$1.7m to protect Victoria’s Dyurrite Cultural landscape

By PETER ROWE

The Victorian government has invested in facilities, thus providing certainty for traditional owners, represented by the Barengi Gadjin Land Council, for the Arapiles-Tooan State Park (Dyurrite Cultural Landscape).

The park, 334km northwest of Melbourne has been a natural wonders for many generations and the $1.7 million investment will improve facilities, tracks and access points.

“It’s important we get the balance right, respect cultural heritage and allow Victorians to continue to visit and enjoy the outdoors in the Dyurrite Cultural Landscape,” Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins, said.

Lyn Mace, Deputy Chair Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, said the corporation. was encouraged by the State government’s investment in the park and its support for the implementation of appropriate cultural heritage and environmental protections.

“The Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia, and Jupagulk Peoples have lived in and cared for the Dyurrite Cultural Landscape for tens of thousands of years,” Ms Mace said.

“We share a deep spiritual and cultural connection to this remarkable landscape, which is rich in irreplaceable cultural heritage, artefacts, and creation stories.”

The investment comes after the release of the draft management plan for Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park (Dyurrite Cultural Landscape) which included areas of cultural significance to the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia, and Jupagulk Peoples.

The area is home to one of the largest stone quarry complexes found in Australia with rock art and scar trees dating back 3,000 years.

Under the draft management plan the Dyurrite Cultural Landscape will continue to be a place for climbing, walks and camping, as well as many other activities, with 80 of the established rock-climbing areas open for climbers.