Cape Upstart National Park is to be renamed in the traditional language of the region’s first inhabitants through the Queensland Government’s National Parks First Nations Naming Project.
Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Leeanne Enoch said it was proposed that 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,” 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.”
She said public consultation for the renaming of Cape Upstart would commence on Friday 31 July and the public would have two months to make submissions about the proposed name change.
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.”
Further 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.
