May 26, 2023
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is investigating the vandalism and defacing of a section of rock at the base of Mt Beerwah, in the Glass House Mountains National Park.
It is thought the offence occurred last weekend and rangers believe the person or persons did it at night.
Senior Ranger Nat Smith said “a power tool appears to have been used to cut graffiti into the rock near the base of the summit route.”
The words “Jesus Saves” has been cut into the rock face in large letters.
“Regardless of what it says, the graffiti is a terrible act. It looks clumsy and awful, and rangers and the community take a zero-tolerance approach to offences like this in our national parks,” Ranger Smith said.
“It is difficult to understand the mindset of the people who did this and the lack of respect they have for the natural and cultural values of the national park.
“The mountain is an iconic feature of the Sunshine Coast and extremely important to the Jinibara People, the local Traditional Owners, and to the people of Queensland,” he said.
“To have it defaced like this is appalling and QPWS will work with the Jinibara People to minimise the long-term visual damage,” Ranger Smith said.
The QPWS is asking for public assistance to identify the person or people involved.
“This vandalism is deliberate and destructive, and someone in the community will know who did it,” he said.
“The rock has been here for millions of years, and environmental vandalism in our national parks is extremely disappointing,” Ranger Smith
The vandalism is a serious offence under the Nature Conservation Act and carries a maximum penalty of $431,250 or two years’ imprisonment.
It’s also an offence under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act, with penalties of up to $143,750 for individuals.
In addition, the person or persons responsible could be liable for the cost of rehabilitating the site, which may cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Anyone with information is being asked to call the department on (07) 5494 3983, or make an anonymous call on 1300 130 372.