2021 media releases

    December 2021

    21 Dec 2021

    The QWildlife app – a Christmas gift in croc country

    Locals and visitors to North Queensland are playing a vital role in helping to keep people save in ‘Croc country’ thanks to a new wildlife app that records real-time information on recent crocodile sightings.

    20 Dec 2021

    Mon Repos to cater for more on tour come 2022

    The Mon Repos Turtle Centre will cater for more participants on its nightly turtle tours from January 2022.

    20 Dec 2021

    Waste operators fined $36,000

    Two companies conducting a waste disposal operation at Gracemere were fined a total of $36,000 in the Rockhampton Magistrates Court on Tuesday 14 December.

    16 Dec 2021

    Go slow for those below

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

    14 Dec 2021

    Bushfire in the Mooloolah River National Park

    A bushfire is currently burning in the Mooloolah River National Park near Sippy Downs on the Sunshine Coast.

    14 Dec 2021

    Festive treats in store for nature-based activities

    Queensland is certainly not short on great visitor attractions over the school holidays with a festive line up in store for families.

    13 Dec 2021

    Snappy – a wildlife ambassador with an unknown backstory

    He has grown 10cm and gained over 150grams since being found in a Chermside park, and while that doesn’t sound like much, the crocodile known as ‘Snappy’ is also growing stronger.

    10 Dec 2021

    13 penalty infringement notices issued at Teewah

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is disappointed with the behaviour of some visitors to Teewah after 13 penalty infringement notices (PINS) were issued for various offences at the weekend.

    3 Dec 2021

    Wongari offence investigation

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is investigating an alleged wongari (dingo) offence on K’gari (Fraser Island).

    November 2021

    30 Nov 2021

    Pollution event – Eagle Farm

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is seeking public assistance following investigations into a pollution event at Eagle Farm.

    26 Nov 2021

    Rolling closures at Inskip Point

    To contain the spread of gastroenteritis, rolling closures of camping areas at Inskip Point will continue as the Department of Environment and Science (DES) prioritises the health and welfare of campers.

    Downloadable multimedia

    26 Nov 2021

    ‘Sweetheart’ koala released after sweet treatment

    A rather portly koala nicknamed “Sweetheart” has been returned to the wild with clear eyes after being treated for conjunctivitis by the RSPCA and the Department of Environment and Science.

    23 Nov 2021

    New thermal cameras in feral fight at Taunton

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is using a new thermal camera to help protect the endangered bridled nail-tailed wallaby from feral cats in Taunton National Park (Scientific).

    Downloadable multimedia

    22 Nov 2021

    Suspended trap getting the drop on feral pigs

    The Department of Environment and Science is trialling a new high-tech suspended trap as part of the ongoing fight to control feral pigs.

    Downloadable multimedia

    9 Nov 2021

    Investigation into Hope Vale crocodile attack

    Wildlife officers have investigated a report that a 60-year-old man was attacked by an estuarine crocodile on the banks of a remote section of the McIvor River, 20km north of Hope Vale, on Cape York Peninsula.

    5 Nov 2021

    Inskip camping numbers reduced

    Camping numbers at Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area campgrounds have been reduced to mitigate the spread of gastro.

    2 Nov 2021

    Give wongari space as K’gari is their place

    It is whelping season on K’gari (Fraser Island), and trail cameras set by the Department of Environment and Science (DES) have captured the young wongari (dingo) pups as they emerge from their dens.

    Downloadable multimedia

    October 2021

    28 Oct 2021

    Carnarvon National Park re-opens

    Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has re-opened Carnarvon National Park following the recent closure due to bushfires.

    28 Oct 2021

    Mowbray River icon croc removed from the wild

    Department of Environment and Science (DES) wildlife officers have captured and removed a 4.3-metre estuarine crocodile from the Upper Mowbray River after it was suspected of taking several weaner calves in the past few months.

    27 Oct 2021

    Reminder to make hygiene a top priority ahead of long weekend

    Campers are being reminded to make hygiene their top priority to help prevent the transmission of any illnesses ahead of the upcoming long weekend for Brisbane residents.

    26 Oct 2021

    Wyalla waste direction notice

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has issued a Direction Notice to a landholder following the discovery of a large amount of waste disposed of on a property at Wyalla, west of Gympie.

    26 Oct 2021

    Landholder cleans up waste after direction notice

    A Kilkivan landholder has removed unlawfully disposed construction and demolition waste from their property following an investigation by the Department of Environment and Science (DES).

    20 Oct 2021

    Carnarvon National Park bushfire

    Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) will be closing the Carnarvon Gorge section of Carnarvon National Park at 3pm tomorrow as a safety precaution due to a bushfire.

    18 Oct 2021

    Problem crocodile removed at Redbank Boat Ramp

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is reminding fishers to properly dispose of fish frames and bait after a 2.2m crocodile was removed from the wild at Redbank Boat Ramp, south of Cairns.

    14 Oct 2021

    Investigation into sick birds inconclusive

    A detailed investigation by the Department of Environment and Science has been unable to definitively determine what caused a large number of black noddies to become unwell and die in the Mackay area recently.

    September 2021

    30 Sep 2021

    Follow the rules – compliance blitz unearths Teewah tools

    Twenty penalty infringement notices (PINs) were handed out to campers at Teewah during a weekend compliance blitz by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).

    29 Sep 2021

    Koala released following fighting injury

    The Department of Environment and Science has released a male koala into bushland at the Gold Coast after he was injured near David Fleays Wildlife Park.

    Downloadable multimedia

    22 Sep 2021

    Campfires are prohibited at Teewah

    The Department of Environment and Science is urging visitors to Teewah to stop lighting campfires after a fire reignited yesterday and almost spread into the dunes.

    22 Sep 2021

    Portable toilets to be mandatory for Teewah Beach camping

    A new portable waste facility has been installed and portable toilets will be mandatory at Teewah Beach from 12 October 2021 with human waste being inappropriately disposed in the area’s natural environment.

    21 Sep 2021

    Mount Bartle Frere landslip fixed

    When a part of the tallest mountain in Queensland slipped down the cliff during a downpour, rangers from the Department of Environment and Science quickly stepped in to get the trail back on track.

    Downloadable multimedia

    17 Sep 2021

    Normal life after collar for wongari on K'gari

    She was a collared wongari (dingo) in the public spotlight after a series of negative interactions on K'gari (Fraser Island), but she has proved that there is a normal life after a collar.

    Downloadable multimedia

    14 Sep 2021

    Turtles released into the wild following rehab

    The Department of Environment and Science and Sea World have released four lucky turtles back into the wild after the animals were treated for a number of issues at Sea World on the Gold Coast.

    Downloadable multimedia

    10 Sep 2021

    Saunders Beach crocodile removed from the wild

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is reminding fishers to properly dispose of fish frames and bait after a 3.8m crocodile had to be removed from the wild near Saunders Beach, north of Townsville.

    Downloadable multimedia

    7 Sep 2021

    30 years research + 50 years protection = 300+ wombats

    Threatened Species Day 2021 is a momentous occasion, highlighted by significant milestones and the major achievement of saving the northern hairy-nosed wombat from the brink of extinction.

    Downloadable multimedia

    3 Sep 2021

    DES investigation into Mackay sick birds - update

    The Department of Environment and Science’s (DES) investigation into what caused a large number of black noddies to become unwell has now shifted its focus away from the Mackay marina.

    2 Sep 2021

    DES investigating sick birds in Mackay marina

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is investigating after a large number of unwell and deceased seabirds were found in the Mackay marina on Tuesday (31 August 2021).

    August 2021

    30 Aug 2021

    Plastic’s had its day, and Hoi Polloi leads the way

    One of Townsville’s most popular espresso bars is leading the way in its move to limit the use of single-use plastics, ahead of the ban on many single-use plastic items that comes into effect on 01 September.

    23 Aug 2021

    Motorbike riders fined – when you ride you can’t hide

    The Department of Environment and Science has fined two trailbike riders for a number of offences after intercepting them in the Wickham Timber Reserve at Yarrabilba.

    Downloadable multimedia

    20 Aug 2021

    Science Week looks beyond the microscope to climate modelling and analysis

    Queensland is looking beyond the microscopes, beakers and Bunsen burners to celebrate the varied aspects of our valued scientists for National Science Week which runs from August 14-22, 2021.

    20 Aug 2021

    Science Week looks beyond the microscope to landscape science

    Queensland is celebrating the varied aspects of our valued scientists for National Science Week which runs from August 14-22, 2021.

    19 Aug 2021

    Science Week looks beyond the microscope to aquatic ecology

    Queensland is looking beyond the microscopes, beakers and Bunsen burners to celebrate the varied aspects of our valued scientists for National Science Week which runs from August 14-22, 2021.

    19 Aug 2021

    Science Week looks beyond the microscope to environmental science

    Queensland is looking beyond the microscopes, beakers and Bunsen burners to celebrate the varied aspects of our valued scientists for National Science Week which runs from August 14-22, 2021.

    18 Aug 2021

    Science Week looks beyond the microscope to vegetation ecology

    Queensland is looking beyond the microscopes, beakers and Bunsen burners to celebrate the varied aspects of our valued scientists for National Science Week which runs from August 14-22, 2021.

    17 Aug 2021

    Science Week looks beyond the microscope to remote sensing technologies

    Queensland is looking beyond the microscopes, beakers and Bunsen burners to celebrate the varied aspects of our valued scientists for National Science Week which runs from August 14-22, 2021.

    16 Aug 2021

    Pastoral company fined for land clearing in state forest

    A pastoral company has been fined $18,000 in the Dalby Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to illegally clearing land in the Kumbarilla State Forest, southwest of Dalby. The company was also ordered to pay $1,500 in legal costs.

    Downloadable multimedia

    16 Aug 2021

    Science Week looks beyond the microscope to wildlife science

    Queensland is looking beyond the microscopes, beakers and Bunsen burners to celebrate the varied aspects of our valued scientists for National Science Week which runs from August 14-22, 2021.

    13 Aug 2021

    Do the right thing at Cooloola!

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is reviewing visitor capacities for the Cooloola Recreation Area following ongoing poor behaviour and unsafe activities by some visitors to Teewah Beach.

    Downloadable multimedia

    13 Aug 2021

    Experience a month in the life of a K’gari wongari

    How does a wongari spend his time on K’gari? According to amazing footage captured by a camera collar, he eats midgym berries, goes for long walks in the bush and on the beach, visits a township and spends plenty of time with his mate.

    Downloadable multimedia

    10 Aug 2021

    Update: Crocodile located, Lockhart River

    Department of Environment and Environment (DES) wildlife officers have located and humanely euthanised the crocodile involved in the non-fatal attack on two men at Portland Roads, near Lockhart River.

    Downloadable multimedia

    6 Aug 2021

    Suspected crocodile incident

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is investigating a suspected crocodile attack on two men on August 6, 2021 in the Lockhart River area of Cape York Peninsula.

    2 Aug 2021

    Changes to South East Queensland National Parks, state forests and visitor centres during COVID lockdown

    Anyone planning on visiting National Parks, state forests, and Queensland Parks and Wildlife (QPWS) visitor centres in south east Queensland should monitor our Park Alerts page following the latest COVID lockdown directive.

    2 Aug 2021

    Resource company fined $60,000

    A coal seam gas company has been fined $60,000 in the Dalby Magistrates Court for the unauthorised release of coal seam gas water from a pump station.

    July 2021

    23 Jul 2021

    Appeal for assistance with dumping investigation

    The department is appealing for public assistance following the discovery of dumped waste in the Townsville Port Access Reserve.

    20 Jul 2021

    Boot-washing stations installed to protect ancient bunya pines

    The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has installed boot-washing stations at walking track entrances in Bunya Mountains National Park to help protect bunya pines for future times from a potentially devastating soil-based disease.

    16 Jul 2021

    Cause for shell-abration

    A massive community effort to rehabilitate three sick juvenile green turtles suffering from floating syndrome has seen the trio successfully released back into the wild – a cause for shell-abration.

    15 Jul 2021

    Crested terns killed on K’gari (Fraser Island)

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is appealing for public help after a person in a four-wheel-drive ran into a flock of shorebirds on K’gari (Fraser Island) on July 12.

    8 Jul 2021

    Stay off the dunes at Byfield National Park

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is asking visitors at Byfield National Park to respect important cultural and ecological sites after recent damage caused by four-wheel drivers.

    7 Jul 2021

    Archerfield car wreckers clean-up site following fine

    An Archerfield car wrecking business that was operating unlawfully has cleaned up an industrial site and moved to another location after being fined and issued with a direction notice.

    Downloadable multimedia

    6 Jul 2021

    K’gari ground parrot program has ears on the ground

    The Department of Environment and Science has set seven acoustic recorders in fire affected areas on K’gari (Fraser Island) to monitor populations of the threatened ground parrot.

    Downloadable multimedia

    5 Jul 2021

    Chemical spill at Narangba facility

    Investigations are continuing following a chemical spill incident at a storage facility in Narangba yesterday.

    2 Jul 2021

    Nominations called for appointments to the Queensland Heritage Council

    The Queensland Government is calling for nominations for membership of the Queensland Heritage Council.

    June 2021

    30 Jun 2021

    Mount Rascal concrete waste cleaned up

    A Mount Rascal resident has removed more than 100 tonnes of illegally dumped concrete waste and received a fine following a visit by the Department of Environment and Science (the department).

    Downloadable multimedia

    29 Jun 2021

    Changes to National Parks during three-day lockdown

    Anyone planning on visiting National Parks and state forests in the south east Queensland and Townsville regions should monitor our Park Alerts page following the latest COVID three-day lockdown directive.

    28 Jun 2021

    Hastings River Mouse

    The Department of Environment and Science is thrilled with the capture and release of 27 endangered Hastings River mice during a recent survey of a site in Main Range National Park as part of the Gondwana World Heritage Area Bushfire Recovery Project.

    22 Jun 2021

    Report spotlights jobs of the future and economic areas of growth

    The emerging jobs of the future and opportunities for Queensland’s science-driven industries to expand and grow are identified in a new report commissioned by the Department of Environment and Science.

    18 Jun 2021

    Rare footage of endangered kowari

    Rare footage has been captured of the vulnerable kowari, a carnivorous desert marsupial endemic to the arid regions of Queensland and South Australia.

    Downloadable multimedia

    17 Jun 2021

    Download the QWildlife app on World Crocodile Day

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is acknowledging World Crocodile Day by thanking everyone who has downloaded the department’s QWildlife CrocWatch app.

    17 Jun 2021

    K’gari camping areas reopened in time for holidays

    The Department of Environment and Science has reopened two camping areas and two beach camping zones on K’gari (Fraser Island), just in time for the upcoming school holidays.

    16 Jun 2021

    Turtle atlas is cause for global shellebration

    World Sea Turtle Day, 16 June, is the chance to check out a new Queensland-made interactive atlas that shows nesting, courtship, feeding and migration routes of our marine turtles, bringing together decades of Australian and global data.

    15 Jun 2021

    Give whales a wide berth during migration season

    Humpback whales have been spotted in Queensland waters as they make their way north serving as a timely reminder to boaties to give them a wide berth during migration season.

    9 Jun 2021

    Queensland farming business doing its bit to help the Reef

    Sweet Cane is in the process of selling Reef Credits making it the second farming business in Queensland to do so, securing an additional source of income with the added benefit of protecting the Great Barrier Reef.

    7 Jun 2021

    Camera collar trial to keep K’gari wongari safe

    The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is using new high-tech camera collars to monitor the behaviour of wongari (dingoes) near the Orchid Beach township on K’gari (Fraser Island).

    7 Jun 2021

    Recovered cassowary chick ready to progress

    A cassowary chick that was rescued by wildlife officers has reached an important milestone in its rehabilitation and is one step closer to being released into the wild.

    4 Jun 2021

    Juvenile crocodile captured at Emu Park

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is advising people in the Rockhampton region to be crocwise and download the Qwildlife app after a crocodile was removed from the wild at Emu Park.

    Downloadable multimedia

    3 Jun 2021

    Unlicenced tour operator fined for Daintree tours

    An unlicenced tour operator has been fined $6,000 in the Cairns Magistrate’s Court after pleading guilty to conducting commercial tours in the Daintree National Park without a permit.

    2 Jun 2021

    Tully farmer finds funding a-peeling to help the Reef

    Banana grower Patrick Leahy has developed a wetland on his 230-hectare farm to reduce nutrients, sediment and pesticides flowing into waterways and then into the Great Barrier Reef.

    2 Jun 2021

    Man fined for feeding tagged dingo on K’gari

    Two Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) have been issued to a man who allegedly fed a dingo and for not having a vehicle access permit (VAP) while visiting K’gari (Fraser Island) at the weekend.

    1 Jun 2021

    Stolen freshwater croc finds a home at Walkabout Creek

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is appealing for public information after a freshwater crocodile hatchling, found thousands of kilometres from home, was surrendered to wildlife officers.

    Downloadable multimedia

    1 Jun 2021

    Maryborough fridge cemetery cleaned up after fine and Direction Notice

    A Maryborough waste operator has cleaned up thousands of illegally stored fridges following a series of compliance actions by the Department of Environment and Science (DES).

    Downloadable multimedia

    May 2021

    27 May 2021

    Wildlife items surrendered to wildlife officers

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is encouraging the community to contact wildlife officers for advice before taking possession of live native animals or deceased animal parts.

    27 May 2021

    4.5m icon croc caught at Newell Beach

    Department of Environment and Science (DES) wildlife officers have captured a 4.5-metre crocodile from Newell Beach, north of Port Douglas.

    Downloadable multimedia

    27 May 2021

    Mt Isa waste operator fined for storing waste

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has issued a $13,345 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) to a Mount Isa waste operator who was inappropriately storing liquid wastes.

    Downloadable multimedia

    26 May 2021

    The Reef goes bananas for Innisfail farmer

    Award-winning banana grower Gavin Devaney has developed drains within a wetland on his 250-acre farm to reduce nutrients, sediment and pesticides flowing into waterways and then into the Great Barrier Reef.

    20 May 2021

    Oceanview Track reopening

    The Oceanview walking track in Burleigh Head National Park is scheduled to be reopened on 21 May, 2021 after it was closed due to landslips following heavy rain in March.

    18 May 2021

    Cassowary close encounter

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is urging people not to feed cassowaries following a close encounter between bushwalkers and a large bird on the Atherton Tablelands.

    18 May 2021

    Mobbing and moo-ving cattle is key - Charters Towers graziers improving their land and the Reef

    Graziers Emma Robinson and Michael Duckett (see picture) are improving the quality of their land and the productivity of their cattle, while also helping to improve the health of the Great Barrier Reef.

    14 May 2021

    Crested terns killed – appeal for information

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is investigating the discovery of a group of dead and injured shorebirds found on the beach at Bribie Island.

    14 May 2021

    Charters Towers grazier improoo-ving her land and the Reef

    Grazier Kylie Stretton is in the process of converting 1600 hectares of unproductive land into land suitable for her cattle, and she’s achieving this while also helping to improve the health of the Great Barrier Reef.

    11 May 2021

    Park Ridge fire update – Operator fined

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has fined the operator of a Park Ridge industrial warehouse destroyed by fire earlier this year.

    4 May 2021

    Boy bitten by dingo on K’gari (Fraser Island)

    The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is reminding visitors and residents on K’gari (Fraser Island) to keep children under constant supervision, after an interaction between a child and a dingo on Saturday.

    4 May 2021

    Population milestone for northern hairy nosed wombat as its status is changed in line with international standards

    The northern hairy-nosed wombat, Queensland’s most endangered mammal, has reached a population milestone, now exceeding more than 300, giving conservationists cause for cautious celebrations.

    April 2021

    28 Apr 2021

    Queensland Central Coal Project

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) today published an Assessment Report that recommends that the Central Queensland Coal Project poses a number of unacceptable risks and is not suitable to proceed.

    19 Apr 2021

    First responder contacts QPWS about dingo attack

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has been contacted by the person who witnessed and responded to a recent dingo attack on K’gari (Fraser Island).

    18 Apr 2021

    QPWS rangers call for witnesses to step forward

    QPWS rangers are investigating yesterday’s dingo attack at Orchid Beach on K’gari (Fraser Island) and are calling for any further witnesses to come forward.

    17 Apr 2021

    QPWS rangers investigate dingo attack

    QPWS rangers are investigating a dingo (also known as wongari) attack on a young child on K’gari (Fraser Island) this morning.

    15 Apr 2021

    Fines and vandalism at Wickham Timber Reserve

    A Yarrabilba man has been issued a total of $932 in fines for three alleged vehicle-related offences on Wickham Timber Reserve in Logan Village.

    14 Apr 2021

    Man fined for landing chopper on K’gari beach

    A man has been issued with a penalty infringement notice by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) for landing a helicopter on K’gari (Fraser Island) without authorisation.

    13 Apr 2021

    Gladstone croc investigation

    Wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) are investigating a reported crocodile sighting at Ibis Park boat ramp in Gladstone on 12 April 2021.

    7 Apr 2021

    Charters Towers flying fox roost dispersal

    An innovative new approach will be used when flying foxes currently roosting at Lissner Park in Charters Towers are targeted for dispersal and relocation next week.

    March 2021

    30 Mar 2021

    Be Cass-o-Wary and stop feeding cassowaries

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is reminding people in cassowary country to be Cass-O-Wary and stop deliberately feeding the endangered birds.

    29 Mar 2021

    Changes to National Parks during three-day lockdown

    Anyone planning on visiting National Parks and state forests in the greater Brisbane region should monitor Park Alerts following the latest COVID three-day lockdown directive.

    23 Mar 2021

    Dingo safety plan for K’gari holidaymakers

    New dingo deterrent fences, patrols and a community education push are all part of a safety blitz by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service on K’gari (Fraser Island).

    23 Mar 2021

    Turtle team hailed for saving ‘doomed’ hatchlings

    As the turtle breeding season draws to a close, the work of volunteers, QPWS rangers and research staff has been lauded, particularly for successes in saving doomed hatchlings.

    19 Mar 2021

    Park Ridge fire

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is investigating the owners of a Park Ridge industrial shed for environmental offences following a fire that broke out early this morning.

    19 Mar 2021

    Man fined for feeding dingo on K’gari

    A Sunshine Coast man has received a fine totalling more than $2000 for feeding a dingo while visiting K’gari (Fraser Island) this month.

    19 Mar 2021

    DES fines Ipswich company after odour complaints

    The Department of Environment and Science has fined Wood Mulching Industries (WMI) $13,345 for odour issues affecting residents in Redbank Plains.

    18 Mar 2021

    Recycling grants help smaller schools with funding

    The tiny school of Mount Morgan Central often misses out on funding applications due to the small student population of fewer than 200 kids.

    18 Mar 2021

    Grant helps community group clean up oceans and waterways

    Thousands of containers destined for landfill or the waterways around Manly have been diverted to five new donation points created by Ocean Crusaders with a grant of almost $10,000 from the Department of Environment.

    18 Mar 2021

    Habana community creates income stream from recycling

    The Habana & Districts Progress Association wanted to make improvements to their community hall and knew that if they could create a sustainable income stream and collect as many containers as possible to exchange for refunds, they could fund future activities, including installing an indoor toilet in the hall.

    11 Mar 2021

    Illegal dumping in Beerburrum state forest

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is asking for public help to identify the person or persons responsible for illegally dumping construction waste in the Beerburrum State Forest.

    10 Mar 2021

    $4400 fine for unlawfully taking native frogs

    A Gold Coast man has been fined $4401 following an investigation into the illegal take and sale of native frogs online.

    5 Mar 2021

    Turtle hatchlings emerge on Cooloola Coast beaches

    Visitors to Cooloola Coast beaches are being urged to watch out for turtle hatchlings after local residents were forced to flag down 4WDs to stop them running down hatchlings emerging from nests this week.

    February 2021

    19 Feb 2021

    Endangered turtle released to the wild

    The Department of Environment and Science has released a critically endangered turtle into the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton after it was surrendered to wildlife officers.

    17 Feb 2021

    Unusual post-hatchling turtle stranding event

    The Department of Environment and Science is asking residents and visitors to the Capricorn Coast region to turn out their lights at night if they are residing near the shoreline after a large number of post-hatchling flatback turtles have stranded.

    15 Feb 2021

    Update 2: Second crocodile captured, Hinchinbrook Island

    Wildlife officers captured and humanely euthanised a 2.7-3m crocodile overnight after a man disappeared off Hinchinbrook Island.

    13 Feb 2021

    Update: Crocodile located, Hinchinbrook Island

    Wildlife officers have located a crocodile that may have been involved in the disappearance of a man missing off Hinchinbrook Island.

    12 Feb 2021

    Search off Hinchinbrook Island

    Wildlife officers are working with police to investigate the disappearance of a man who failed to return from a fishing trip in the Hinchinbrook Island area.

    10 Feb 2021

    Cardwell crocodile sightings

    Several sightings of the Cardwell crocodile have been reported to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) wildlife hotline following the release of footage of the animal eating two small sharks.

    9 Feb 2021

    Quarry company fined for EA offences

    A quarry company has been fined $60,000 in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court yesterday after pleading guilty to two offences of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act).

    9 Feb 2021

    Dingo incident on K’gari (Fraser Island)

    Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers are investigating an incident whereby a junvenile dingo nipped a resident on K’gari (Fraser Island).

    8 Feb 2021

    Weipa crocodile removed from the wild

    Wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) have humanely euthanised a 3.6 metre crocodile that attacked a man at Vyce’s Crossing in Weipa.

    5 Feb 2021

    Further campground closures on K’gari

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has closed two campgrounds on K’gari (Fraser Island) following recent incidents between wongari (dingo) and people.

    4 Feb 2021

    Dingo incident K’gari

    Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is investigating reports of an attack by a wongari (dingo) on a nine-year old boy near the Orchid Beach township on K’gari (Fraser Island).

    3 Feb 2021

    Seized echidna recovers and is released back into the wild

    A rehabilitated adult female echidna has been released back into the wild by Department of Environment and Science (DES) wildlife officers.

    2 Feb 2021

    Weipa crocodile incident

    Wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) are investigating after a man was bitten on the hand and back by a crocodile at Vyce’s Crossing, north of Weipa, about 5:30pm on Sunday 31 January 2020.

    January 2021

    30 Jan 2021

    K’gari wongari lured and let off the hook

    Visitors and residents on K’gari (Fraser Island) are reminded to keep their fishing tackle boxes closed and be careful while fishing from the island after a wongari (dingo) was snagged by a fishing lure.

    Downloadable multimedia

    28 Jan 2021

    Lake Placid crocodile incident

    Wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) are investigating after a man was bitten by a crocodile at Lake Placid in the Cairns region.

    22 Jan 2021

    K’gari campground closure extended to June

    The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is extending the temporary closure of four campgrounds on K’gari (Fraser Island) until June due to ongoing human interference with wongari (dingoes).

    8 Jan 2021

    Changes to National Parks this weekend

    Anyone planning on camping in or visiting National Parks in the greater Brisbane region this weekend should stay home following the latest COVID lockdown directive.

    5 Jan 2021

    Check Park Alerts before visiting tropical national parks

    With heavy rain falling across parts of north and far north Queensland following Tropical Cyclone Imogen, national park visitors are reminded to always check “Park Alerts” before heading out.