Australian authorities to ban Ayers Rock climb

A draft management plan for the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park revealed on Wednesday that authorities would "work towards closure of the climb" because of "visitor, safety, cultural and environmental reasons".

    Visitors can climb Uluru at present, although Aboriginal elders request them not to do so out of respect for their culture.

    The draft plan, released by the Director of National Parks, covers the period 2009-19.

    It stated the climb would be open at the start of the plan, subject to restrictions. It would be closed over summer because of high temperatures, and would have "improved graphic signage".

    Opposition environment spokesman Greg Hunt said the government should not close the climb.

    Hunt said it was a majestic climb and a draw card for the 350,000 tourists who visited the rock each year, Kazinform cites to Xinhua. See www.chinaview.cn for full version.