Glitter Strip Bare: Push to change Lamington National Park’s name

FIRST it was Burleigh Heads and Brisbane, now another world-famous Queensland place has been earmarked for a return to its Aboriginal name – but unlike the controversy around the others, indigenous leaders say it’s a no-brainer.

FIRST it was Burleigh Heads and Brisbane and now another world-famous Gold Coast landmark has been earmarked for a return to its Aboriginal name.

Lamington National Park was named after former Brisbane Governor Charles Cochrane-Baillie, a British aristocrat also known as Lord Lamington, who visited the area in 1898, killed a koala and never returned.

He is also said to be the inspiration for the name given to our national chocolate and coconut sponge cake the lamington.

Moran Falls at Lamington National Park on the Gold Coast. Picture: Tourism and Events Queensland/Jason Charles Hill

Rory O’Connor from the Yugambeh Language and Heritage Research Centre said the park should never have been named after Lord Lamington and at the very least should feature the Aboriginal Woonoongoora word as a joint-name.

It is one of a growing number of Queensland landmarks being identified by Aboriginal leaders for future renaming.

Last month, The Sunday Mail revealed Burleigh Heads and Mount Stapylton were the subject of proposals to revert to Aboriginal names.

There have also been calls for the state capital to return to its Aboriginal name Miguntyun, while a further 10 places are the subject of renaming bids lodged with the Queensland department of natural resources, mines and energy.

According to historians, Lord Lamington visited the McPherson Range two years after his appointment as Queensland Governor in 1896.

During his brief visit he named a plateau after himself and shot a koala.

He later reportedly complained about the horrible sounds the marsupial made as it lay dying.

Early national parks advocates had proposed the area be called Woonoongoora, meaning quiet or timeless in the local Aboriginal language and in 1915 they were of the impression that was what it would be called.

However, months later it was officially gazetted as Lamington National Park.

State Governor Lord Lamington arrives to open Parliament in 1899. Picture: The Courier-Mail photo archive

Mr O’Connor said that was a mistake that should never have happened and the name should revert to Woonongoora.

“It’s such a shame that the original name, which has such a rich story, has been written out of our history,” he said.

“The park is named after a man who famously shot and killed a Borobi.”

While plans to rename Brisbane and Burleigh Heads have divided opinion, Mr O’Connor said renaming Lamington National Park was ‘definitely achievable’.

“I think it’s possible, but we travel slowly on these things,” he said. “This is a fine time to be talking about double naming it at least.”

HOG HEAVEN FOR GC TAXI RANKS

WHERE else but the Gold Coast?

A Glitter Strip motorcycle instructor James Milloy has launched a Harley Davidson taxi service to help travellers beat the traffic.

Biker Express is a new lease of life for Mr Milloy’s motorbike riding school.

“I was talking to people who said they were thinking about buying a motorbike so they could get around easier,” he said.

“We already have a motorcycle instructor business and a few bikes, so I thought we could offer that as a service.”

James Milloy and his motorcycle taxi service Biker Express with passenger Jaedyn Goodman. Picture: Adam Head

Under laws passed last year, motorcycles are legally able to ‘lane filter’, meaning they can pass between cars stuck in traffic jams or in lengthy queues at traffic lights.

They are also allowed to travel along the left shoulder of roadways.

He had hoped to launch the service during the Commonwealth Games, but the non-existent traffic snarls made him delay a launch date.

While Harleys used to be synonymous with bikies on the Gold Coast, Mr Milloy hopes to create a new reputation.

“You can get straight to your destination and look good while you’re doing it,” he said.

“You can really enjoy the ride.

“It’s like you’re riding on a lounge chair.”

COMM GAMES UNIFORM PUT TO PASTURE

SOME Gold Coast Commonwealth Games volunteers have been flogging their uniforms on Gumtree but at least one has literally put his out to pasture.

The southern Gold Coast resident was spotted the other day whipper-snippering his acreage block in his distinctive Games shirt.

Well, the shirts were sun-smart. And as well as being a practical use for the uniforms, it’s helping keep the Games memories alive.

Originally published as Glitter Strip Bare: Push to change Lamington National Park’s name