Tibrogargan closed for NAIDOC week

HIKERS are being asked not to climb Mt Tibrogargan as a sign of respect for the Kabi Kabi people during NAIDOC Week.

The request, posted on the Department of Environment website, follows local Jinibara man, BJ Murphy, who urged hikers to consider the cultural sensitivities of Mt Beerwah before climbing. That peak remains closed following a vandalism attack. The post to the government website states NAIDOC Week was “an opportunity for all Australians to come together to celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the oldest continuing cultures on the planet”.

fire preparation was a shared community responsibility.

“Our highly trained rural fire fighters are in the community doing hazard mitigation but it’s a shared responsibility that also comes down to property owners to prepare their properties for any potential fire season ahead,” he said.

Inspector Allan said simple measures such as regular property vegetation maintenance including regular lawn mowing and trimming overhead branches would help reduce the risk of fire impact. Removing flammable material from around the home, ensuring gutters are cleared, and making sure residents had a bushfire survival plan in place were recommended.

“During this year’s NAIDOC Week (2-9 July), Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and the Kabi Kabi First Nations People are asking visitors to please consider not climbing the culturally sensitive summit of Tibrogargan—to give nature a ‘rest’ and as a sign of respect for the Kabi Kabi people.”

On Saturday, 8 July, the Kabi Kabi people and QPWS rangers will celebrate NAIDOC Week at the Tibrogargan Day Use Area and be available to talk to interested visitors about the mountain and challenges of park management.