2020 media releases

    December 2020

    21 Dec 2020

    Go slow for those below

    With summer in full swing and plenty of boaties taking advantage of our waterways, it’s a timely reminder to ‘go slow for those below’.

    18 Dec 2020

    QAL Found Guilty of Environmental Offences

    Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) has been fined $500,000, one of the largest penalties for an environmental breach in Queensland, after pleading guilty to one offence of unlawfully causing serious environmental harm, and one offence of contravening a condition of an Environmental Authority (EA).

    17 Dec 2020

    Check park alerts if planning Gold Coast hinterland visits

    While it’s tempting to seek out waterfalls in the Gold Coast hinterland after the recent rain event, visitors should check park alerts and road conditions before heading to the mountains for a bushwalk or picnic.

    16 Dec 2020

    Third Gulf property now part of Flyway Site Network

    One of Queensland’s most important migratory shorebird areas, the South-East Gulf of Carpentaria, has been recognised as an important migratory shorebird stop on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.

    14 Dec 2020

    Tourists to return to K'gari following bushfire

    Tourist accommodation providers on K’gari-Fraser Island have been given the green light to welcome guests for Christmas following the recent bushfire, with access restrictions to be lifted from tomorrow.

    14 Dec 2020

    Bribie Island erosion

    The northern section of Bribie Island has eroded due to unusually high tides and large waves associated with the weather system currently affecting Queensland east coast.

    11 Dec 2020

    National Park visitors asked to consider severe weather

    Plans to visit National Parks in south-east Queensland should be reconsidered due to severe weather developing over the weekend.

    9 Dec 2020

    Dolphin freed after days trapped in rock pool

    A 2m in-shore bottlenose dolphin was freed from a small rock pool/lagoon at Flat Rock off Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) yesterday in a collaborative rescue mission spanning three days and involving three agencies.

    Downloadable multimedia

    2 Dec 2020

    Temporary closure of Inskip camping areas

    Queensland Health has advised the Department of Environment and Science (DES) to temporarily close the MV Sarawak and MV Sarawak West camping areas at Inskip Point following concerns over a gastrointestinal illness.

    1 Dec 2020

    K’gari fire

    QPWS has conducted significant fire mitigation on K’gari (Fraser Island), with planned burns averaging approximately 13,000 hectares per year over the last five years.

    November 2020

    30 Nov 2020

    National Park visitors asked to consider heatwave

    Visitors to National Parks in parts of southern Queensland should consider whether it is appropriate to undertake high intensity physical activity during expected heatwave conditions over the next few days.

    27 Nov 2020

    No new visitors to K'gari (Fraser Island)

    Access to K’gari (Fraser Island) has been restricted to further visitors in the interests of public safety due to a bushfire which continues to burn across 72,000 hectares (42 per cent) of the island.

    25 Nov 2020

    Update on Fraser Island bushfire

    The changed wind conditions from the north to the south east have this morning brought some welcome relief to the firefighting efforts on K’gari (Fraser Island).

    20 Nov 2020

    Schoolies Week 2020 – Cooloola Coast

    Visitors to the Cooloola Coast can expect an increased police and ranger presence around camp sites and beaches over the next week with the region expected to be a popular destination for school leavers during Schoolies Week 2020.

    15 Nov 2020

    K’gari fire update (Sunday)

    A fire that started on 14 October 2020 on K’gari (Fraser Island) is continuing to burn in bushland.

    13 Nov 2020

    Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre

    Wildlife officers have today conducted a site inspection of a rehabilitation centre on Quoin Island near Gladstone to assess the health of 11 turtles amid concerns around the centre’s operation.

    Downloadable multimedia

    12 Nov 2020

    Be safe in Queensland’s National Parks during Schoolies

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is reminding visitors and campers to Queensland’s national parks and state forests during Schoolies Week to behave responsibly and respect your fellow campers.

    Downloadable multimedia

    12 Nov 2020

    Bilby populations booming at Currawinya

    Recent heavy rains and favourable weather conditions have resulted in a booming bilby population at the 2500-hectare enclosure at Currawinya National Park, with numbers estimated to be 3-4 times the initial release group.

    Downloadable multimedia

    10 Nov 2020

    Babinda icon croc euthanised

    Wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) and local vets closely monitored the health and condition of a 5 metre ‘icon’ crocodile following its capture at Babinda in September 2020.

    4 Nov 2020

    Bells toll to welcome the first nesting turtles

    The sound of bells tolling has echoed across Bundaberg today to shell-abrate the arrival of the first nesting turtle of the season at Mon Repos.

    Downloadable multimedia

    4 Nov 2020

    K’gari fire update

    A fire is continuing to burn in bushland on the northern part of K’gari (Fraser Island).

    3 Nov 2020

    Book your camping spot now for Christmas

    The popularity of Queensland national parks is at record levels, and anyone considering camping during the upcoming Christmas school holidays is advised to book early to be assured of a spot to pitch their tent.

    October 2020

    30 Oct 2020

    DES investigates crocodile with mouth taped shut

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is appealing for public information following a recent report of a freshwater crocodile swimming with its mouth taped shut in the Mitchell River at Mt Carbine.

    30 Oct 2020

    Queensland’s spookiest animals prepare for Halloween

    It’s not just Queensland kids getting ready for Halloween – some of our spookiest animals are also preparing for the most frightful night of the year.

    28 Oct 2020

    Whale strike, Peel Island

    Two Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) vessels are out on Moreton Bay this morning searching for a whale that is reported to have been unintentionally struck by a vessel yesterday.

    Downloadable multimedia

    28 Oct 2020

    Dismembered dugong investigation

    The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is investigating the discovery of a deceased dugong in the Cape Pallerenda Conservation Park.

    22 Oct 2020

    Concern for critically endangered plant after illegal clearing

    The Department of Environment and Science is responding to reports of unlawful clearing of critically endangered black grevillea plants near Stanthorpe.

    20 Oct 2020

    Croc captured in Peter Faust Dam

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is investigating after a fisherman captured a 1.7m estuarine crocodile from Peter Faust Dam at Proserpine and took it home.

    16 Oct 2020

    Rangers appeal for safe behaviour at Crows Nest National Park

    Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is urging visitors to Crows Nest National Park, north of Toowoomba, to stay safe this summer by steering clear of the waterhole below the falls.

    15 Oct 2020

    K’gari wildfire

    Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers are closely monitoring a fire burning on the northern end of K’gari (Fraser Island).

    14 Oct 2020

    Public advised to call in an animal stranding

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has received more than 450 reports of marine animals being either sick, injured, stranded or deceased in Queensland this year prompting DES to remind the public to call the DES Hotline 1300 130 372.

    12 Oct 2020

    Tickets selling fast as Mon Repos opens doors for turtle tours

    World-leading turtle-education and conservation centre, Mon Repos, will open its doors once again this summer and invite visitors to dive into a turtle-y amazing experience.

    September 2020

    28 Sep 2020

    The facts about the Palm Cover crocodile sightings

    Department of Environment and Science (DES) wildlife officers received a report of a possible crocodile attack on a dog at Palm Cove Beach on Wednesday 23 September, and a further sighting report today (28 September).

    27 Sep 2020

    Crocodile euthanised at Lizard Island

    This morning, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) wildlife officers humanely euthanised a small estuarine crocodile just off the headland near Anchor Bay, Lizard Island.

    26 Sep 2020

    Research to help celebrate World Cassowary Day

    To help celebrate World Cassowary Day, the Department of Environment and Science (DES) is building a new cassowary rehabilitation enclosure and researching new methods to reduce the number of cassowaries struck by vehicles.

    25 Sep 2020

    Two people fined in court for dingo offences

    A man and a woman from New South Wales have been fined in the Maryborough Magistrates Court for a number of offences, including feeding and disturbing dingoes on K’gari (Fraser Island).

    24 Sep 2020

    Crocodile attack – Lizard Island

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is investigating a report of an estuarine crocodile attack on a man, on 23 September 2020 in Anchor Bay – offshore from the Lizard Island resort.

    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.

    18 Sep 2020

    Landmark national park management plan for Minjerribah

    A landmark plan to conserve Minjerribah’s (North Stradbroke Island) protected areas has been approved by the Queensland Government and the island’s Traditional Owners – the state’s first jointly developed national park management plan.

    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.

    Downloadable multimedia

    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 2020

    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.

    Downloadable multimedia

    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 2020

    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.

    Downloadable multimedia

    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.

    Downloadable multimedia

    June 2020

    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.

    Downloadable multimedia

    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.

    Downloadable multimedia

    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 2020

    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 2020

    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 2020

    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 2020

    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 2020

    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

    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.

    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.

    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.