Boodjamulla National Park to re-open in July
The Boodjamulla National Park in North-West Queensland will reopen on July 4 after being closed for two years due to flooding.
Flood waters severely damaged the national park when the Gregory River reached a record 18 metres in March 2023. The flood partially destroyed camping areas, walking tracks, trails and roads.
Principal Ranger Marnie Augusteyn said that the Queensland Government invested almost $13 million in the park’s reopening.
“The funding includes an investment of $6.7 million for repairs and the construction of new visitor infrastructure within the Lawn Hill Gorge section,” Augusteyn said.
“We’re also investing $6.1 million for reconstruction work on water treatment, sewage management, power supply and flood resilience work into our ranger residences.”
Other organisations involved in the Boodjamulla and Lawn Hill Gorge re-opening next week include the Boodjamulla Cooperative Management Council (CMC), the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) and the Waanyi Native Title Aboriginal Corporation.
Rainbow Serpent Country
Waanyi Native Title Aboriginal Corporation CEO Michael Miller said that Waanyi Elder Everyl Johnny will welcome visitors on behalf of the local Indigenous community at the opening ceremony. She will remind them to respect the land, known as Rainbow Serpent Country, as it recovers.
“She will provide inductions to visitors, giving insight into Waanyi culture and the impacts of the flooding,” Miller said.
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Mark Olsen, Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO, said the park will bring tourists back and help the local community.
“Reopening Boodjamulla National Park for winter will provide a much-needed boost to the northwest and the communities along the Savannah Way that have faced difficult times over past three years,” Olsen said.
Boodjamulla National Park became dedicated Aboriginal Land when it was returned to the Waanyi People in 2023.
Waterbirds, rock wallabies, freshwater turtles and crocodiles live in Boodjamulla’s unique geographical rock formations and ancient seabeds.
