JINIBARA culture man and emerging elder BJ Murphy has called on the State Government to restrict access to summit climbs on Mt. Beerwah, claiming the mountain is a sacred site that holds substantial spiritual and cultural significance to traditional custodians.
The popular climb site has seen a spate of serious incidents over recent months, including fatalities. Mr. Murphy, however, said regardless of these troubling statistics, he has been motivated for a number of years to raise awareness and educate the community around cultural matters. These recent events have merely amplified his resolve to take action, stating now is the ‘time to stop the climb.’
Over the Easter school holidays, Mr Murphy spent a number of days camped at the base of the mountain holding a ‘peaceful protest’, where he sought to dissuade visitors from climbing Mt. Beerwah. During this time, he shared stories and yarns with prospective climbers about the cultural importance of the site, which holds sacred mother (old woman) relevance to local custodians. He suggested an alternative trail hike rather than an ascent of the ancestral mountains. He said for local custodians it was cultural law that prohibited climbing of sacred sites, therefore, he was keen to raise greater awareness around cultural heritage and the disrespect climbers of the summit were possibly unwittingly undertaking.
Mr Murphy said he was currently in a transition stage towards becoming an elder, however, he has the support of local elders to speak on behalf of Jinibara people.
He reiterated that he held no authority to request the closure of sacred sites beyond Jinibara country, saying those decisions belong to the particular traditional custodians of each region. He appreciates that many people enjoy the physical and mental benefits of climbing, however suggests a more balanced approach, in which a greater appreciation of indigenous cultural heritage is appropriate.
“I encourage people to connect with country, just be mindful and consider the request of local custodians in honouring their significant and sacred sites. Respect culture and country and tread lightly,” he said.
Mr Murphy said one voice would not be enough to see the desired change local custodians are calling for, but he hopes his peaceful protest would invite more community discussion and be the pebble that helps start the ripples of change.
The Department of Environment and Science did not directly respond to a question about any plans to close the mountain to climbers.
A spokesperson said it continued to work in “partnership with Traditional Owners, emergency services, park visitors and stakeholders” and it “will continue to do so in park management plans, to ensure protection of the park’s values and visitor’s safety, as they remain key priorities”.
For the Traditional Owners, Beerwah and Tibrogargan are not summits to be conquered, but representations of their cultural heritage and their place in this land.
The summit routes are also not walking tracks – they are very challenging and have resulted in serious incidents, including fatalities.
Queensland is on track for its most rescues in national parks on record, with 47 rescues already this year. There were 146 rescues in 2022 and 105 in 2021 across Brisbane, north coast and south eastern districts, according to data from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.
The department could not provide figures on the coast of rescues. QFRS Mountain Rescue Technician Greg Toman said people need to plan appropriately if they choose to make some of the potentially hazardous climbs.
“Take all the right gear, like your first aid kit, a fully charged mobile phone, food, water, personal medication, appropriate clothing and footwear are essential,” he said.
