Media releases

Media releases from the Department of Environment and Science.

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September 2022

20 Sep 2022: Share the water on the humpback highway these school holidays

With tens of thousands of whales set to make their way south on the humpback highway these school holidays, the Department of Environment and Science (DES) is reminding boaties, fishers and jet ski-users to share the water, or risk a hefty fine.
16 Sep 2022: Man fined for taking timber from Pinnacles Reserve

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has issued a $1,437 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) to a man who allegedly removed a trailer load of timber from the Pinnacles Reserve at Gumlow, near Townsville.
14 Sep 2022: Commercial fisher fined

A commercial fisher has been fined $12,500 after being found guilty of wilfully entering or using a marine park for a prohibited purpose.
12 Sep 2022: Three-metre crocodile removed from Althaus Creek landing, Saunders Beach

A 3.2 metre estuarine crocodile that was approaching fishers and boats at Saunders Beach, north of Townsville, has been removed by wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES).
11 Sep 2022: Queensland’s bilby boom result of positive partnership projects

Queensland’s bilby population is improving in hops and bounds, thanks to the ongoing collaborative work between the Department of Environment and Science (DES) and Save the Bilby Fund (STBF).

August 2022

31 Aug 2022: Batavia coins to be returned to rightful home

Four stolen coins that made their way to Queensland from a notorious shipwreck off Australia’s west coast will be returned to the Western Australian Museum.
30 Aug 2022: North West Island mice infestation eradicated

A meticulous long-term mouse eradication program using a helicopter, Black Trakka trapping tunnels and peanut butter on North West Island in the Capricornia Cays National Park has been declared a success.
23 Aug 2022: Rangers tyred of cleaning up after grubs

Rangers from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) were dismayed by the amount of rubbish during a recent clean-up of bushland at the base of the Burra Range Lookout, within White Mountains National Park.
19 Aug 2022: Bowerbird deaths linked to poison

Residents in the Mount Tamborine region are asked to stop using blue snail pellets after the deaths of a number of male and female regent bowerbirds.
19 Aug 2022: Fine issued for feeding wongari

A Brisbane man who allegedly fed a wongari (dingo) on K’gari (Fraser Island) at Hook Point has been issued with a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN).
9 Aug 2022: Wongari videos show correct avoidance technique

Two videos of an interaction between a dominance-testing wongari (dingo) and tourists on K’gari (Fraser Island) have shown the correct way people should react to prevent an escalation in behaviour.
4 Aug 2022: Searchlight Fortifications, Bribie Island National Park

In the interest of public safety, the Department of Environment and Science (DES) has made the difficult decision to collapse parts of the Northern and Southern searchlight fortifications remains within Bribie Island National Park, following the increased corrosion of the structures as a result of recent severe weather.
3 Aug 2022: Monumental Mojo mourned

It is with great sadness that David Fleay Wildlife Park announces the passing of Mojo, an older male estuarine crocodile who was a monumental educational ambassador in Queensland.
2 Aug 2022: Maaroom kangaroos in residential areas

Residents at Maaroom on the Fraser Coast are urged to keep their distance from local kangaroos following attacks in the past year.

July 2022

28 Jul 2022: Westray's grave site vandalism

A 10-kilogram staghorn fern and birds nest ferns have been used to conceal environmental vandalism at Westray's grave site in Lamington National Park.
28 Jul 2022: Paradise Lake crocodile captured – Townsville

A crocodile that was recently observed basking near Townsville’s Mercure Resort has been captured by wildlife officers by slipping a noose over its snout.
21 Jul 2022: Fines issued for unlawfully dumped Cooloola kitchen

The person who allegedly dumped an old kitchen in the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park has been fined more than $3,600 following a thorough investigation.
19 Jul 2022: Clean-up notice, Molendinar

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has issued a clean-up notice to a Gold Coast-based waste management operator following a significant fire at the industrial site last week.
15 Jul 2022: Fish frames form a dangerous feed at boat ramps

Fishers who don’t dispose of fish frames or bait properly and discard them around boat ramps are putting people at risk by leaving a free feed for crocodiles.
15 Jul 2022: Don’t be seal-y around seals

Two seals that have been frolicking in the surf on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast could stay in the area for weeks, and locals are advised to give them space.
14 Jul 2022: Glass House Mountain vandals search

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is asking for public assistance to identify the people responsible for recent bouts of vandalism, including fireworks, at the Glass House Mountains lookout.
14 Jul 2022: Fine issued for environmental vandalism – Gold Coast

A man who admitted to thirteen incidents of environmental vandalism at Westray’s Grave site in Lamington National Park has been fined $551 by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).
13 Jul 2022: Native Vegetation Scientific Expert Panel

An independent panel of experts has been established to review the factors behind land clearing identified in the latest Statewide Land and Trees Study (SLATS) report and identify positive solutions that will better protect Queensland’s biodiversity without compromising economic productivity.
11 Jul 2022: Bowling Green Bay National Park rubbish investigation

Broken roofing tiles, discarded insulation and empty drink bottles can usually be found on a construction site, but rangers were disgusted to find them in the Bowling Green Bay National Park.

June 2022

28 Jun 2022: New Acland stage three expansion EA approved

In accordance with the recommendations of the Land Court decision and the Coordinator-General, the independent regulator has approved an amended Environmental Authority (EA) for the proposed third stage of the New Acland project.
28 Jun 2022: Seized macropods rehomed at zoo

Two macropods that were being kept illegally by an unlicensed wildlife carer have been given a new home at a Rockhampton zoo following an investigation by wildlife officers.
23 Jun 2022: DES enforceable undertaking

New Acland Coal has agreed to amend final land use rehabilitation standards over approximately 100 hectares of land from grazing to a vegetated habitat.
22 Jun 2022: Heads up for pups - Be dingo-safe! these winter holidays

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is reminding visitors to World Heritage-listed island K’gari (Fraser Island) to Be dingo-safe! and keep a heads up for wongari pups these winter holidays.
17 Jun 2022: Seized sea snake set free – with its baby

Two olive sea snakes have been released into the ocean off Hervey Bay following a tip-off, a live birth, an investigation and a seizure.
17 Jun 2022: Compost company fined

A Dalby composting business has been fined $13,785 for failing to install impervious barriers to help prevent harm to the surrounding environment.
9 Jun 2022: Fine issued for rubbish dumped at Tewantin

A person who allegedly dumped a large amount of household waste in the Tewantin National Park has been issued with a $2,205 fine by the Queensland Department of Environment and Science.
3 Jun 2022: Boodjamulla freshwater crocodile update

Following a thorough investigation by wildlife officers, the freshwater crocodile at Boodjamulla National Park on 15 May 2022 will not be removed from the wild.
3 Jun 2022: Buyer beware birds of a feather

When it comes to the illegal trade of wildlife, buyers and sellers are not birds of a feather and though they might make a deal, they don’t always flock together.
3 Jun 2022: Warrina Lakes crocodile update

A crocodile that took up residency at the Warrina Lakes Botanical Gardens in Innisfail was captured and removed last night by wildlife officers.
3 Jun 2022: Rangers working to repair and re-open Bribie following floods

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is working to repair damage to the Bribie Island foreshore following the severe rainfall and floods in May.

May 2022

23 May 2022: World Turtle Day – check the permits are fine or pay a fine

Owners of freshwater turtles often say they make great pets because they don’t need a backyard, they don’t bark at the postie and they don’t need a lot of food.
23 May 2022: Cat on K’gari means trouble for owner

Social media users who follow various pages dedicated to K’gari (Fraser Island) have alerted the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) about posts featuring an orange and white domestic cat with a fluffy tail on the island.
3 May 2022: Major recovery works begin in Burleigh Head National Park

Major scaling works have begun in Burleigh Head National Park, as Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and contractors begin the complex task of the safe removal of almost 30 boulders and other debris from the slope above the popular Oceanview Walking Track.

April 2022

30 Apr 2022: New mountainfrog species identified in Southeast Queensland

Ecologists from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) and researchers from the University of Newcastle, Southern Cross University, CSIRO and the South Australian Museum have uncovered a new species of mountainfrog; Philoria knowlesi, in Queensland’s south-east, and are now working to protect its habitat.
22 Apr 2022: Feisty two-metre crocodile removed from Kurrimine

A two-metre crocodile that was hanging around a caravan park and boat ramp at Kurrimine Beach in far north Queensland has been removed from the wild.
22 Apr 2022: Beach driving – there’s no fun in a fatality

Rangers patrolling beaches in the Great Sandy Strait are warning drivers there will be a serious injury or fatality after eleven beach rollovers during the Easter long weekend.
22 Apr 2022: Rangers asking for improved parks behaviour

Poor behaviour in national parks and State forests is putting lives at risk, with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) issuing 21 fines over the Easter weekend in the Lockyer Valley and at Main Range.
22 Apr 2022: Stay clear of recovery works, Burleigh Head National Park

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is reminding visitors to obey all temporary closures for their own safety, as rangers ramp up recovery efforts in Burleigh Head National Park following the severe rainfall and floods in February.
14 Apr 2022: Don’t go bush for firewood

As Queensland shifts from summer to autumn, people who dust off their potbelly or fire pit are reminded that timber from State forests and national parks cannot be collected and used as firewood.
13 Apr 2022: Illegal dumping in the Great Sandy National Park

During a routine patrol of the Great Sandy National Park, rangers were dismayed to find a pile of domestic construction waste had been dumped along a firebreak.
8 Apr 2022: Clean-up continues at Ipswich facility

The latest air quality monitoring samples analysed at Cleanaway New Chum landfill site have not identified the presence of air pollutants that could impact on human health.
5 Apr 2022: Go slow for those below in flood-affected waters

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is urging boaties to ‘go slow for those below’ these Easter holidays, as marine animals may be harder to see in flood-affected waters.
1 Apr 2022: North West Island special activity area

With the camping area on North West Island about to reopen for the Easter holidays, visitors are reminded to be SharkSmart to reduce the risk of shark bites.
1 Apr 2022: Odour at Ipswich

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has increased inspections of waste operators in the Swanbank area following the recent floods to deal with excess water and odour issues.
1 Apr 2022: Wongari on the move looking for mates

Residents and visitors to K’gari (Fraser Island) are reminded to be dingo-safe during the school holidays as the island’s wongari (dingo) wander about looking for a mate.

March 2022

31 Mar 2022: Speargun survivor turtle released back to Boonooroo beach

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers and volunteers from Turtles in Trouble Fraser Coast have released a green turtle back to its natural habitat on the Fraser Coast following its recovery from a speargun injury.
31 Mar 2022: Man fined for felling 113 trees in national park

A man has been fined $15,000 by the Cooktown Magistrates Court over the felling of 113 old-growth trees in the Rinyirru National Park (Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land) in far north Queensland.
30 Mar 2022: Covert investigation leads to hefty fine for illegal crabbers

Two fishers have received a total of $20,131 in fines and costs for illegally crabbing in a Moreton Bay Marine Park ‘green zone’ as a result of a joint operation between Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP).
23 Mar 2022: Newry Islands National Park amenities upgrade protects Reef

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has invested $180,000 in upgrades to amenities in Newry Islands National Park off the coast of Mackay, protecting the Great Barrier Reef and culturally significant areas while ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for visitors.
15 Mar 2022: Keep calm and carry on to Fort Lytton this Easter

School-aged children visiting Fort Lytton National Park this Easter will be transported back to war-time Brisbane as part of a fun, new hands-on school holiday activity that uses drama to portray the critical role women played in the Australian army.
4 Mar 2022: Fine for illegally keeping crocodile - Townsville

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) welcomes the $3,000 fine handed down today in the Townsville Magistrates Court to a man who pleaded guilty to keeping a crocodile suspected of being illegally taken from the wild.
2 Mar 2022: DES monitors Petrie pond wall

The Department of Environment (DES) is monitoring a pond wall holding contaminated water and sludge on the banks of the North Pine River.
1 Mar 2022: Watch out for wildlife in flood-affected areas

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is urging residents in flood-affected areas to watch out for wildlife while cleaning up after the recent South East Queensland Rainfall and Flooding event.

February 2022

25 Feb 2022: Wildlife officers hone their skills to catch a croc

When it comes to managing crocodiles, wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) need to be on top of their game.
21 Feb 2022: Jordan looking for some koala-ity time

A gentle-natured rescue koala by the name of Jordan is on loan to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for the next 12 months to help boost his socialisation skills and fulfill his natural breeding behaviour.
15 Feb 2022: DES investigates large crocodile, Zilzie (Rockhampton area)

Wildlife Officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) are reminding residents to be Crocwise while in Croc Country following reports of a large estuarine crocodile sighted near swimmers at Zilzie, east of Rockhampton.
15 Feb 2022: Problem crocodile removed from wild, Cordelia (Ingham area)

Wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) have captured and removed a 3.8 metre estuarine crocodile from the Herbert River at Cordelia, near Ingham, North Queensland.
10 Feb 2022: Fines to be handed down after state forest safety blitz

Dozens of vehicle owners who illegally entered Danbulla State Forest recently can expect to receive fines following a safety blitz by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).
10 Feb 2022: Last chance to get your tickets to turtle-y amazing show

Tickets to the hottest show in town are still available but visitors to the Bundaberg region are urged to get in quick to avoid missing out on the most turtle-y amazing experience.
9 Feb 2022: Iconic croc removed from the wild, Cooktown

Wildlife Officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) have captured and removed a 4.3 metre estuarine crocodile from the Endeavour River at Cooktown.
8 Feb 2022: Double Island Point campfire seconds away from escalating

Another unlawful campfire at Double Island Point by campers without a permit, and another bushfire narrowly avoided.
2 Feb 2022: Fines issued for feeding crocodiles

Members of the public are reminded that deliberately feeding crocodiles can put lives at risk, with seven people fined for this foolish behaviour in a single incident last year.
1 Feb 2022: F-ery important croc safety news for barra season

Boaties are being reminded to heed the very important ‘croc wise’ safety messaging as barramundi season kicks off today around the state.

January 2022

31 Jan 2022: Unlawful campfire and alleged arson on K’gari

Swift action by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and the Rural Fire Service (RFS) has prevented a potentially devastating bushfire near the Marloo camping area in the northern end of K’gari (Fraser Island).
31 Jan 2022: Ongoing works, Noosa National Park Coastal Walk

A section of the Noosa National Park Coastal Walk will be temporarily closed as the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) undertakes work to upgrade the track and reduce the impact of visitors to the park.
25 Jan 2022: Increase in native hawkmoths, Heron Island

Visitors and staff at Heron Island may notice an increase in numbers of the Australian native hawkmoths and hawkmoth caterpillars on the island over the next few weeks.
21 Jan 2022: Deceased native birds, multiple locations - investigation

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is appealing for public assistance following several reports of deceased native birds from locations in the Central Queensland and Brisbane areas over the past month.
18 Jan 2022: Have your say on the draft Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park management plan

Queenslanders are invited to have their say on the future management of one of the state’s most scenic and remote national parks – Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park.

Previous years

Releases from previous years: