2023 media releases

28 Dec 2023

Update - Ipswich industrial fire

Compliance officers with the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) are continuing to monitor a smouldering green waste pile at the Wood Mulching Industries (WMI) composting site in Swanbank.

24 Dec 2023

Ipswich industrial fire contained

Compliance officers with the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) are monitoring the potential smoke impacts of a fire that was contained yesterday at the Wood Mulching Industries (WMI) composting site in Swanbank.

21 Dec 2023

QPWS Planned burn stops raging bushfire in its tracks

Strategic planned burns undertaken by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) in Boodjamulla National Park (Aboriginal Land) successfully prevented the spread of a major multi-state bushfire.

21 Dec 2023

Alligator Creek vandalism under investigation

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is asking for public assistance to identify the people responsible for recent bouts of vandalism at the Alligator Creek day use area.

Downloadable multimedia

21 Dec 2023

Court sets date to hear case against Swanbank company

The Brisbane Planning and Environment Court has set 31 January and 1 February 2024 as the hearing dates for the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation’s (DESI) application for an urgent interim restraint order against NuGrow Ipswich Pty Ltd.

18 Dec 2023

Crocodile captured in Ingham

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) has captured a 2.6m crocodile found sheltering at the edge of the flooded Palm Creek in the Ingham central business district.

16 Dec 2023

Public asked to stay away from Barron Falls

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is asking all members of the public to please avoid Barron Falls viewing areas.

15 Dec 2023

QPWS reopens national parks ahead of Christmas break

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has reopened protected areas in central and north Queensland as damage assessments continue following Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

15 Dec 2023

Pet turtles can be for life – not just for Christmas

Freshwater turtles are one of Queensland’s most popular pets, but they are also one of the most surrendered animals as people underestimate the level of care they require.

Downloadable multimedia

14 Dec 2023

Stay clear of floodwaters, and what may lurk beneath

With widespread flooding in far north Queensland following Cyclone Jasper, people in affected areas are advised to stay away from floodwaters and to be aware that crocodiles and snakes could turn up in unexpected places.

13 Dec 2023

New tool for sustainable grazing land management in Queensland

The Queensland Government is helping graziers improve their land’s sustainability and productivity while protecting the reef, through the MyFORAGE interactive online land management tool.

13 Dec 2023

Park conditions can change in a flash – stay safe this Christmas

With Tropical Cyclone Jasper currently impacting protected areas across Queensland, the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is pleading with visitors to make safe, sensible decisions these Christmas holidays, and be mindful of changing weather and water conditions.

12 Dec 2023

DES helps bring near-extinct skink back from the brink

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) staff have released 14 more critically endangered Nangur spiny skinks into the wild as part of a recovery program that is bringing these lizards back from the brink of extinction.

12 Dec 2023

Rangers investigating dingo incidents on K’gari

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is investigating two high risk incidents on K’gari involving an untagged dingo and children.

12 Dec 2023

Public consultation - Draft Landfill siting, design, operation and closure guideline update

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is inviting comments on proposed changes to the Landfill siting, design, operation and closure guideline.

7 Dec 2023

Civil court date set for review

The Department of Environment and Science’s application for an urgent interim restraint order against NuGrow Ipswich Pty Ltd was heard in the Brisbane Planning and Environment Court on 7 December 2023.

7 Dec 2023

$500,000 to safeguard threatened species

In a significant move towards preserving Queensland’s rich biodiversity, up to $500,000 in grant funding is available for projects that contribute to the protection and recovery of threatened flora and fauna species.

6 Dec 2023

Campers caught lighting fires during ban, camping in croc habitat

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is putting campers on notice these school holidays for irresponsible fire behaviour - putting themselves and the environment at risk.

1 Dec 2023

Civil proceedings against Swanbank business

The Department of Environment and Science has today filed a restraint order application in the Planning and Environment Court, seeking to halt odour-producing aspects of a Swanbank waste operator's activities to bring relief to the local community.

30 Nov 2023

QLD compliance officers head west to protect native wildlife

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is sending a strong reminder that unlawful wildlife activity will not be tolerated in Queensland and could result in the removal of animals, cancellation of wildlife permits, a hefty fine or court appearance.

28 Nov 2023

Great Sandy Strait seagrass recovering from floods

Marine park rangers from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and researchers from James Cook University (JCU) TropWATER have seen widespread regrowth of seagrass within the Great Sandy Marine Park during recent surveys.

21 Nov 2023

80-year-old bombs found in State forest go ‘bang’

Three 80-year-old bombs discovered by rangers in the Bilwon State Forest might’ve been rusted on the outside, but their insides remained as deadly as the day they were manufactured.

21 Nov 2023

QPWS re-opens additional sections of Carnarvon National Park

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is reopening additional key sections of Carnarvon National Park following more than a month of continuous battles against bushfires in the area.

13 Nov 2023

Be Cass-o-Wary – they can swim too

Those watching on initially thought it was a turtle. Then they thought it might be a shark’s dorsal fin. As they watched on, they were stunned when a sub-adult cassowary emerged from the ocean and shook itself off.

13 Nov 2023

Mystery Boondall Wetlands pink bloom microbe identified

Scientists have solved the mystery of the pink blooms that left the water in the Boondall Wetlands resembling a strawberry milkshake.

8 Nov 2023

ACT rangers, firefighters join QPWS bushfire response

Rangers and Rural Firefighters from Canberra have joined Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers in the ongoing fight against bushfires in national parks and state forests.

3 Nov 2023

Watch out for wildlife near bushfires

Residents in bushfire-impacted communities are asked to be mindful of displaced wildlife and report all injured animals to the authorities.

2 Nov 2023

Accelerating grazing best practices - $4 million to protect the Great Barrier Reef

Applications are open for the Queensland Government’s $4 million Grazing Practice Change Program (GPCP) to help graziers reduce sediment and nutrient loads in waterways in Great Barrier Reef catchments.

26 Oct 2023

Can you find our missing shark tracker on Mulgumpin?

The hunt is on for a tracking tag that has dislodged from a grey nurse shark and washed ashore on the eastern side of Mulgumpin (Moreton Island).

26 Oct 2023

New enclosure to give southern cassowary chicks a new start

A new enclosure at the Garners Beach Cassowary Rehabilitation Facility in North Queensland will give injured and orphaned cassowary chicks the best chance of being released back into the wild.

Downloadable multimedia

18 Oct 2023

Unlawful offroad driving damages protected area

Four people who unlawfully entered the Bowling Green Bay National Park and became bogged and left scars on the saltpans have been fined for driving off an approved road or track.

Downloadable multimedia

17 Oct 2023

Celebrating the first nesting Turtle of the season

The sound of bells tolling across Bundaberg today can only mean one thing- the first turtle has arrived in Mons Repos for the start of nesting season!

11 Oct 2023

$14,000 fine for damaging endangered Proserpine rock wallaby habitat

A Proserpine man has been ordered to pay a total of $16,250 for building a dam that illegally encroached on Dryander National Park, one of the only known habitats of the endangered Proserpine rock wallaby.

29 Sep 2023

$1,000 fine for driving on protected Bribie Island dunes

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is putting drivers on notice for disobeying signage after a motorist was ordered to pay $1000 for driving on protected dunes within the Bribie Island Recreation Area.

26 Sep 2023

Heartwarming rescue marks World Cassowary Day

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) Wildlife Officers have helped to highlight the importance of preserving one of Australia’s most endangered species, the cassowary, following a recent rescue in Cairns.

26 Sep 2023

Large crocodile sighting – Airlie Beach

Wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) are asking locals and holiday-makers to be vigilant after receiving multiple sighting reports of a large crocodile in the Airlie Beach area.

20 Sep 2023

Fine issued to man who killed a python

A man has been fined following an investigation into a disturbing incident where he was captured on a video posted to social media decapitating a python in Munruben.

18 Sep 2023

Fine issued for taking snake out in public

A man who was filmed with his pet python at a Gold Coast beach has been fined $2,322 for breaching the conditions of his permit.

15 Sep 2023

Know your risks - you are responsible for your own safety on K’gari

Carry a dingo safety stick. Never walk alone. Never run. Always keep children within reach. Do not put yourself in danger.

14 Sep 2023

Central Queensland IS croc country – and they’re on the move

A large crocodile slips almost silently into the water and does not reappear near Byfield National Park. Another crocodile leaves its imprint on multiple beaches along the Capricornia Coast.

Downloadable multimedia

13 Sep 2023

Man fined for feeding and habituating wongari on K’gari

A man has received a fine after ignoring well-known rules and feeding two wongari (dingoes) and setting them on the path to habituation on K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island).

12 Sep 2023

Queensland helping to lead the way in measuring the state of the environment

Queenslanders stand to have a better understanding of the real state of the environment with the Queensland Government’s support for Accounting for Nature’s environmental accounting framework.

11 Sep 2023

Dingo euthanised on K’gari

A dingo responsible for several high-risk incidents on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) has been captured and humanely euthanised over the weekend.

11 Sep 2023

Reckless driving fines increase in QPWS areas

Motorists caught taking potentially fatal risks in Queensland protected areas will be fined hundreds of dollars more by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers under changes aimed at improving driver behaviour and the safety of visitors.

8 Sep 2023

Normanton crocodile deaths - update

Wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) have examined the carcasses of deceased crocodiles in the Norman River near Normanton as part of the investigation into their deaths.

6 Sep 2023

$700,000 investment to enhance Queensland water modelling

Seven new water modelling projects are set to improve Queensland’s capacity to model its surface and groundwater resources.

5 Sep 2023

Boodjamulla National Park southern sections reopening

Southern sections of one of Queensland’s most spectacular outback national parks have re-opened following months of hard work by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and the Ngumari Waanyi Rangers.

5 Sep 2023

Unlawful offroad driving damages reserve

Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) have been issued after unlawful driving caused extensive environmental damage at Sandfly Creek Reserve near Townsville.

Downloadable multimedia

28 Aug 2023

Never walk alone – woman bitten by wongari on K’gari

Visitors and residents on K’gari are reminded to never walk alone and carry a stick for protection after a woman was bitten by a wongari (dingo) on K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island).

28 Aug 2023

Turtle rescued from near-fatal entanglement

Marine rangers have saved the life of an adult turtle after cutting it free from a crab pot in a dramatic rescue near Lamb Island.

Downloadable multimedia

24 Aug 2023

Fine issued to man taking bush timber for home

A man has been issued with two Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) totalling $2,167 after rangers caught him removing timber from the Wondai State Forest.

24 Aug 2023

Collaborative study reveals K’gari wongari genetically healthy

A two-year scientific study of wongari (dingoes) on K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) has shown their social groups cannot be genetically distinguished from each other, but they are easily distinguishable from mainland dingoes.

21 Aug 2023

Rangers urge hikers to avoid sticky situation

Visitors to beautiful Carnarvon National Park are being encouraged to minimise their impact and leave the park as beautiful as when they arrived.

Downloadable multimedia

17 Aug 2023

Investigation into alleged crocodile poaching - Townsville

The death of a crocodile discovered in mangroves on the Ross River in Townsville is being investigated, with wildlife officers believing the animal was deliberately targeted and killed.

15 Aug 2023

Beachfront camping areas temporarily closed on K’gari

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has temporarily closed several beachfront camping areas on K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) as a proactive measure following recent people and wongari (dingo) negative interactions.

10 Aug 2023

Rangers return from Canadian fire-line

Five Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers have returned home after spending a month in Canada fighting wildfires raging across Alberta.

10 Aug 2023

Dangerous human interaction on K'gari

Rangers have been left dismayed following another dangerous, unprovoked interaction between a man and a wongari (dingo) on K’gari.

Downloadable multimedia

10 Aug 2023

Woman bitten by wongari on K’gari

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is investigating two incidents on K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) where two collared wongari (dingoes) approached a group of adults before biting a woman on the thigh.

9 Aug 2023

Construction company fined for stockpiling concrete waste

An Ipswich construction company has been fined $40,000 after they were caught on camera illegally accepting, stockpiling and crushing concrete waste despite receiving orders to stop from the Department of Environment and Science (DES).

8 Aug 2023

Fine issued for killing plover chicks

A man has been issued with a fine after an investigation into a sickening incident where he was captured on video crushing three plover chicks on a vacant lot in Brisbane.

Downloadable multimedia

4 Aug 2023

Sugarcane growers to benefit from specialised support

Sugarcane growers committed to reducing nutrient run-off into the Great Barrier Reef will soon have access to specialised support thanks to a $3.6 million investment by the Queensland Government.

21 Jul 2023

Wongari incident on K’gari – update 3

A wongari involved in an attack on a 23-year-old woman on 17 July on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) has been captured and humanely euthanised.

21 Jul 2023

Dangerous interactions the start of habituation on K’gari

Two women have been issued with fines for interacting with wongari (dingoes) on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) following tip-offs from members of the public.

17 Jul 2023

Wongari incident on K'gari (formerly known as Fraser Island)

Rangers and the Queensland Ambulance Service are responding to a wongari incident on K’gari that has left a woman with injuries to the lower half of her body.

17 Jul 2023

Wongari incident on K’gari – update

Rangers are investigating a wongari incident on K’gari that left a 23-year-old woman with serious injuries to her legs and arms.

3 Jul 2023

NAIDOC Week – to celebrate our rich history

NAIDOC Week is a celebration of Australia’s rich history, diverse cultures and the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the oldest continuing cultures on the planet.

27 Jun 2023

Fifth deceased whale during annual migration

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is reminding people to stay away from stranded or deceased marine animals after drone footage captured about 50 tiger sharks feeding on the remains of a humpback whale off the coast of Hervey Bay.

22 Jun 2023

Boodjamulla to remain closed following flood event

Boodjamulla National Park will remain temporarily closed until at least 31 December 2023 due to the impacts of severe flooding in March this year.

Downloadable multimedia

22 Jun 2023

Raine Island beacon restoration project

One of the oldest remaining Queensland structures constructed by convicts – the Raine Island beacon – will stand strong into the future after a $1.13 million restoration project.

Downloadable multimedia

22 Jun 2023

Inskip whale stranding – update

A deceased humpback whale has been loaded onto a truck and removed from Inskip Point near Rainbow Beach.

21 Jun 2023

Holiday warning – Keep loved ones close on K’gari

Rangers on K’gari (Fraser Island) are closely monitoring a wongari (dingo) responsible for a recent incident where a 10-year-old boy was grabbed on the shoulder and dragged under water in front of a camping area on the west coast of the island.

Downloadable multimedia

21 Jun 2023

Inskip whale stranding

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is assessing disposal options after a deceased humpback whale stranded at Inskip Point near Rainbow Beach.

21 Jun 2023

Selfish selfies put Carnarvon rock art at risk

The Carnarvon National Park’s vivid, dynamic rock art are at risk from people intent on creating self-indulgent, unlawful selfies for use on social media.

19 Jun 2023

Smoke from Bribie Island National Park (southern end)

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) with Queensland Fire and Emergency Service, Moreton Bay Regional Council, Department of Resources and Traditional Owners (Kabi Kabi and Joondoburri) will conduct planned burn operations within the southern section of Bribie Island National Park and some adjacent vegetated properties between the townships of Bonagree and Woorim.

15 Jun 2023

Record number of illegal crab pots removed from Pumicestone Passage

A record-breaking number of illegal crab pots have been removed from Pumicestone Passage as part of a 3-day joint clean-up operation by marine park rangers and fisheries officers.

Downloadable multimedia

14 Jun 2023

Rangers, police crack down on illegal park activities

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers have issued more than a dozen fines to motorbike riders and visitors caught breaking the law during a joint blitz with the Queensland Police Service in national parks and State forests across the Lockyer Valley, Ravensbourne and Crows Nest districts.

10 Jun 2023

Dingo euthanised

A dingo responsible for a string of high risk incidents on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) over the past few months has been humanely euthanised.

8 Jun 2023

Croc death investigation – Daintree River

A crocodile carcass discovered on the banks of the Daintree River is being investigated, with the Department of Environment and Science (DES) fearing the animal was targeted and deliberately killed.

8 Jun 2023

Illegal 4X4 session 'goes bad' for influencers

Two men have been fined a total of $15,500 after posting a video of themselves illegally driving through two protected areas north west of the Gold Coast, damaging native vegetation and culturally significant areas.

2 Jun 2023

Curtis Island bushfire – Update 2

A bushfire burning on Curtis Island since Sunday 28 May 2023 has been contained, protecting the island’s national listed key value parabolic and fore dune system.

2 Jun 2023

Large crocodile targeted for removal - Rockhampton

A floating trap has been deployed in the Fitzroy River to capture a large crocodile around ten kilometres upstream from the barrage.

30 May 2023

Curtis Island bushfire – Update

Senior fire investigators will arrive on Curtis Island tomorrow to continue the investigation into the cause of a bushfire that started on Sunday 28 May 2023.

29 May 2023

Curtis Island bushfire suspected arson

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is using aerial and on-ground operations to contain a bushfire on Curtis Island that appears to have been deliberately lit.

29 May 2023

Temporary closure – Mt Beerwah

Following the shocking environmental vandalism on Mt Beerwah last week, the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), with the support of the Jinibara People, is temporarily closing the mountain to allow for reparations and cultural healing.

28 May 2023

Crocodile Incident – Haggerstone Island

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is aware of reports of a crocodile incident on May 27 near Haggerstone Island, off the coast of far north Queensland.

26 May 2023

Shocking Mt Beerwah vandalism under investigation

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is investigating the vandalism and defacing of a section of rock at the base of Mt Beerwah, in the Glass House Mountains National Park.

Downloadable multimedia

24 May 2023

Eastern ground parrot conservation works

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is embarking on a $1 million program to improve and conserve the heathland habitat of the eastern ground parrot in the Mount Coolum National Park.

23 May 2023

Lucky Queensland turtle released

A green turtle who has escaped two near-death experiences has been released again to the wild by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and Sea World in celebration of World Turtle Day 2023.

Downloadable multimedia

17 May 2023

Duo sentenced for destroying protected plants, dumping waste

A property owner and his employee have been fined a total of $23,500 and ordered to pay a total of $4,398.18 in costs for destroying more than 20 protected grass trees and illegally dumping construction waste into a creek on the man’s residential property.

11 May 2023

Joint approach to cut down paper waste certificates

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is working closely with the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (NSW EPA) to develop a nationally consistent integrated waste tracking system that will fully digitise the waste tracking process.

30 Apr 2023

Missing man – Kennedy Bend, Rinyirru

Department of Environment and Science (DES) officers are assisting Queensland Police Service (QPS) with investigations after a report of a missing man.

28 Apr 2023

Planning a Bribie Island getaway this coming long weekend? Here’s what you need to know

With so much on offer at Bribie Island this Labour Day long weekend, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is reminding visitors and campers to plan ahead and be respectful so that everyone can have a safe and enjoyable experience.

19 Apr 2023

Cow Bay crocodile update

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has investigated the reported death and decapitation of a crocodile in far north Queensland.

18 Apr 2023

Entangled dolphin rescued, returned to reef home

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) Marine Park Rangers and specialist staff from Sea World have returned a young bottlenose dolphin back off the coast of Brisbane following its rescue and recovery from a significant wound caused by severe fishing line entanglement.

17 Apr 2023

Have your say on the Noosa North Shore Landing Ground Reserve

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is seeking the community's input on the future tenure and management options of the Noosa North Shore Landing Ground for Aircraft Reserve.

13 Apr 2023

Dolphin feeding fine – Wide Bay region

A man has been fined $431 for hand-feeding a wild dolphin from a boat during a fishing trip in Tin Can Bay.

Downloadable multimedia

11 Apr 2023

Archer Point crocodile incident – update 2

Wildlife officers from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) conducted a spotlight search last night of waters at Archer Point and did not identify the target animal.

9 Apr 2023

Archer Point crocodile incident – update 1

Wildlife officers from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) arrived in Archer Point this afternoon to commence an investigation following yesterday’s reported crocodile attack.

8 Apr 2023

Archer Point crocodile incident

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is investigating after a man in his 40s was reportedly bitten by a crocodile at the Archer Point campgrounds (approx. 25km south of Cooktown) around lunchtime on 8 April 2023.

6 Apr 2023

Be dingo-safe - always

Visitors and residents to K’gari (Fraser Island) are urged to be dingo-safe at all times after a serious incident involving a six-year-old girl and a wongari (dingo).

4 Apr 2023

Crackdown on illegally dumped waste on Sunshine Coast

Environmental vandals on the Sunshine Coast are being warned – you will be caught and fined if you dump rubbish in national parks or State forests.

4 Apr 2023

Girl bitten by dingo on K’gari

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is investigating an interaction between a 6-year-old child and a dingo on K’gari (Fraser Island).

3 Apr 2023

Waratah Galilee Coal Mine EA refused

The Department of Environment and Science has refused the environmental authority application for Waratah Coal Pty Ltd.’s Galilee Coal Mine.

3 Apr 2023

Slow and steady wins the race – help us protect turtles and dugongs this Easter

These Easter holidays, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is putting boaties, fishers and jetski users on notice to Go Slow for Those Below – or risk a hefty fine.

30 Mar 2023

Have a wildlife encounter these school holidays

Families will be able to get up close to nature these Easter school holidays thanks to an exciting array of activities and wildlife encounters on offer at David Fleay Wildlife Park and Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre.

Downloadable multimedia

29 Mar 2023

Cleanaway charges

Following an extensive investigation, the Department of Environment and Science (DES) has charged Cleanaway Solid Waste Pty Ltd with a number of offences in relation to its New Chum facility, including wilfully causing an environmental nuisance relating to odour in 2022.

29 Mar 2023

Band-aids, hair ties removed from protected K’gari lake

Hundreds of pieces of harmful plastics, including used band-aids, hair ties and broken swimming gear, have been removed from Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie) on K’gari (Fraser Island) in the Great Sandy National Park.

27 Mar 2023

Carry On Fort Lytton!

“Carry On Fort Lytton” is the new educational program guaranteed to keep younger school students entertained this coming school holidays.

21 Mar 2023

Watch out for wongari when driving on K'gari

Rangers on K’gari (Fraser Island) are appealing to visitors and residents to slow down while driving on beaches and tracks following the death of another wongari (dingo).

Downloadable multimedia

20 Mar 2023

Crocodile removed, Coorumba

Wildlife Officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) have removed an estuarine crocodile from a creek near Innisfail after it displayed bold behaviour towards the officers.

14 Mar 2023

Watch out for wildlife in flood-affected areas

Heavy rain in parts of North West Queensland means crocodiles and snakes could turn up unexpectedly in flooded areas.

10 Mar 2023

Boodjamulla National Park closure

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has closed Boodjamulla National Park following the impacts of widespread heavy rainfall and severe flooding.

8 Mar 2023

Domestic dogs do not belong on K'gari

One person has been fined and others have fled in vessels after rangers intercepted them on K’gari (Fraser Island) with their domestic dogs.

7 Mar 2023

Man sentenced for illegally catching freshwater crocodiles

A man has been fined $12,000 in the Townsville Magistrates Court today after being found guilty of unlawfully catching or attempting to catch sixteen freshwater crocodiles from the Ross River.

3 Mar 2023

Operation Tensile targets scrap metal operations

A two-day compliance operation targeting 32 metal recyclers across southeast Queensland will result in enforcement action being taken at over 21 unlicensed sites.

Downloadable multimedia

3 Mar 2023

Review of groundwater modelling at Carmichael coal mine

Bravus has committed to undertaking further groundwater modelling at its Carmichael coal mine to ensure the early detection and prevention of any potential future impacts to the Doongmabulla Springs Complex.

2 Mar 2023

QPWS response – Weir River (near Moonie) bushfires

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers are actively involved in the firefighting effort to support the ongoing bushfire response led by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) in the Western Downs region.

1 Mar 2023

Waddy Point beachfront camping area closure

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has closed the Waddy Point beachfront camping area on K’gari (Fraser Island) as a proactive measure following recent heightened wongari (dingo) activity.

1 Mar 2023

Loggerhead 'STAr' shines new light on her foraging journey

A female loggerhead turtle carrying a tracking device has provided valuable insights into the secret lives of these endangered marine animals as they forage and breed off the Wide Bay coast.

24 Feb 2023

Update – Crocodile incident, Bloomfield

Wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) have removed a 4.2 metre crocodile following investigations into an attack at Ayton on Wednesday.

23 Feb 2023

Crocodile incident, Bloomfield

Wildlife Officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) will target the crocodile involved in yesterday’s incident at Ayton, 50km south of Cooktown, for removal.

22 Feb 2023

$25,000 fine for unlicenced environmental activity

A Townsville demolition company was fined $25,000 in the Townsville Magistrates Court yesterday (21 February) after pleading guilty to an environmental offence.

17 Feb 2023

QPWS response – Western Downs bushfires

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers are actively involved in the firefighting effort to support the ongoing bushfire response led by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) in the Western Downs Region.

17 Feb 2023

Rangers give striped possum ‘Beetlejuice’ a leg-up thanks to custom-made tree

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers have created a custom-designed habitat to give movement-impaired striped possum ‘Beetlejuice’, a wildlife ambassador at the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre, a more comfortable life.

16 Feb 2023

Show Cause letters for tearing up Pinnacles Reserve

Vehicle owners who accessed Pinnacles Reserve near Townsville recently have been issued Show Cause letters following an investigation by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).

Downloadable multimedia

16 Feb 2023

Large crocodile removed from the wild – Mackay

The removal of a 3.8m estuarine crocodile from a creek near Mackay is a timely reminder for the local community to always be Crocwise around the region’s water bodies.

Downloadable multimedia

16 Feb 2023

Crackdown on illegally dumped waste – Townsville

Fresh investigations into illegal dumping in the Townsville region have been launched following the recent discovery of asbestos sheeting, household items, a burnt-out car and a pig carcass in bushland at the Pinnacles Reserve and at the Townsville Port Access Reserve.

Downloadable multimedia

6 Feb 2023

Fleay’s welcomes arrival of once thought 'extinct' joeys

Rangers at David Fleay Wildlife Park on the Gold Coast have welcomed the arrival of three endangered bridled nailtail wallaby joeys, supporting conservation of the once thought 'extinct' species through education at the park.

24 Jan 2023

Be responsible while visiting Tableland lakes and creeks this Australia Day

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) will once again be working with Queensland Police to make sure visitors spending Australia Day at some of the Atherton Tablelands most popular destinations are doing the right thing.

23 Jan 2023

Minjerribah crocodile investigation scaled back

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has scaled back the search following a possible crocodile sighting report on Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island).

20 Jan 2023

Monster cane toad removed from the wild

Rangers conducting track work in Conway National Park, near Airlie Beach, were shocked to find a monster cane toad beside the Conway Circuit last week.

Downloadable multimedia

20 Jan 2023

2023 media releases

December 2023

November 2023

October 2023

September 2023

August 2023

July 2023

June 2023

May 2023

April 2023

March 2023

February 2023

January 2023