A small national park, which includes a volcanic plug north-east of Rockhampton, has officially regained its original name Baga, replacing a deeply offensive name connected to segregation laws in the US.
Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said the name change was a long time coming and she had fought beside the Darumbal People to have the park returned to its traditional name.
"The mountain and the park have been known as Baga for 60 000 years and its only been for the last 150 years that it had been called anything else," Ms Lauga said.
"The gazetting of the park today is a significant step forward for the Darumbal People and for the entire region.
"We don’t know exactly how the mountain got its name 150 years ago, but we do know that that name has caused a lot of hurt in the local community and it is pleasing to see it returned to its traditional name."
Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch welcomed the official name change for the national park and acknowledged the significance of this to the Darumbal People.
"It’s important that we acknowledge the connection to country of First Nations people in Queensland and understand that returning national parks to their traditional names is an important step in showing respect," Minister Enoch said.
"I look forward to working in partnership to pursue further opportunities to recognise traditional names for our National Parks."
The area between Rockhampton and Yeppoon is geologically important with about 12 volcanic plugs. Baga and Gai-i are part of the same Dreaming legend.
The 144 hectare Baga National Park is undeveloped, with no formed walking tracks and no facilities. For safety reasons, QPWS discourages climbing up the rocky scree slopes and cliffs. Camping is not permitted.
