Influencers face fines for taking selfies at sacred sites in Queensland’s Carnarvon National Park
Influencers were hit with huge fines for disrespectful acts in a sacred place
- Influencers stung with $431 fines for illegal selfies at sacred site
- Authorities fear burglaries at QLD national park sites will destroy art
- Indigenous leader scolds tourists for ‘utter disrespect’
Influencers have been slammed for showing “the utmost disrespect” after venturing into sacred Indigenous sites at a popular holiday destination to take “self-indulgent” photos.
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is ‘making no apologies’ after fineing six tourists $431 for entering protected areas in Carnarvon National Park in the state’s rugged central highlands.
Authorities fear the Aboriginal rock art that has existed for thousands of years will be destroyed by tourists entering the off-bounds site to touch the rock walls and take selfies.
Images from the Department of Environment (DES) showed an influencer posing and touching the rock art in a restricted area.
The QPWS fined the woman after her Instagram photos showed she had broken the law by entering the site.
It is feared that the Aboriginal petroglyphs that have existed for thousands of years will be destroyed by tourists entering off-limits sites in Queensland’s Carnarvon National Park (pictured, a photo taken in a restricted area)
An influencer (pictured) took pictures of herself posing and touching the petroglyphs in a restricted area of the national park
Another photo of a young boy posing next to Indigenous images drawn on a rock wall was also targeted – with the QPWS fined his parents.
“The QPWS makes no apologies for taking compliance action against people who break the rules because they believe they are influencers,” Senior Ranger Luke Male said.
Some visitors to Carnarvon National Park think the rules don’t apply to them and enter restricted areas to pose for photos.
“In some cases, they’re posing for or touching native petroglyphs that are thousands of years old.”
Mr Male said even touching the rock art sites could damage cultural artifacts that are thousands of years old.
The increasing impact of people putting their hands on the ancient artwork can cause wear and tear, the DES said.
Hand sanitizer, sweat, and sunscreen can damage the art, as can dust raised by visitors.
In the past year, six people have been fined for entering the restricted areas, while 18 people have been fined for other offenses, including camping in restricted areas.
Leah Wyman of the Carnarvon National Park Traditional Owners Management Group Committee (CNPTOMGC) called on tourists to adhere to the walking trails so future generations can enjoy the sites.
“Our rock art bears images thousands of years old and they provide valuable information about the lives and cultures of our people in the past,” the indigenous leader said.
Another photo of a young boy posing next to Indigenous images drawn on a rock wall (pictured) was also targeted – with the QPWS fined his parents
In the past year, six people have been punished for entering restricted areas in Queensland’s Carnarvon National Park (pictured)
She added that the rock art images were important spiritual and ceremonial sites for her people.
Fellow member Kristine Sloman said it would be a “great shame” if her people had to close the cultural sites.
“Getting off the boardwalk and walking around is of the utmost disrespect and is akin to attending someone’s funeral and walking on their coffin,” Ms Sloman said.
Mr Male warned that anyone entering the protected areas will face fines as rangers often monitor social media for images taken at the sites.