A new management plan for the greater Gariwerd landscape will ensure the area’s unique environment and cultural heritage are protected for current and future generations.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today released the final Greater Gariwerd Landscape Management Plan, which sets out how the landscape will be managed over the next 15 years.

The plan was developed in partnership with Traditional Owners – the Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, and Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, who invite visitors to learn about the cultural landscape.

The Greater Gariwerd landscape includes the highest concentration of known rock art in Victoria as well as nearly a third of Victoria’s plant species, providing critical habitat for threatened animals.

With more than one million visitors to the Grampians each year, the plan seeks to promote healing and restoration of Country, sustainable visitation and recreation and balance the many different views about how the landscape should be used and protected.

Developed after two years of public consultation it will ensure the parks and reserves are protected for current and future generations.

The Andrews Labor Government has invested $775,000 towards implementing the ongoing governance partnership model with Traditional Owners, restoring and protecting culturally significant places like rock shelters and rock art and creating a free rock-climbing permit system within the next 12 months.

This is part of the Labor Government’s 2020 Economic Stimulus Package which included $18.5 million for initiatives in the Gariwerd landscape which are already underway, such as refreshing the National Park and Cultural Centre (Brambuk) and safety and parking improvements at Mackenzie Falls.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“The Greater Gariwerd Landscape Management Plan promotes healing and restoration of Country by balancing the different views about how this unique and special landscape is used.” 

“It ensures the environment and cultural heritage will be protected by setting out where recreation, tourism and other activities can occur.”

“This plan has been developed after thorough consultation with the public and ensures this precious landscape is protected for future generations to enjoy.”