Popular Gold Coast Hinterland waterhole Killarney Glen could be closed indefinitely after summer drowning

POPULAR waterhole Killarney Glen should be reopened and returned to the “people” in time for the 2018 Commonwealth Games according to the daughter of the area’s original owners.

POPULAR waterhole Killarney Glen may never reopen after a drowning exposed serious safety issues at the attraction.

The Gold Coast Hinterland walking trail, waterfall and swimming hole has been closed since a 19-year-old man died there on December 30.

The Department of Defence, which manages the site, said the heart-shaped waterhole will remain closed indefinitely, a devastating blow for the daughter of the original landowner who long fought for it to be accessible to the public.

Janet Kan (nee Fitzgerald) said the attraction should be reopened and returned to the “people” in time for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

DIVERS FIND BODY OF MISSING MAN AT KILLARNEY GLEN

Photos of Killarney Glen’s heart-shaped waterhole have flooded social media in recent years. Picture: Kristy Muir

Ms Kan’s family owned the land off Beechmont Rd for more than 50 years before it was resumed by the Commonwealth Government in the 1970s to become a buffer for the Canungra Land Warfare Centre.

The locked gate to Killarney Glen waterhole where a man died. Photo: Regi Varghese

A Defence spokesman said the attraction would only reopen if an appropriate management plan could be developed. But Ms Kan said it was “criminal” for it to be shut down.

“The idea of locking up this unique, natural asset is unacceptable – it needs to be accessible for the hundreds of locals and tourists who visit it every day,” she said.

A large number of people gather at Killarney Glen. Photo: Regi Varghese

“It does need a car park and it does need maintenance, but it can be easily done.

“The Commonwealth should gift the area back to the people in time for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“Parks and Wildlife could easily take over management of the area. The issues at Killarney Glen are no different to the issues faced at similar Hinterland attractions.

“It needs a toilet, some signage, a bin or two and a ranger to monitor it – it would not cost that much but would ensure a invaluable asset for the Gold Coast Hinterland.”

Killarney Glen is a popular swimming spot for the adventurous only. Picture: Scott Fletcher

A spokeswoman from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service said the department’s officers could assist with the management of Killarney Glen.

“QPWS has officers who are experienced in providing appropriate visitor management infrastructure to maximise public safety and deliver eco-friendly tourism opportunities,” she said.

“These officers can always be made available to share their experience.”

Gold Coast Tourism chairman Paul Donovan said he would be disappointed if the waterhole closed permanently.

“This is an asset we need to keep promoting, but in a safe manner,” he said.

Killarney Glen is a popular swimming spot for the adventurous only. Picture: Scott Fletcher

“We need more attractions on the Gold Coast, especially natural ones like this which widen the appeal of the city.”

But Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said popularity of the area led in part to its demise.

“It used to be one of the Hinterland’s best kept secrets but social media has turned it into a massive attraction for people from all over the world,” he said.

It takes a 2.5km trek through bush and rainforest to get to Killarney Glen. Picture: Scott Fletcher

“One of the biggest problems is people’s lack of accountability. They expect that someone will be there to take responsibility, but that is not the case.

“Finding a way for it to be accessible with appropriate controls would be a great outcome if, and that’s a big if, it can be achieved.”

Cr Christensen said managing the area would be a major challenge.

“The area has become degraded over time, it needs a lot of work,” he said.