An Australian government proposal to stop people from climbing the famed Uluru, in deference to the wishes of indigenous people, sparked debate today with lawmakers opposing the plan.

A draft management plan for the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park called for a ban on people climbing the 348-metre (1,142 ft) rock, which is sacred to local Aborigine people and visited each year by 350,000 people, half of them from overseas.

The plan for Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock, could be implemented within 18 months, but must be approved by national Environment Minister Peter Garrett after a two-month public consultation, a spokesman for Garrett said.

"Kevin Rudd must veto any plans by Peter Garrett to shut down Australia's world-famous Uluru climb," said conservative politician and environment spokesman Greg Hunt.

"Visitors from around Australia and the world would be stopped from completing the majestic and exhilarating journey," Hunt said.

The world heritage-listed rock, famed for its shifting red-ochre colours, is a top tourist drawcard and is climbed by more than 100,000 people each year, despite its central desert location and against the wishes of indigenous people.

"You can't go climb on top of the Vatican, you can't go climb on top of the Buddhist temples and so on and so forth," local elder Vince Forrester from Mutitjulu township told state radio.

The plan for Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock

Imagine if people tried to climb the Kaba in Mecca.

Once they've been [LIFTED] on for centuries by the white settlers,and then spent decades seeking legal and cultural representation for the crap we put them through.

Anyhoo, it's a rock. I don't see why I have to respect other people's religions, it's a ROCK. There are no gods, I don't see why I should be restricted because some other people think the rock is magical.

What's next, I can't burn bibles?

So why make the point about the Cornish folk earlier then?

Fair enough, and you're welcome to your views about God and the aboriginals creation stories, but it's their land and they should be able to make their own minds up about who gets access to the rock and who doesn't, God or no God.
People do care.

I would agree with you if they actually controlled the land, but like it or lump it a bunch of white Australians hold the reigns of power.

I would agree with you if they actually controlled the land, but like it or lump it a bunch of white Australians hold the reigns of power, and it's up to them. Personally I don't believe any modern, secular government should bow to any religious belief - that be the path to the dark side.

Instead modern ethical rules should apply - if you aren't comfortable climbing the rock then that's your choice, but unless the rock is in danger of disappearing over the short term I think others should be allowed to exercise their own conscious decision on the matter.