Move to rename Magnetic Island National Park to Indigenous name, Yunbenun
A push to rename Magnetic Island’s iconic national park to an Indigenous name has been slammed as a ‘meaningless gesture’ by angry residents. Have your say in our poll.
Townsville
Don't miss out on the headlines from Townsville. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A push by the Queensland Government to rename Magnetic Island’s iconic national park to an Indigenous name has been slammed as a ‘meaningless gesture’ by angry residents.
The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) is proposing to change the name of Magnetic Island National Park to Yunbenun in a nod to traditional owners.
Yunbenun — pronounced Yuhn-beh-nin — is the preferred name for the island by the Wulgurukaba, or the ‘canoe people.’
The proposed renaming relates to the national park only, not the name of the island itself, but many residents fear it’s only a matter of time before that changes too.
It comes after the state government reinstated Fraser Island’s Indigenous name, K’gari, in 2023.
Magnetic Island resident and writer Mary Vernon anticipates a massive local backlash to the renaming.
“A lot of people are concerned about it because it’s just a meaningless gesture really,” she said.
“I think people are also worried about where it might lead and the possibility of renaming the entire island.
“I know there’s a group of people on the island who are very keen for it to be renamed, but they don’t represent the majority.”
In a statement, DESI said the proposed change to the name of the national park “recognises the rich cultural history of the area and the ongoing, deep connection to the island for the Wulgurukaba people.”
“DESI has recently unveiled an updated management statement for the national park, which outlines strategic directions for conserving key natural social and cultural values of the World Heritage Area,” it said.
“This includes Wulgurukaba cultural sites and places as well as the heritage-listed World War II fort complex, significant vine thickets and the iconic hoop pine of Magnetic Island.”
The public is invited to have their say on the proposed renaming of the national park between now and 5pm on April 19.
Comments or questions about the proposal can be addressed to NGBR@des.qld.gov.au.
Originally published as Move to rename Magnetic Island National Park to Indigenous name, Yunbenun
YOUR SAY: Qld’s election promises unpacked
Queenslanders have been promised a lot in recent months ahead of October’s state election – but what can we trust and what is simply a vote-grab? HAVE YOUR SAY
Army vehicles prove all-terrain power ahead of PNG exercise
The 2nd cavalry regiment got their wheels wet in Tully jungle as part of a training exercise preparing them to navigate the jungle in armoured vehicles or by foot.
Four Aussie comedy legends to stop in Townsville on tour
A quadruple threat of Australian comedic talent is coming to Townsville for two nights of laughs. Check out what Marty Sheargold said about the show.
‘Kick in guts’: Tiny girl diagnosed with rare, savage disease
A darling little girl diagnosed with a savage disorder that will claim her life is trying to raise funds for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle to attend school.
Security still waiting for safety vests after ‘horrific’ hospital stabbing
It’s been over 100 days since a security guard was allegedly stabbed by a patient at Townsville University Hospital, and staff are still without the stab and slash-proof vests they’ve been demanding, according to a concerned union.
‘He bungled it’: Bleijie’s Olympics-size swipe at Premier
Grassroots sports across North Queensland will see the benefits of the 2032 Olympics, LNP’s Deputy Leader has pledged, as he stuck the boot into the Premier for bungling the rollout so far.