The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection is identifying national parks across Queensland for possible renaming in First Nations’ languages.
Cape Upstart National Park (pictured) may be among the first to receive a new name in the traditional language of the region’s first inhabitants following public consultation.
Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Leeanne Enoch said it was proposed the National Park be renamed Budgenerra, in the language of the Juru Native Title holders.
“This project is a positive step in our truth-telling around First Nations Peoples’ significant and ancient connection to country,” Ms Enoch said.
“The renaming of other national parks to reflect First Nations language will be undertaken by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) in consultation with Traditional Owners and the community.”
She said some national parks were already recognised by First Nations names, such as Naree Budjong Djara National Park on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and K’gari for the Fraser Island section of Great Sandy National Park.
“Consultation for the renaming of Cape Upstart has begun and the public will have two months to make submissions about the proposed name change,” Ms Enoch said.
She said the National Parks First Nations Naming Project took account of native title determinations or negotiations, tenure, and joint-management arrangements.
Chair of the Kyburra Munda Yalga Aboriginal Corporation, Carol Pryor said the name Budgenerra acknowledged the culture, identity, and ancestors of the Juru People.
“Budgenerra has always been our name for Cape Upstart and we would be pleased if the wider community knew this too,” Ms Pryor said.
“It has been a long road for the Juru People and we still have a long way to go.”
Ms Enoch said National Parks, their features and significant locations that are to be renamed, or dual-named, under the National Parks First Nations Naming Project will be identified by the end of 2020.
