Mt Beerwah rescue: Hiker trapped on closed mountain during NAIDOC Week

A man has sparked a precarious rescue on a popular Glass House Mountain peak closed for cultural reasons as the state government reveals its frustration at some hikers.

A hiker has become trapped near the summit of a popular Sunshine Coast mountain recently closed for cultural healing, forcing rescuers to find him in challenging weather.

The Mt Beerwah rescue occurred as First Nations people across the country mark NAIDOC Week and a state government department asked hikers to stay off another Glass House Mountains peak as a sign of respect.

The Department of Environment and Science has also revealed its frustration at some hikers who have ignored the temporary closure of Mt Beerwah.

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Service spokeswoman said firefighters were called to Mt Beerwah about 7.20pm on Monday, July 3 after a man in his 20s became lost about 400m from the summit.

“They weren’t injured but they were sheltering in a cave,” she said.

A hiker in his 20s was rescued from Mt Beerwah in challenging weather, during a closure of the mountain, on July 3.

The spokeswoman said because of the challenging conditions, firefighters and remote rescue technicians made a careful plan to rescue the hiker.

About two hours after the initial emergency call, rescue technicians ascended the mountain and made contact with the man before securing him in a harness.

Rescuers were forced to ascend Mt Beerwah, which is closed for cultural healing, to rescue a hiker in his 20s about 400m from the summit on July 3.

Rescuers then used a “belaying” system of ropes and lowered him to the ground about 10.30pm.

Mt Beerwah was closed in May following an attack of environmental vandalism.

Vandals gouged “Jesus saves” into the base of the popular peak.

A Department of Environment and Science spokesman said the investigation into the “act of shocking environmental vandalism” was ongoing.

Vandals carved "Jesus saves" into a rock with significance to the Indigenous people of Mt Beerwah. Picture: DFES

“Not only has the person or persons responsible extensively defaced an area of national park, but they have also caused much damage and hurt to the Jinibara people,” he said.

“Although the vast majority of people do the right thing, it is frustrating that some have ignored the temporary closure, and the wishes of the local traditional owners, to refrain from climbing Mt Beerwah while we repair the physical damage to the mountain and while the deeper cultural wounds to the Jinibara People are healed.

“The closure of the mountain is signposted, with notices in the nearby car park and at the entrance to the walking track.”

The start of the track at Mt Beerwah. Picture: Letea Cavander

The spokesman said rangers were patrolling the area and anyone who was found to be contravening the closure without authorisation faced an on-the-spot fine of more than $600.

“Alternative hiking and rock scrambling tracks are available at Mount Ngungun and the Yul-yan-man track at Mount Beerburrum,” he said.

The spokesman said anyone with information about the vandalism should contact the department or police.

The latest incident comes as hikers were also asked by the state government’s environment department to stay off Mt Tibrogargan during NAIDOC Week, which started on July 2.

Principal ranger Justin Enslin said the Kabi Kabi people and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers would celebrate NAIDOC Week with a public event at the Tibrogargan day use area on July 8.

Hikers have been rescued off Mt Tibrogargan over the years and Queensland Parks and Wildlife rangers are asking hikers to stay off the peak this NAIDOC Week. Picture: Cade Mooney

“We are asking visitors to please consider not climbing the culturally sensitive summit of Tibrogargan as a sign of respect to the traditional owners – the Kabi Kabi people and to give nature a rest,” he said.

“Tibrogargan and many other peaks in our region are not only a sacred but also hold significant cultural, spiritual and natural connection to the traditional owners.”

NAIDOC Week recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The request to stay off Mt Tibrogargan sparked fierce debate among hiking groups online.

The discussion regarding Glass House Mountains peaks continues as hikers called for protests over the permanent closure of northern New South Wales peak Wollumbin, also known as Mt Warning.

There have also been calls to close Mt Beerwah, following a spate of tragedies on the peak including the death of Currimundi woman Breanna Foley.

Ms Foley died, another hiker fell and a paraglider hit the side of the Mt Beerwah on March 25.