CWK eMAG ISSUE 05 HIGHLIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS | Page 18

CLOSED TO CLIMBERS 9 1 0 2 r e b o t c O - u r u l U Climbing Uluru, the spiritual heart of our country, is on the bucket list for many travellers and something we experienced first hand when we travelled to the red centre in August 2016. In a media release issued in November of 2017 (excerpt below), it was announced that the climb to the top of Uluru will close in 2019. In line with agreed process in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Management Plan 2010-2020 and the wishes of the traditional owners, Uluru traditional owner and board chairman, Sammy Wilson, said simply that it was time. “We’ve talked about it for so long and now we’re able to close the climb. It’s about protection through combining two systems, the government and Anangu,” Mr Wilson said. “The land has law and culture. We welcome tourists here. Closing the climb is not something to feel upset about but a cause for celebration. Let’s come together; let’s close it together.” Mr Wilson said that the climb may close, but Anangu believed it would open up more opportunities for partnerships with traditional owners, based on true cultural experiences for visitors. Director of National Parks, Sally Barnes, also a member of the board, said they had set a firm date of 26 October 2019, remarked “We’ve got many alternative activities on place on the ground that people an instead of climbing. This includes experiencing Uluru’s culture - for which we’re World Heritage listed.” Read the full update HERE >>>