Parks Victoria Accused of ‘Systemic Bias’ Against Climbing Community in Formal Complaint

A formal complaint alleging “systemic bias and improper conduct” within Parks Victoria has been lodged with the state’s anti-corruption watchdog, sending shockwaves through Melbourne’s outdoor recreation community.

The complaint, filed by a coalition of climbing and environmental advocacy groups, centres on claims that Parks Victoria has deliberately and unfairly restricted rock climbing access across key sites in regional Victoria, including popular crags within a few hours’ drive of Melbourne.

Allegations suggest the agency has misrepresented scientific data, ignored its own consultation processes, and made unilateral decisions that favour one user group over another. “This isn’t about a single closed track,” said a spokesperson for the Victorian Climbing Club. “It’s a pattern of opaque decision-making that cuts the public out of managing the parks they fund and love.”

The climbers argue that their low-impact activity is being disproportionately targeted, while other recreational uses continue unabated. They point to recent access disputes at areas like the Grampians and Mount Arapiles as evidence of a flawed and potentially prejudiced approach to land management.

Parks Victoria has yet to comment directly on the corruption complaint. In past statements, the agency has maintained that all access decisions are based on protecting fragile cultural heritage and environmental values, following thorough risk assessments.

The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) is now assessing the complaint to determine if an investigation is warranted. The outcome could reshape how Victoria’s iconic natural spaces are managed and who gets a say in their future.