THE Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DESI) have strongly denied claims that the department plans to close Mt Beerwah and introduce virtual climbs using drones.
This follows the release of a freedom to information application by local climbing advocacy group, Save our Summits (SOS) into the department.
Emails obtained from the department in 2022 revealed a former Labor government discussed potential ideas to implement under the Glass House Mountains Precinct Visitor Management Implementation Plan.
A DESI spokesperson said there were no plans to close Mt Beerwah permanently to the community.
“Suggestions that Mount Beerwah could be closed for Indigenous cultural reasons are factually inaccurate, misleading, and disrespectful to the Jinibara and Kabi Kabi peoples,” they said.
“Short-term closures are implemented as required during wet weather or rockfall events, when requested by the emergency services, or to allow for repair works.
“We welcome the visitors who attend Glasshouse Mountains National Park and request they adhere to park signage to ensure their visit is safe and enjoyable while looking after these unique landscapes.”
More to come in our March 4 edition.
