2022 media releases
December 2022
- 21 Dec 2022
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Don’t let your Christmas gift become a Christmas crisis
People who are still trying to find the perfect Christmas gift are reminded that a native animal could cost them thousands in fines and the animal could be seized if it is bought or sold without the necessary permit.
- 20 Dec 2022
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Man fined $30,000 for contravening EPO
A man has been fined $30,000 in the Gympie Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to several offences against the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act).
- 20 Dec 2022
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All DES wants for Christmas is for you to be Crocwise and stay safe
The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is urging residents and visitors to Croc Country to be Crocwise these summer holidays, as estuarine crocodiles are much more active then.
- 18 Dec 2022
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Boy bitten by dingo on K’gari
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is investigating an interaction between a child and a dingo on Sunday 18 December 2022.
- 13 Dec 2022
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Feral pig program reduces population
Skilled and experienced marksmen in helicopters have removed a significant number of feral pigs from national parks in the Cape York region.
- 12 Dec 2022
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DES issues $14K fine for odour offence, Narangba
The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has issued a company with a $14,000 fine for causing a noxious and offensive odour on Brisbane’s northside, resulting in the company taking quick action to reduce the potential for further issues.
November 2022
- 25 Nov 2022
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DES puts wildlife offenders on notice – your permits will be cancelled
The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is sending a strong reminder that unlawful wildlife activity anywhere in Australia will not be tolerated in Queensland and could result in the removal of animals and cancellation of wildlife permits.
- 21 Nov 2022
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Zero tolerance during Lockyer compliance operation
Rangers have issued 25 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) during a crackdown on unlawful behaviour, including fines to two men who were hunting in the Lockyer National Park.
- 21 Nov 2022
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Crocodile removed from the wild near Mareeba
Wildlife officers removed a 4.2m estuarine crocodile from the wild at Biboohra on the Atherton Tablelands following a report from a member of the public.
- 18 Nov 2022
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Rangers want no more falls at Josephine Falls
Rangers are urging people to stop ignoring warning signs and safety barriers after a person recently fell about five metres at Josephine Falls.
- 18 Nov 2022
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Crocodile tracking program to inform management
The movement patterns of four large estuarine crocodiles are being tracked in real time to create a detailed picture of their life, home range and territory on the Proserpine River.
- 13 Nov 2022
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Comprehensive monitoring around former Linc site
Groundwater monitoring by the Department of Environment and Science (DES) has concluded that landholder bores surrounding the former Linc Energy site have not been impacted by Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) contaminants.
- 10 Nov 2022
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More than 100 native animals seized in Brisbane operation
A joint compliance operation has resulted in the seizure of at least 110 native animals from a Brisbane home in a case described by wildlife officers as one of the worse they had seen.
- 9 Nov 2022
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Wongari injured on K’gari by fishhooks
Rangers on K’gari (Fraser Island) are continuing the search for a wongari (dingo) that was seen with fishing hooks embedded in its front right paw and fishing line wrapped around its leg.
- 8 Nov 2022
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Logging company fined for unlawfully logging
A Townsville logging company has been fined $10,000 in the Cairns Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to unlawfully cutting down a number of trees in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area near Cooktown.
- 3 Nov 2022
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Works begin on new ranger accommodation on Mulgumpin (Moreton Island)
Rangers working to protect and care for Gheebulum Kunungai (Moreton Island) National Park will soon have a new place to rest after a hard days work after construction of new ranger housing got underway last week.
- 2 Nov 2022
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Domestic dogs a danger on K’gari
Two people who moored their yacht in waters off K’gari (Fraser Island) are facing possible fines after a woman exercised two domestic dogs on the beach.
October 2022
- 25 Oct 2022
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Rehabilitated cassowaries released back into the wild
Rehabilitating sick and injured cassowaries poses many challenges, but it is extremely rewarding to watch a healthy bird scamper from its cage and disappear into the rainforest when it is released.
- 18 Oct 2022
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Illegal camp cleaned out of Mapleton National Park
When rangers recently asked an illegal camper to leave the Mapleton National Park, they didn’t expect him to abandon his belongings and trash what had been a neat yet illegal campsite.
- 17 Oct 2022
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Hefty fine for wongari feeding – K’gari
Another person has been issued with a fine for feeding a wongari (dingo) on K’gari (Fraser Island) following a tip-off from a member of the public.
- 17 Oct 2022
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Illegal dumping crackdown - Townsville
A crackdown and an ongoing investigation into illegal dumping at the Townsville Port Access Reserve has seen alleged offenders remove their own waste and people receive fines.
- 11 Oct 2022
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Metal recyclers fire safety blitz, Southeast Queensland
Compliance Officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) will be targeting metal recyclers across Southeast Queensland to reduce fire and environmental risks during an inspection blitz, starting next week (17 October 2022).
- 10 Oct 2022
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Three decades of threatened species dedication
For more than 30 years, Dr Alan Horsup dedicated his life to some of Queensland’s most vulnerable threatened species, and he was critical in bringing them back from the brink of extinction.
- 7 Oct 2022
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Fine for unlawful land clearing – Carnarvon National Park
A 63-year-old man has been fined $6,000 in the Emerald Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to clearing more than two hectares of the Carnarvon National Park for mustering purposes.
September 2022
- 20 Sep 2022
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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).
- 19 Aug 2022
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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.
- 9 Aug 2022
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
- 3 Jun 2022
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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
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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
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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.
May 2022
- 23 May 2022
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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.
- 23 May 2022
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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.
- 3 May 2022
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
- 1 Apr 2022
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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.
March 2022
- 31 Mar 2022
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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.
- 31 Mar 2022
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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.
- 30 Mar 2022
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
- 31 Jan 2022
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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).
- 25 Jan 2022
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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
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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
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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.