No Ban on Climbing Ayer's Rock

TUESDAY, 28 JULY 2009
Submitted By: Sherwin Mapanoo

Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, recently canvassed plans to stop visitors from climbing Ayer's Rock – one of Australia's best known natural attractions.

Opposition Spokesman for Northern Australia, Senator Ian Macdonald, said that Prime Minister Rudd must immediately veto the Mr. Garrett's plan.

"Along with the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Ayer's Rock is probably Australia’s best-known and well-loved attraction. Banning the climbing of it will turn many people away," Senator Macdonald said.

"The 'Rock' is one of the most significant tourist drawcards in Northern Australia and contributes substantially to the economy of the Top End."

"With Australian Tourism facing a big downturn due to the global financial crisis, I can't believe the Government would even think about doing something like this, that will turn away tourists from one of our most visited natural attractions."

"Younger tourists in particular will not want to make the trek all way out past Alice Springs just to look at the Rock. They want to take away photos of themselves on top of it, to show to their family and friends. It is an achievement to climb such a well known icon," Senator Macdonald said.

"The proposal is simply ludicrous, and I call on Mr Rudd to announce that Ayer's Rock will remain open to all who wish to climb it," Senator Macdonald said.

Source: senatormacdonald.org