First Nations language to be acknowledged in naming of national parks

Cape Upstart National Park may receive a new name in the traditional language of the regions first inhabitants through the National Parks First Nations Naming Project, following public consultation.

This new project is identifying national parks across Queensland for possible renaming in First Nations languages.

Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch said one of the first locations to be considered is Cape Upstart National Park, proposed to 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,” Minister Enoch said.    

“The renaming of other national parks to reflect First Nations language, like Cape Upstart, would be undertaken by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) in consultation with Traditional Owners and the community.

“Some national parks are 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 will commence on Friday 31 July and the public will have two months to make submissions about the proposed name change.”

The National Parks First Nations Naming Project takes account of native title determinations or negotiations, tenure, and joint-management arrangements.

Chairperson of the Kyburra Munda Yalga Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (Registered Native Title Body Corporate) 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.”

The Palaszczuk Government acknowledges the true and ancient history of Queensland, reconciling the past and fostering a future of shared pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island heritage and culture.

National parks, their features and significant locations that are to be renamed, or dual named, under the new National Parks First Nations Naming Project will be identified by the end of 2020.

ENDS

Media Contact: Bridget Druery 0435 221 246