From Conflict to Collaboration

With years of tension over climbing access at Mount Arapiles and the Grampians, Parks Victoria’s new CEO Lee Miezis steps into the role with a promise of listening, transparency, and collaboration. In this Q&A, he shares his vision for rebuilding trust, supporting communities, and shaping a more inclusive future for Victoria’s parks.

When Lee Miezis stepped into the role of Parks Victoria CEO, one of his first priorities was heading west—to Horsham, Natimuk, and Mount Arapiles. After years of strained relationships over climbing access, he’s aiming to reconnect with local communities, Traditional Owners, and climbers. In this Q&A, he reflects on his path to the role, his connection to the outdoors, and his vision for Arapiles and beyond.

Click HERE to read the full interview on Vertical Life

Excerpts

You’ve recently visited Mount Arapiles. What brought you there?
Not long after I started, I went to Horsham to meet with Barengi Gadjin Land Council and community groups, to reset relationships after some difficult years. We also reopened the Parks Victoria office in Natimuk and appointed new rangers based there. I wanted to reacquaint myself with Arapiles—it had been a few years—and I prefer to “kick the dirt” onsite rather than just talk around a table. Seeing the place firsthand makes a big difference.

What was your biggest takeaway from visiting Arapiles?
The passion people have for the place. Dyurrite has special significance for Traditional Owners who care deeply for it. Climbers love it, , The broader community loves it. It’s not just somewhere people visit—it becomes part of them. That really comes through when you talk to people.

How do you see places like Arapiles fitting into the bigger picture of conservation and recreation?
I don’t think it’s an “either-or.” When people are able to enjoy and connect with a place, they’re often the ones who care most about protecting it. We want more people to enjoy our parks, because that builds stewardship. At Arapiles and elsewhere, the key is enabling different pursuits while ensuring the values—environmental, cultural, and social—are respected and protected.

What’s your vision for Arapiles over the next five years?
Arapiles should be celebrated for its diversity—its cultural heritage, natural values, and the recreational opportunities it provides. My vision is for it to be inclusive, a place where different parts of the community feel welcome, and where its special qualities are understood and appreciated.

What role do you see climbers themselves playing in that process?
A critical one. Climbers know the crags better than anyone. They also care deeply about them. By working with climbers—through organisations like Climbing Victoria and directly—we can combine their passion and knowledge with cultural and scientific expertise. That’s how we’ll get the best outcomes.

Finally, what message would you like to send to the climbing community?
That we value your passion, your expertise, and your commitment to these places. We may not always agree, and sometimes tough decisions will need to be made, but I’m committed to doing things differently—listening more, being transparent, and building stronger partnerships. If we work together, we can make sure Arapiles, the Grampians, and our parks are accessible, and the cultural and natural values that make these places so special are protected for generations to come.

Source
Claire Williams
Vertical Life (click to read original story)

We are grateful to Vertical Life and Adventure Entertainment for their permission to publish this story. We encourage anyone interested in what is going on in the climbing and outdoor scene in Australia to sign up to the newsletter and keep up to date.