We understand that Parks Victoria will soon commence extensive archaeological survey work at Mount Arapiles. We require evidence that proper process is being followed to be assured that this work will be carried out to the highest standards of propriety.

ACAV has coordinated the submission of four Freedom of Information requests to Parks Victoria on 12^th May 2020. These applications will be rigorously followed up by the applicants to seek the information within the required 30 day timeline.

• Is Parks Victoria following its mandatory procurement and tender process in spending public money to appoint archaeological consultants and advisors?
• Who has been receiving all this contract work and how much has been spent? ($1.2 million was committed in mid 2019)
• What archaeological advice has been submitted to Parks Victoria in relation to rock climbing impacts?
• Did Parks Victoria follow the advice of this discredited Grampians report?

ROCK ART AND ROCK CLIMBING: AN ESCALATING CONFLICT

• If not this report, then what archaeological advice did Parks Victoria follow when instigating the Grampians climbing bans in 2019?
• Which consultants and advisors have already been appointed for the archaeological surveys at registered sites within The Mount Arapiles/Tooan State Park?
• Which consultants and advisors will be appointed to carry out the archaeological surveys for the proposed whole-of-park assessments at Arapiles?

Further Reading

Archaeologists Report Revealed – by Save Grampians Climbing

Call Rebeka to the stand, Your Honour – Simon Carter’s report on archaeological impropriety in the Grampians

The Freedom of Information application forms can be viewed here. The document requests are as follows:

FOI #1 Please provide all documentation, from 1 January 2018 to present, relating to the procurement of archaeological and/or cultural heritage surveys of sites where rock climbing is known to occur in the Greater Gariwerd Area (Grampians National Park, Black Range State Park, Red Rock Reserve and associated areas) for potential damage to archaeological and/or cultural heritage values. Please include as a minimum any market engagement plan, request for quotation / specification, supplier selection or engagement briefs, approvals for deviation and/or exemption from standard process, bid evaluation reports / briefs and conflict of interest declarations. As the purpose of our request is of public interest and benefit, we expect that additional fees will be waived in accordance to Clause 22(1)(h)(i) of the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

FOI #2 Please provide all documentation, reports, plans, correspondence and meeting notes, from 1 January 2018 to present, relating to archaeological surveys of sites where rock climbing is known to occur in the Greater Gariwerd Area (Grampians National Park, Black Range State Park, Red Rock Reserve and associated areas). As part of this request, please include any and all reports from, and all correspondence with consultant archaeologists and all cultural heritage advisors. As the purpose of our request is of public interest and benefit, we expect that additional fees will be waived in accordance to Clause 22(1)(h)(i) of the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

FOI #3 Please provide all documentation, from 1 January 2018 to present, relating to the procurement of archaeological and/or cultural heritage advice regarding the surveying for potential damage to archaeological and/or cultural heritage values in Mount Arapiles State Park. Please include as a minimum any market engagement plan, request for quotation / specification, supplier selection or engagement briefs, approvals for deviation and/or exemption from standard process, bid evaluation reports / briefs and conflict of interest declarations. As the purpose of our request is of public interest and benefit, we expect that additional fees will be waived in accordance to Clause 22(1)(h)(i) of the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

FOI #4 Please provide all documentation, reports, plans, correspondence and meeting notes, from 1 January 2018 to present, relating to archaeological surveys in Mount Arapiles State Park, As part of this request, please include any and all reports from, and all correspondence with consultant archaeologists and all cultural heritage advisors. As the purpose of our request is of public interest and benefit, we expect that additional fees will be waived in accordance to Clause 22(1)(h)(i) of the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

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