Peter Garrett to ground Uluru climbers
Paul Toohey | July 09, 2009
THE Northern Territory Labor government and the federal opposition are furious with a federal plan to close the climb to the top of Uluru, saying Peter Garrett is slamming the gate on a world famous tourism experience.
A 10-year draft management plan for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, released yesterday, indicates the days of climbing the rock are coming to an end: "For visitor safety, cultural, and environmental reasons, the director and the board will work towards closure of the climb," it says.
Opposition environment spokesman Greg Hunt said the closure was Environment Minister Peter Garrett's idea. "Under the Garrett plan, visitors from around Australia and the world would be stopped from completing the majestic and exhilarating journey," Mr Hunt said.
"I have always suspected that closing the rock to walkers was on Labor's agenda. Today we see the start of their plan to end one of the great tourism experiences in Australia.
"The Prime Minister cannot allow Peter Garrett to go ahead with his plan to close the climb."
Kevin Rudd's office said it was for Mr Garrett to comment. Mr Garrett refused to give his view and his office said he was waiting for public feedback.
About 100,000 people -- a third of the visitors to Uluru-Kata Tjuta -- climb the rock each year, despite signage from traditional owners asking them not to do so. Park managers say they are tired of rescuing people who panic and freeze halfway up the climb.
Read the rest here
Very informative post. Urulu, Ayers Rock or The Rock is a most discernable icon of australia. Urulu gigantic sandstone rock formation located in core Australia.Ayers Rock Was the name proffered by the European voyagers. The evidence of Dreamtime is perceivable in the rock’s crevices, crags and caverns. For more details refer Urulu australia
ReplyDelete