A bushwalker protesting the closure of Mount Warning, south of the Gold Coast, has become the first person fined for climbing the summit since it was officially closed to the public.
Marc Hendrickx climbed the Wollumbin-Mount Warning summit trail near Murwillumbah in northern NSW on Australia Day despite the track being closed since 2020.
Mr Hendrickx, a member of the Right to Climb advocacy group, and several of its members made it to the peak in time to watch the sunrise. It's reported the group ignored several signs on the way up left by local indigenous groups which warned hikers to turn around or risk facing fines.
The Wollumbin Consultative Group has been fighting for the mountain to stay permanently closed to all but a select group of Indigenous male members.
Despite this Mr Hendrickx shared photos of his group holding signs at the summit advocating that it should be reopened. He received a $300 fine for the stunt which was express posted to him\.
A spokesperson from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service told MSM.com that anyone who ignored the climbing ban would be subject to appropriate law enforcement.
'We appreciate that there has been community uncertainty about the time taken to resolve this issue,' a statement provided to the publication read. 'It is important however, that we ensure all stakeholders, including the Aboriginal custodians, are appropriately consulted about future management of Wollumbin National Park.'
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