To climb, or not to climb – that is the question

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Having just returned from a fabulous trip to the beautiful red centre of Australia, the debate of whether to climb ‘the rock’ or not is at the forefront of my mind.

Before traveling I received very clear messages from all of my colleagues, friends and acquaintances that climbing Uluru was an absolute no no. I completely agreed and made the commitment to myself to respect the wishes of the traditional owners of the land.

I was shocked on arrival at Uluru to see that the clear request to not climb Uluru didn’t appear to have reached the average tourist. As little ant-like people held on to the chain on the steep slope up, my traveling buddies and I pondered on the ‘to climb or not to climb’ debate. One member of my group chose to climb and really enjoyed the experience. He knew that he had been asked not to climb but with the temptation of the adrenaline rush, seeing all the tourists marching up and down, and generally getting caught up in the moment, he made his choice and I respect that too.

But in the back of my mind the cogs were turning with my community engagement hat on. I had received an email just a week before going to Uluru from Reconciliation Australia as a member of their mailing list. The email was very well timed as it contained some great factual information about why people are asked not to climb Uluru. It also told me that there is a public consultation underway for the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Draft Management Plan 2009-2019. This document clearly states that

“For visitor safety, cultural, and environmental reasons the Director and the Board will work towards closure of the climb”

What a shame that I didn’t see any mention of this consultation anywhere in the park itself? Perhaps I missed something? Perhaps I was too busy being jo-public to notice any invitations for my input!

This has led me to a really interesting debate in my mind. Before I continue, without a doubt, my personal opinion is that the closure of the climb is a good thing. The climb is dangerous and goes against the wishes of the traditional owners of the land. But at the same time, wouldn’t one of the key stakeholders for this consultation be the tourists doing the climb? And if so, why wasn’t there some information about this consultation at the bottom of the climb?

I can’t help but wonder if on this particular occasion a group of key stakeholders are being kept in the quiet? Particularly as they are the group likely to oppose the proposal. It wouldn’t be the first time this has happened!

If you are going to visit our beautiful red centre, I can highly recommend the base walk! In the meantime, Kevin Rudd PM is yet to be persuaded but at least he was aware of the consultation!