Queensland's environment minister has denied any plans to close public access to the culturally significant Glass House Mountains.
Rumors of potential closures emerged after a climbing group obtained documents via a Freedom of Information request from the Department of Environment.
Emails exchanged between state bureaucrats and park rangers revealed discussions about permanently closing Mount Beerwah and nearby peaks.
However, Environment Minister Andrew Powell has assured the public that such closures will not take place.
“As the relevant minister, let me categorically rule that out. That will not be happening,” he stated.
“There will be no permanent closure of Mount Beerwah or any surrounding peaks. Temporary closures will only occur for track maintenance or safety reasons. No permanent closures.
“Suggestions that Mount Beerwah might be closed for Indigenous cultural reasons are factually inaccurate, misleading, and disrespectful to the Jinibara and Kabi Kabi peoples.”
Save Our Summits president Marc Hendrickx spent over a year obtaining the documents from the department.
One 2022 email discussed a draft "precinct visitor management implementation plan."
“Essentially aiming to close Mt Beerwah, likely close [Mt] Coochin, and implement seasonal closures and other management actions across other peaks,” the email stated.
Mr. Hendrickx, a former Libertarian Party candidate, noted that it was evident some within the department were advocating for summit closures.
While he appreciated the minister’s guarantee, he insisted it be formally included in the park management plan “to resolve this issue once and for all.”
“We’ve heard similar assurances from ministers in the past regarding places like Ayers Rock (Uluru) and Mount Warning in northern NSW,” Mr. Hendrickx added.
“The minister can say what he wants, but these matters must be addressed in the park management plans. They are the authoritative documents that govern access.”