The regional town of Natimuk, near Horsham in Victoria, has been devastated by the recent bushfires. And while the fires still burn across the State, the recovery efforts have begun. We can all help the local communities rebuild in the months and years to come.
It’s why we’re sharing this article below on an important issue we were asked to investigate late last year for Climbing Victoria. It looked at the Government’s climbing bans at Mt Arapiles, reviewing the Regional Economic Impacts assessment that considered the economic impact that banning climbers would have on the local communities.
The article below from Vertical Life Magazine shares a good summary of our report, which found significant underestimates of the regional economic impact of the proposed climbing site closures, and recommended adjustments to the methodology and its application. We recommended a full cost–benefit analysis of economic, social, and environmental impacts before any further decisions on climbing management are made.
Now more than ever, it is important that a full cost-benefit analysis be undertaken before formally closing climbing sites at Mt Arapiles, to ensure the impact on local businesses and economies are properly understood.
Whether you are an avid climber, or simply invested in seeing our regional, fire-affected, communities thrive once again, read more in the article below.
Authors: Ben Mason, Alexus van der Weyden and James Gray. Industries: Natural Resources & Agriculture, Public Policy & Government. Expertise: Adaptation & Resilience, Biodiversity & Environmental Economics, Economic Regulation, Public Policy Advisory.
