By Juliano Oliveira
National parks across Queensland may be renamed in First Nations languages as part of a state project to honour the first inhabitants in the state.
Cape Upstart National Park (1,016 km northwest of Brisbane) is rated to be the first to undergo the name change as part of the National Parks First Nations Naming Project.
Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch said one of the first locations to be considered is Cape Upstart National Park, proposed to be renamed ‘Budgenerra’, in the language of the Juru Native Title holders.
“This project is a positive step in our truth telling around First Nations Peoples’ significant and ancient connection to country,” Minister Enoch said.
“The renaming of other national parks to reflect First Nations language, like Cape Upstart, would be undertaken by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) in consultation with Traditional Owners and the community.
“Some national parks are already recognised by First Nations names, such as Naree Budjong Djara National Park on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and K’gari for the Fraser Island section of Great Sandy National Park.
The public can participate in the renaming of Cape Upstart until 30 September.
National parks, their features and significant locations that are to be renamed, or dual named, under the new National Parks First Nations Naming Project will be identified by the end of 2020.