The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, with the support of the Jinibara People, is temporarily closing Mount Beerwah to allow for reparations and cultural healing.
It follows the shocking environmental vandalism of the iconic landmark last week, when a power tool was used to cut graffiti into a section of the rock face near the base of the summit route.
Related story: See the video: ‘Appalling’ graffiti cut into iconic landmark
QPWS regional director Geoff Brittingham said the senseless act left rangers and the Jinibara Traditional Owners reeling with disgust and sadness.
“Not only has this callous person/s extensively defaced an area of rock, but they have also caused immeasurable damage and hurt to the Jinibaras’ well-being,” he said.
“Mount Beerwah is registered as a Significant Aboriginal Area and the broader community has also expressed outrage over the incident.
“This temporary closure will allow for further investigation of the vandalism and time for rangers and the Jinibara to work together to repair and minimise long-term visual damage to the rock face.
“The mountain won’t be reopened until the healing has taken place and the environmental vandalism has been repaired.
“For the Jinibara, I hope this will in some way provide time and space to seek to heal deeper cultural wounds.
“QPWS and the Jinibara have zero tolerance to any kind of environmental vandalism and we are asking people to respect the closure.
“Alternative hiking and rock scrambling tracks are available at Mount Ngungun and the Yul-yan-man track at Mount Beerburrum.”
The incident has been reported to the Queensland Police Service and QPWS are asking for anyone with information to call the department on (07) 5494 3983, or make an anonymous call on 1300 130 372.
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