Farewell Fraser, hello paradise as World Heritage area renamed

The official name change for the World Heritage Area known as Fraser Island is a major milestone in a long-running campaign by the region’s traditional owners. VOTE IN OUR POLL.

Camping on Fraser Island. Picture: Tyson Mahr

The state government has committed to renaming the entire world-famous Fraser Island as it begins work with traditional owners and stakeholders on the historic change. 

The move follows news that the World Heritage Area within Great Sandy National Park, which is centred on Fraser Island, along with the surrounding waters and parts of the nearby mainland, have been renamed K’gari.

The renaming to K’gari, which is the original Butchulla people’s name for the island, will be celebrated on Sunday, with Butchulla representatives and elders. 

Man walking through the water at McKenzie Jetty.

Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon has revealed the necessary steps for renaming the entire island K’gari are under way. 

The name change for the World Heritage Area is a major milestone in a long-running campaign by the region’s traditional owners.

Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation chairwoman Jade Gould said her people welcomed the move. 

“The Butchulla people have been campaigning for years to change the name,” she said. “The name Fraser Island is a tribute to Eliza Fraser – a woman whose narrative directly led to the massacre and dispossession of the Butchulla people.

“A word meaning paradise in Butchulla language is a much more fitting name for such an iconic place.”

Other renamed national parks, after consultation with traditional owners and the community, include Naree Budjong Djara National Park on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and Gheebulum Kunungai National Park on Mulgumpin (Moreton Island).

It is not known how long the government is expected to work with traditional owners, the community and stakeholders about renaming Fraser Island in its entirety, but previous undertakings have taken about six months. It is understood formal processes have not yet begun.

Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

Ms Scanlon, who will attend Sunday’s ceremony, said the renaming recognised and honoured the Butchulla people’s ongoing connection to Country.

“That was the first step in the process,” she said.

“I look forward to working with the Butchulla people, stakeholders and the community to progress the necessary steps now for the formal renaming of the entire island to K’gari.

“The Queensland government recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island heritage and cultures, which represent an enduring and ongoing connection to Country for over 60,000 years.”

Kingfisher Bay Resort group general manager David Hay said the name change was timely and necessary.

“With the support of the Butchulla people, we have been calling the island K’gari for some time now,” he said.

“There has never been a truer word spoken.

“K’gari really is paradise.”