Parks Victoria has begun repair works on a Grampians cave famous among rock climbers after getting the green light from traditional owners.A climbing guide company has been contracted to remove chalk and bolts from a Grampians caveThe company contracted to do the work says it has a highly qualified rope technician onsite
The cave was documented and developed by climbers who drilled and glued bolts into the rock face for safety.After consultation with traditional owners, Parks Victoria made the decision to remove the bolts and climbing chalk from the cave's ceiling, contracting a climbing tour company to undertake the task.Aaron Lowndes owns The Climbing Company, which won Park Victoria's tender to remove the bolts.
"If you're not a rock climber or you're not interested in any of these locations, you might think it's a wonderful thing to give up," he said. Mr Tomkins said Parks Victoria were unsuccessful in removing the bolts themselves in 2019 and 2020 and left them in a precarious position.Mr Lowdnes, a former ACAV member, said he was initially unsure if the work could be done safely and met with high access companies who were registered with the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association for advice.