Minister’s big call on future access to Queensland national parks

The state government has made a big call on access to Queensland national parks after fears over plans to ban hikers from Mount Beerwah.

Mount Beerwah will stay open to climbers, the minister says.

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The Queensland government has ruled out making any national parks off-limits to the public after revelations of a 2022 proposal to shut down the famous Mount Beerwah summit trail on the Sunshine Coast.

Hiking group Save Our Summits spent more than 12 months and over $1000 on a Right to Information submission which obtained a string of documents and emails where officers from the state’s department of environment and science suggested Mount Beerwah could be closed to hikers, with climbs replaced by a simulator experience using drones.

The discussions, which took place during the administration of the previous Labor government, also recommended the department keep a close eye on other controversial park closures elsewhere in the country, including Uluru and Wollumbin/Mount Warning just south of the Gold Coast.

It was part of a push for a Glass House Mountains Precinct Visitor Management Implementation Plan and suggested Mount Beerwah’s closure to the public because it was where “inappropriate use of the natural and cultural resources is likely highest”, but also said the popular tourist attraction could serve as a case study for future potential closures elsewhere.

However the plan never came to fruition and Environment Minister Andrew Powell, who took on the role late last year, said it was no longer under consideration.

He said he wanted visitors to enjoy Queensland national parks and become champions for environmental protection.

Environment Minister Andrew Powell

“Under an LNP government national parks will remain open so Queenslanders and our international and domestic visitors can enjoy our fabulous natural landscapes,” he said.

“We want people to become champions for the protection of these wilderness areas, and that means giving them access.

“I am categorically ruling out closing national parks.”

He said any park or trail closure would only be for essential shutdowns due to weather, safety or maintenance concerns.

In a statement, the department of environment and science said those temporary closures were made with safety in mind.

“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,” the statement said.

“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.”

Save Our Summits president Marc Hendrickx, who had harboured fears Mount Beerwah could be the first of many Queensland hiking trails to be closed to visitors, said he was “over the moon” by the assurance from the state government that no parks would be shut off.

“It’s a really great outcome,” he said.

“Now we’ve got that assurance that we will still be welcome to climb these peaks and enjoy these beautiful locations.”