Media releases

Media releases from the Department of Environment and Science.

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2020

September

18 Sep 2020: Ipswich operator fined

The Department of Environment and Science has welcomed a $300,000 fine to a recycling company in the Ipswich Magistrates Court today.
18 Sep 2020: Be prepared to camp over the September holidays

Queenslanders are being encouraged to be prepared and make sure they have the necessary gear, booking and permits before pitching their tents this September school holidays.
16 Sep 2020: 5m 'icon' croc caught in Babinda and moved to Cairns

Department of Environment and Science (DES) wildlife officers have captured and removed a 5-metre crocodile from a cane drain about 1km from a popular swimming area near Babinda, and about 2km upstream from where the drain joins the Russell River.
14 Sep 2020: Compliance and permit reminder in the Cooloola region

Queenslanders are being urged to research and plan ahead by obtaining the correct permits and to behave responsibly in the Cooloola region after 32 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) were issued over the past seven days.
11 Sep 2020: Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary inspection

The department’s wildlife vet along with an independent vet specialist from the RSPCA has assessed the health and wellbeing of the seven animals recently seized from the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. The department seized the animals as the sanctuary did not have a permit to rehabilitate them.
8 Sep 2020: Queensland first trial to save critically endangered reptile

In a Queensland first, the Department of Environment and Science (DES) is trialling a captive breeding program to help bring a critically endangered reptile back from the brink of extinction.
4 Sep 2020: The cat, the dog and the fines

Cats and dogs may be our best friends, but they don’t belong in our national parks or recreation areas, and two people recently received fines for taking domestic pets into prohibited park areas.
1 Sep 2020: Planned burn in Tewantin National Park

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers conducted a planned burn in Tewantin National Park yesterday beside Eumundi-Noosa Road in ideal weather conditions.

August

20 Aug 2020: Rare fish, near extinction, returned to wild

An urgent rescue mission led by the Queensland Government has saved a rare and ancient native fish from potentially becoming the first freshwater species to be lost from Queensland due to climate change.
13 Aug 2020: Beach Holm crocodile removed

Department of Environment and Science (DES) wildlife officers have humanely euthanised a small crocodile in Black River, Beach Holm, north of Townsville, after it began displaying aggressive behaviour and was believed to have attacked a number of dogs.
11 Aug 2020: Man fined for illegally dumping tyres

A man has been fined $30,000 in the Ipswich Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to unlawfully transporting and dumping tyres at various locations in south east Queensland.

July

28 Jul 2020: QPWS blitz nets $2900 in fines

Almost $3000 in fines were issued when QPWS officers conducted a one-day blitz on illegal activities in the Lockyer Valley national parks and state forests earlier this month.
27 Jul 2020: Women gather for special cultural burn on Minjerribah

The Quandamooka culture was celebrated and honoured at the state’s first all-women cultural planned burn on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).
24 Jul 2020: Stop our native wildlife leaving the country – intercept prevents illegal international reptile trade

One man has been deported and others face serious charges after Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) officers intercepted an illegal shipment of Australian lizards packed in rice cookers.
22 Jul 2020: Action taken over Cleanaway fire

Queensland’s environmental regulator has taken action following Sunday’s fire at the Cleanaway recycling facility at New Chum.
9 Jul 2020: Yeppoon drums update

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has charged two people with serious environmental offences following the discovery of 13 drums last year at two sites in Farnborough, near Yeppoon.
6 Jul 2020: Go slow for those below

Boaties are being reminded to ‘go slow for those below’ after six turtles died last month due to boat strikes or propeller cuts in Moreton Bay.
2 Jul 2020: Saltwater crocodile seized in Brisbane

Wildlife officers have seized a young crocodile in suburban Brisbane.

June

22 Jun 2020: Trial of remote, real-time environmental monitoring rolled out

A trial of remote, real-time monitoring of air, noise and water quality is being rolled out by Queensland’s environmental regulator.
9 Jun 2020: Drone technology helps researchers count turtles on the Great Barrier Reef

Researchers at Raine Island, the world’s largest green turtle rookery, have used a drone to conduct accurate population surveys, with stunning results.
5 Jun 2020: Have your say on national park management plan for Minjerribah

The Department of Environment and Science, in partnership with the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC), is inviting public comment on a draft management plan for the Naree Budjong Djara National Park on iconic Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).
3 Jun 2020: DES investigating alleged illegal waste storage

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Environmental Officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) are continuing to conduct field based compliance activities to ensure Queensland’s environment is protected.
1 Jun 2020: Preparations underway in lead-up to fire season on Magnetic Island

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has commenced preparations for the upcoming fire season with a series of planned burns due to be conducted between now and October.

May

26 May 2020: Community announcement – Smoke from Eungella National Park

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnerships (QPWS&P) will be conducting planned aerial burning within Eungella National Park in vicinity of Mackay Eungella Road and Netherdale on Wednesday 27 May through to Saturday 30 May weather permitting, as part of the annual hazard reduction/conservation management program for parks and forests.
26 May 2020: Smoke from planned burn – Daisy Hill Conservation Park

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) will conduct planned burn operations within the Daisy Hill Conservation Park near Priestdale on Wednesday 27 May 2020, weather permitting, as part of the annual hazard reduction program for parks and forests.
20 May 2020: Richmond Birdwing Butterfly program in full flight

The magnificent Richmond birdwing butterfly is making a comeback in the wild, thanks to a successful captive breeding and release program led by the Department of Environment and Science (DES).
7 May 2020: Rehabilitated cassowary released into the wild

A young cassowary rescued by Department of Environment and Science (DES) wildlife officers from a property near Mission Beach in far north Queensland has been successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild.

April

20 Apr 2020: White-throated snapping turtle rescued and released

An eagle-eyed wildlife officer from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) has rescued a critically endangered white-throated snapping turtle after spotting an advertisement on social media in the Wide Bay region.
7 Apr 2020: Shark attack – North West Island

The Department of Environment and Science can confirm the tragic death of a Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) ranger following a shark attack off North West island yesterday evening.
6 Apr 2020: More time to get ready for new Reef regulations

The start date for regulating new or expanded cropping, horticulture and industrial activities in Reef catchments will be delayed to provide extra time for Queensland’s farmers and other industries to prepare, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
6 Apr 2020: More time to get ready for new Reef regulations

The start date for regulating new or expanded cropping, horticulture and industrial activities in Reef catchments will be delayed to provide extra time for Queensland’s farmers and other industries to prepare, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

March

21 Mar 2020: Mount Isa company fined for breaching Environmental Authority

A Mount Isa company has been fined $45,000 after pleading guilty to two charges of contravening a condition of an environmental authority (EA), in contravention of section 430(3) of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
14 Mar 2020: Mon Repos closure

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is closing nightly tours at the Mon Repos Turtle Centre in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.
9 Mar 2020: Deceased wongari (dingo) investigation

The Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service (QPWS) together with the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation is seeking public assistance after an incident on K’gari (Fraser Island) resulted in a wongari (dingo) being killed on Friday night.
7 Mar 2020: Wongari (dingo) killed on K’gari (Fraser Island)

Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service (QPWS) officers, working with the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation, are investigating an incident on K’gari (Fraser Island) which resulted in a wongari (dingo) being killed on Orchid Beach, on Friday evening (6.03.20) around 9pm.
4 Mar 2020: Interact with dingoes and you’ll be fined

The Department of Environment and Science is urging visitors to K’gari (Fraser Island) to stop taking dangerous risks after three people were fined in one week for interacting with dingoes.

February

28 Feb 2020: Warning to visitors as a third person fined for feeding dingoes

Visitors to K’gari (Fraser Island) are again being strongly reminded not to interact with dingoes as a third person in recent months has been issued with a $2,135 fine for feeding a dingo.
28 Feb 2020: Drones are a game-changer in crocodile management

A research and innovation program led by the Department of Environment and Science (DES) that uses drones could significantly improve the management of problem crocodiles in Australia and overseas.
19 Feb 2020: Rangers rescue Jarrah the juvenile platypus

Queensland rangers are caring for a young platypus, otherwise affectionately known as a puggle, after it was found severely dehydrated and covered with ticks under a house just over the border of the Gold Coast’s hinterland.
13 Feb 2020: Croc sighting in Gladstone Harbour

Members of the Gladstone community are reminded to be Crocwise after a crocodile was reportedly seen swimming in the Gladstone Harbour on February 9, 2020.
13 Feb 2020: Sewage release at Currimundi Creek

Unitywater Pty Ltd advised DES of a release of sewage to Currimundi Creek earlier today (Thursday 13 February 2020).
10 Feb 2020: Don’t risk being hounded at Noosa National Park

While Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers don’t wish to hound anyone, they will issue $133 on-the-spot fines to people illegally walking their dogs in Noosa National Park.
1 Feb 2020: Fitzroy River crocodile successfully trapped and removed

Wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) have successfully trapped and removed a large crocodile from the Fitzroy River in North Rockhampton.

January

31 Jan 2020: Innovative techniques assist turtles as hatching season begins in Queensland

The Department of Environment and Science is trialling a number of innovative techniques to minimise the effects a changing climate is having on marine turtles’ species.
23 Jan 2020: Check tide times for Cooloola this long weekend

Heading to a beach campsite or a surf spot at Cooloola this long weekend? Check tide times and plan your Teewah Beach drive within two hours of low tide so you and your vehicle don’t end up in strife.
21 Jan 2020: Yeppoon barrel investigation update

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is investigating the discovery of four 44-gallon drums in bushland off Iwasaki Road at Yeppoon.
20 Jan 2020: Lifting of state-wide fire ban in parks and forests

The Deputy Director-General of the Department of Environment and Science (Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnerships Division) has announced the lifting of the state-wide fire ban for all of Queensland’s national parks and forests, effective today.
20 Jan 2020: Crocodile injured by arrow euthanised

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is seeking public information after a large estuarine crocodile had to be euthanised after being found with a metal arrow lodged in its back and other injuries to its head and neck.
16 Jan 2020: Fitzroy River crocodile targeted for removal

Wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) will set a trap to capture a large crocodile that was recently seen taking a discarded shark carcass from the North Rockhampton Boat Ramp.
13 Jan 2020: Crocodile spotted in Lake Placid

A two-metre crocodile has been targeted for removal from Lake Placid, near Cairns.
13 Jan 2020: Boaties reminded to go slow for those below

Boaties and fishers are reminded to slow down for marine wildlife after a man was fined for going too fast in a “go slow” zone in the Moreton Bay Marine Park.
13 Jan 2020: Strand crocodile targeted for removal

Wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) have set a trap to capture an estimated 3 metre crocodile believed to be the same animal observed near the Strand on Saturday 11 January.
9 Jan 2020: Great Barrier Reef visitors urged to Be Reef Smart

With thousands of people enjoying the Great Barrier Reef during the summer holidays, visitors are reminded to follow responsible Reef practices when out on the water or visiting islands.

2019

December

24 Dec 2019: Yeppoon pollution event - update

Test results by the Department of Environment and Science (DES) have revealed no further evidence of contamination in a wetland at Sandy Point Road at Yeppoon.
24 Dec 2019: Ten ways to reduce your waste these holidays

Queenslanders are being encouraged to think about things they can do to reduce their impact on the environment this festive season.
24 Dec 2019: Play it safe in parks and forests this summer

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers are ready to welcome campers over the Christmas-New Year break and encourage visitors to check park alerts while planning their trips.
24 Dec 2019: Boaties reminded to go slow for those below

Boaties are being urged to slow down for marine wildlife this summer as if they keep a good lookout and “go slow for those below” they can help protect turtles and dugong.
24 Dec 2019: Cassowaries – ancient, wonderful and dangerous

As the Christmas holidays approach, it is important not to be lulled into a false sense of security by the majestic beauty of our wet tropical rainforests.
16 Dec 2019: Freshwater campground closed due to fire

The Freshwater campground in Cooloola Recreation Area, Great Sandy National Park is closed due to an active wildfire.
13 Dec 2019: Sunshine Coast camping spaces reduced due to drought

National park and State forest camping areas in the Sunshine Coast hinterland will be operating at reduced capacity over the Christmas period, because of a water supply shortage.
13 Dec 2019: Motorist urged to stay on track when visiting Minjerribah

Rangers on Minjerribah will be undertaking regular patrols during the school holidays with a strong focus on illegal motor bike use and unsafe use of motor vehicles.
11 Dec 2019: K'gari dingo humanely euthanised

The dingo responsible for biting an eight year old boy on K’gari (Fraser Island) on December 7 has been humanely euthanised.
9 Dec 2019: Yeppoon barrel investigation update

Test results have shown the levels of hydrocarbon contaminants in a wetland at Sandy Point Road at Yeppoon have decreased.
2 Dec 2019: Twelve turtles returned to Reef thanks to partnership

12 additional green turtles now call the Great Barrier Reef home thanks to a partnership between the Department of Environment and Science (DES), the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Marine Park Authority) and James Cook University (JCU).

November

22 Nov 2019: Sections of Moreton Island reopens to campers

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has today confirmed the reopening of some sections of Moreton Island to visitors and campers following the recent wildfire event.
13 Nov 2019: Crocodile euthanised at Captain Billy’s Landing

Wildlife officers have located and humanely euthanised a crocodile that attacked an off-duty Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) ranger on November 10 just north of Captain Billy’s Landing.
11 Nov 2019: Off-duty ranger attacked by crocodile

Yesterday afternoon an off-duty ranger from Heathlands in far north Queensland was attacked by a crocodile.

October

17 Oct 2019: GDEMP approved

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) approved Adani's Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Management Plan (GDEMP) today (13 June 2019).

September

25 Sep 2019: Teewah camping partial reopening

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) will partially open the Teewah Beach Camping Area from the morning of Friday 27 September 2019.

August

6 Aug 2019: Magnetic Island rangers prepare for fire season

Magnetic Island rangers are preparing for the upcoming fire season and will undertake a series of planned burns over the coming months.

July

5 Jul 2019: High tides and high waves mean high risk for beach drivers

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) are reminding visitors to keep safe when driving on popular beaches along the Queensland coastline this weekend and remember if you drive on the dunes you risk an on-the-spot fine of more than $200.

May

31 May 2019: Black-Throated Finch Management Plan approved

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) approved Adani's Black-Throated Finch Management Plan (BTFMP) today (31 May).
30 May 2019: Planned burns continue in central and western Queensland national parks

As temperatures drop, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is rising to the challenge of leading planned burns across central and western Queensland.
29 May 2019: Planned burns in northern national parks

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has commenced its early dry season burning program across parks and reserves from Townsville to Cape York and west to the Gulf of Carpentaria.

April

16 Apr 2019: Don't let Easter high tides become high water trouble

High tides associated with a full moon are well-known features of the Easter period and they are also well-known for putting people in danger and submerging their vehicles.
5 Apr 2019: Girraween National Park is re-opening most walking tracks and camping areas for Easter

Most walking tracks and camping areas at Girraween National Park south of Stanthorpe will re-open before Easter, following the recent wildfire and water shortage issues.

March

15 Mar 2019: Cardwell crocodile death update

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Department of Environment and Science (DES) are investigating the suspicious death of an icon crocodile at Cardwell, in far north Queensland.
3 Mar 2019: Fraser Island dingo update

QPWS rangers on K'gari (Fraser Island) have captured the second dingo identified in the attack on Thursday evening (28 February) near Eurong Beach.
1 Mar 2019: Fraser Island dingo incident update

QPWS rangers on K'gari (Fraser Island) have identified two dingoes who attacked three people on Thursday evening (28 February) near Eurong Beach.
1 Mar 2019: Fraser Island dingo incident

Visitors to K'gari (Fraser Island) are reminded to be dingo safe after two people, a woman and boy, were bitten on Thursday evening (28 February) near Eurong Beach.

February

18 Feb 2019: Adani BTFMP review report finalised

The independent scientific review of Adani's Black-throated Finch Management Plan (BTFMP) has been finalised.
18 Feb 2019: Report all freshwater crocodile sightings - Townsville

The Department of Environment and Science is asking Townsville residents to report all sightings of freshwater crocodiles that were displaced by the flood event.
15 Feb 2019: BTFMP review will ensure best science for Black-throated finch conservation

The review of Adani's Black-throated finch management plan (BTFMP) by independent experts will ensure the plan is based on the best available science.
13 Feb 2019: Abbot Point water sampling results received

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) today (13 February) received results from water testing the department undertook at the Abbot Point coal terminal on 8 February.
8 Feb 2019: Abbot Point Coal Terminal release into Caley Valley

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has been advised by Abbot Point Coal Terminal of a release of stormwater from an authorised release point into the Caley Valley Wetland.
7 Feb 2019: Safety for Queensland park and forest visitors during the Wet

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers are urging people to stay out of flooded streams in national parks and State forests and be aware of changed conditions.

January

25 Jan 2019: Drivers warned to stay off the dunes at Cooloola

Beach drivers at Cooloola north of Noosa are being warned to stay off the dunes as high tides threaten to make Teewah Beach impassable at times during the Australia Day long weekend.
24 Jan 2019: 'Icon' crocodile had to be removed from the wild at Proserpine

Department of Environment and Science (DES) Wildlife Officers have urged people not to feed crocodiles after removing a 4.5m crocodile from the Proserpine River.
21 Jan 2019: Dingo incident, Fraser Island

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) Rangers are continuing to monitor a pack of dingoes on K'gari (Fraser Island) after a six-year old boy was bitten.
21 Jan 2019: Expert review of the Black-Throated Finch Management Plan and Adani

The location of Adani's proposed Carmichael Coal Mine hosts the largest and most significant known population of the Black-Throated Finch in Australia.
21 Jan 2019: Share the love, not your rubbish, on Australia Day

Experiencing what the unique Atherton Tableland parks and forests have to offer is a great way to spend the Australia Day long weekend.
18 Jan 2019: Wildlife officers observe crocs in Fitzroy River

Department of Environment and Science (DES) wildlife officers have set traps for a 3-metre crocodile they observed in the Fitzroy River, near Rockhampton.
2 Jan 2019: Adani BTFMP and GDEMP

Two plans are yet to be approved before any significant disturbance can commence at the Carmichael Coal Mine.

2018

December

19 Dec 2018: Check tides and beach conditions at Cooloola

Big tides are likely to make Teewah Beach north of Noosa impassable at times during the Christmas / New Year break, and drivers are being reminded the dunes are not an alternative route.
12 Dec 2018: Watch out for crocodiles and snakes in floodwaters

Heavy rain in parts of far north Queensland means crocodiles and snakes could turn up unexpectedly in flooded areas.
4 Dec 2018: Park damage and recovery after fires

Queensland has experienced significant environmental damage following unprecedented bushfires.
3 Dec 2018: Deepwater and Eurimbula national parks remains closed

All national parks and State forests in the Agnes Water area remain closed including Deepwater and Eurimbula national parks.
3 Dec 2018: Eungella National Park and greater area closed due to wildfires

Eungella National Park, Mackay Highlands Great Walk, Crediton, Cathu and Mia Mia State Forests have been temporarily closed due to wildfires.

November

8 Nov 2018: Environmental vandalism – damage to rock surface, Mount Ngungun, Glass House Mountains National Park

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) takes the vandalism of Queensland's protected areas very seriously, and strong penalties do apply.

October

25 Oct 2018: US commercialisation expert wins QLD life sciences competition

A Californian commercialisation specialist will share his expertise with Australia's life sciences industry after winning his way to the upcoming AusBiotech National Conference, in Brisbane from 31 October to 2 November.

September

25 Sep 2018: Update: Inskip nearshore landslip

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers have inspected the nearshore landslip site again this morning (25 September 2018) and will continue to monitor the area.
24 Sep 2018: Inskip Point nearshore landslip

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers are monitoring erosion which has occurred overnight (Sunday 23 to Monday 24 September 2018) at Inskip Point.
19 Sep 2018: Crocodile management zone changed in Cairns Regional Council area

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) will amend the Crocodile Management Plan's zoning area near Babinda.
5 Sep 2018: Abbot Point Bulkcoal charged over Abbot Point sediment water discharge

The environmental regulator has taken further action against Abbot Point Bulkcoal Pty Ltd (APBC) over an unauthorised discharge of sediment water from the Abbot Point coal terminal during Cyclone Debbie.

August

29 Aug 2018: Upgrade for Mount Coolum summit trail

The summit viewing area and top section of the Mount Coolum National Park walking track will be closed to the public between 7am and 5pm weekdays from Wednesday 29 August to Friday 16 November 2018, due to upgrade works.
3 Aug 2018: Freshwater crocodile spotted in Bowen lagoon

Wildlife officers are urging people in Bowen to be vigilant but not alarmed if they see a small crocodile in Mullers Lagoon.

July

19 Jul 2018: Beekeeping in State forests and national parks

Thousands of apiary sites are permitted on Queensland's State forests. The Queensland Government has no plans to discontinue beekeepers' access to these sites. Beekeeping on State forests is enshrined in Queensland legislation.
17 Jul 2018: Drought forces temporary closure at Girraween

Camping areas in Girraween National Park south of Stanthorpe are closed temporarily, until further notice, due to shortage of water supply to the campgrounds.
9 Jul 2018: Dingo incidents in Eurong area lead to euthanasia

On 2 July 2018, a dingo was euthanised on K'gari (Fraser Island) after a series of aggressive incidents occurred on the beach. The incidents included biting a woman near Lake Wabby on 30 June, biting a child at Eurong on 1 July 2018 and aggressive behaviour towards a female backpacker at Eurong on 2 July 2018.

June

26 Jun 2018: Have your say on the keeping and trading of protected animals in Queensland

Queenslanders are invited to have their say on a review of how the state's protected birds, reptiles, mammals, insects and amphibians are managed through the wildlife licensing system, with submissions closing at 5pm on 29 June 2018.
22 Jun 2018: Frankland and North Barnard islands reopen after control work

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has completed its work to control black rats in the Frankland and North Barnard Islands Groups National Parks south-east of Cairns, with no interruption to diving and snorkelling tours during the work.

May

31 May 2018: Frankland and North Barnard Island Group National Parks Pest Management Program

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) will carry out a Pest Management Program in the Frankland and North Barnard Island Group National Parks for the control of black rats (Rattus rattus) between Monday 28 May 2018 and Friday 15 June 2018, weather permitting.