MOUNT Beerwah has been closed after vandals defaced parts of the iconic hinterland peak by using power tools to carve words into rock.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife said the attack took place on either May 20 or 21 and came just weeks after Jinibara man, BJ Murphy, urged people to consider the cultural importance of the site.
“I encourage people to connect with country, just be mindful and consider the request of local custodians in honouring their significant and sacred sites,” he said at the time. The mountain, which has already claimed the life of a climber this year will be closed while repairs are made.
“Regardless of what it says, the graffiti is a terrible act. It looks clumsy and awful, and rangers and the community take a zero-tolerance approach to offences like this in our national parks,” QPWS said.
“The mountain is an iconic feature of the Sunshine Coast and extremely important to the Jinibara People, the local Traditional Owners, and to the people of Queensland. “To have it defaced like this is appalling and QPWS will work with the Jinibara People to minimise the long-term visual damage.” Authorities are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying those who were involved. “Not only has this callous person/s extensively defaced an area of rock, but they have also caused immeasurable damage and hurt to the Jinibara’s well-being,” Regional Director Geoff Brittingham said.
“The mountain won’t be reopened until the healing has taken place and the environmental vandalism has been repaired.
“For the Jinibara people, I hope this will in some way provide time and space to seek to heal deeper cultural wounds.”
Contact QPWS on 5494 3983, or make an anonymous call on 1300 130 372.
