats5130]

Talk to the opposition parties

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Very true!

[@damianoneill2637]

Funny how PV found thousands of artefacts, trees and sites despite many decades of activity. Closing this due to another man's religion is weird but unfortunately current politics makes it seem like a moral disability to challenge. Good luck.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks, yes everything parks had mentioned has remained unharmed by climbers using the park for 60 years! Climbers have done a pretty good job looking after the place!

[@zacman8472]

Find somewhere else to climb, or simply ignore the bans.... This is a complete non issue if everyone rises up together. Cmon Aussies your eyes and ears aren't fkn painted on XD

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

😂

[@melissaedwards1187]

Seems you missed the point. We have lives in Natimuk we can't just uproot, our kids, families, houses, businesses, careere. This is about public access to public land being unreasonably and disproportionately being restricted. Ignoring the bans is possible but could result in severe fines and is not at all condusive to treaty.

[@Secretlyanothername]

This will happen across Australia. Sorry folks

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

😅

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

😅

[@richardl772]

Can’t climb on Arapiles, can’t climb Uluṟu can’t take photos at parts of Uluṟu……it’s becoming a bad joke.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for commenting.

[@levischumacher2391]

very strange you haven’t interviewed any traditional owners for this when they are a massive part of this conversation. feels very white centred and entitled.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

They declined the be interviewed! That’s what we are trying to communicate in the film that we just want to be included in the conversation! At this current people climbers and the locals who live in Natimuk and Arapiles have not be included in the conversation. Thanks for commenting!! ❤

[@redroadrunner]

What's missing from all sides is direct comment from the traditional owners.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Yeah 100%

[@joel6376]

They don't need a reason. All they need to say is some airy fairy stuff about not liking it muh traditional owners.

[@abhinavsanjay8130]

If the reason for the closure is due to preservation reasons, there could be potential for a system to limit climbers, if they were included in the discussion. However, if the reason for the climbing closure is due to aboriginal cultural impact, we really have no right and should have no place to climb in those areas. We don’t have a right to climb just anywhere and everywhere and if regulation is needed we need to follow it.

[@melissaedwards1187]

We do have rights, specifically outlined in the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act (Victoria 2006). In a nutshell, often one piece of legislation may seem in conflict with another, but there is guidance in how this is managed and in this case Parks Victoria has failed to do this. Section 12 of the Charter states: "Freedom of Movement - Every person lawfully within Victoria has the right to move freely within Victoria and to enter or leave it and has the freedom to choose where to live." This Act sets out the basic rights of Victorians to live with freedom, respect, equality, and dignity. It requires public authorities, including PV, to act compatibly with the Charter and give proper (documented) consideration of human rights when making decisions. No evidence has been provided of any consideration of human rights in the plan amendments. If competing interests arise, such as risks to cultural heritage, the guidance for public sector workers sets out that any limitations on human rights must be reasonably justified and proportionate to the risks. Under Section 19.2 of the Charter, Aboriginal persons hold distinct cultural rights to “maintain their distinctive spiritual, material and economic relationship with the land and waters and other resources with which they have a connection under traditional laws and customs.” Where rights of one group are in conflict with the rights of a seperate group Section 7.2 of the Charter explains: "A human right may be subject under law only to such reasonable limits as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society based on human dignity, equality and freedom, and taking into account all relevant factors including - (e) any less restrictive means reasonably available to achieve the purpose that the limitation seeks to achieve." Those rights can only be limited in certain circumstances if it is reasonable, necessary, justified and proportionate. I found this resource very helpful in understanding the issue: www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/static/6a9b16fbc5cbea1028a1b93b27c1d8d5/Resource-Charter_guide_for_VPS-Jan_2024.pdf See page 15 "Acting compatibly with human rights"

[@abhinavsanjay8130]

@ I am not well versed in the law as I am not from the area. My comment is from a moral perspective, which the law may or may not be in line with.

[@melissaedwards1187]

​@@abhinavsanjay8130 hence why I decided to reply to you, so hopefully this is helpful. I am responding to your suggestion that we should not question this process and making it clear for anyone who reads that there very little evidence of harm to cultural heritage at Arapiles, that we do have a right to ask for climbing to coexist and that the response should be proportionate, and not a huge blanket ban with no explanation.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for commenting!

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

Placing bolts is too broadly accepted by Australian climbing scene it seems. That culture needs to change. People who place bolts should be shunned.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

Thanks for commenting mate!

[@Intermernet]

Park Victoria tried very hard to blame climbers for bolts that were, in fact, installed by them. The culture of bolting at Arapiles has been self-policed for decades. There are actually *very* few bolts there, and very few people who would place new bolts there. The missing part of this story is the controversy surrounding the recent management of Parks Victoria. You can look it up. Climbers, indigenous people and the local residents have all been set against each other by a lazy, inept, bureaucratic organisation who's recent management have lost track of what their actual job is. Climbers in both the Gramps and Araps have had a dialogue with the local indigenous groups for a very long time. There have been areas that were regarded and respected as out-of-bounds, areas that you didn't walk through etc. What we have coming are blanket bans with no justification other than laziness and political expediency.

[@melissaedwards1187]

There are very few bolts at Arapiles and many of them not overly visible from walking tracks. It's majority trad climbing with walk offs, bolts only if it is unsafe to walk off and even then there is ofter passive anchors like chains behind chocks rather than bolts. The Phaoros is a standalone pinnacle for example with many routes to the summit, and only two rap rings to descend safely to the ground :)

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

@@melissaedwards1187 Yeah, I'm talking generally. Locally I know of a place which has multiple bolted routes and more wishing to be added.

[@melissaedwards1187]

@@whatilearnttoday5295 oh yeah definitely - especially if we look at places like the Blue Mountains. Just wanted to point out how different it is here at Arapiles so people who don't know the mount don't misinterpret! :)

[@BBBBB950]

I've heard that Europe has great climbing. You're objectively on stolen, unceded land.

[@LucasCorrotoFilms]

One world, one people. My grandparents fled Europe during a war as they had there houses and children taken from them and enlisted. They came to Aus not speaking any English to western Aus living in tents and manually digging the railway lines we use today! History has not been kind to any of us, but thinking one culture is greater than another is the exact opposite of reconciliation.Thanks for commenting