2024 media releases

24 Dec 2024

A cassowary for Christmas – from orphaned chick to species ambassador

An orphaned juvenile cassowary has become an early Christmas gift for the David Fleay Wildlife Park on the Gold Coast, where it has found a new home and an important new role as a threatened species ambassador.

Downloadable multimedia

23 Dec 2024

Always remain vigilant when visiting K’gari over the holiday season

While the holidays are a time to relax and unwind, rangers are reminding people that they can never relax around dingoes on K’gari.

23 Dec 2024

Up here we’re Crocwiser campaign begins to keep people safe

The Queensland Government’s new Up here we’re Crocwiser campaign has snapped into action today, urging those living in Croc Country to be Crocwise to prevent croc attacks.

20 Dec 2024

South west Qld mine operator fined for failing to manage onsite contaminated water

The operator of a mine in south west Queensland has been fined $85,000 and ordered to pay more than $5,000 in legal and investigation costs after it failed to take necessary steps to manage an accumulation of contaminated water onsite ahead of the 2022 wet season.

13 Dec 2024

Boar Creek crocodile removed from the wild

A large crocodile that took a steer during mustering operations and showed no fear of people at Boar Creek near Tully has been removed from the wild.

13 Dec 2024

K'gari survey finds no evidence of feral horses

It has been five years since the last feral horse sighting on K’gari, (formerly Fraser Island), with the latest air and ground searches revealing no fresh evidence.

12 Dec 2024

Rangers ramp up fight against plant disease in the Glass House Mountains – and ask visitors to do the same

New footwear cleaning stations have been installed at the entrance to the Glass House Mountains National Park to help combat the spread of phytophthora.

Downloadable multimedia

5 Dec 2024

Woman receives second fine for dingo offences

A repeat offender has been fined for the second time after she illegally fed a dingo on K’gari, with the incident captured on dashcam by patrolling rangers.

28 Nov 2024

Drive slow for dingoes, leave tyre tracks not dead animals

Visitors and motorists are urged to slow down on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) beaches to protect young dingoes (wongari) at risk of being hit by cars.

27 Nov 2024

Ipswich waste operator handed ground-breaking odour nuisance penalty

An Ipswich waste operator has received a penalty of more than $600,000 after pleading guilty to seven offences relating to odour nuisance that impacted surrounding residents following an extreme rainfall event in 2022.

22 Nov 2024

Bramston Beach crocodile removed from the wild

A large crocodile that lunged at a fisher on 2 October 2024 and was behaving aggressively at Bramston Beach has been removed from the wild.

20 Nov 2024

Update - Burnett River crocodile sighting

A four-day investigation by wildlife officers of the Burnett River in Bundaberg has not confirmed the presence of a crocodile or revealed any evidence of a crocodile being in the area.

18 Nov 2024

Burnett River crocodile sighting

Wildlife officers are investigating a sighting report of a crocodile on the banks of the Burnett River in Bundaberg – near the McGills Road boat ramp.

12 Nov 2024

Fine for unlawful possession of reptiles

The Nambour Magistrates Court has fined a woman $20,000 for four offences of keeping native wildlife reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained or taken from the wild.

Downloadable multimedia

11 Nov 2024

People put their lives at risk entering closed park during fire operations

Rangers are reminding park visitors to put their safety first after people were caught risking their lives by walking into closed areas of a national park, west of Rockhampton during recent bushfires.

6 Nov 2024

Visitors to Lake McKenzie urged to Be Dingo-Safe!

Rangers on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) are urging visitors to be dingo safe at all times after a recent spate of high-risk dingo incidents at Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora).

6 Nov 2024

'Assassin spider' spins web of creepy-crawly research

Two Queensland Park Rangers have used their Spidey senses to help scientists conduct rare research on the spider which earned itself the nickname, the assassin spider.

30 Oct 2024

Wildlife triumph – orphaned cassowary chick returned to wild

In a heartwarming tale of survival and conservation, an orphaned cassowary chick that was raised in captivity for almost a year has been returned to the wild.

Downloadable multimedia

28 Oct 2024

Dingo killing sentence

The Hervey Bay Magistrates Court has fined a man $5,000 and sentenced him to 240 hours of community service and two years’ probation after the speargun killing of a dingo (wongari) on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) earlier this year.

21 Oct 2024

Female tourist bitten by wongari on K’gari

Rangers on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) are monitoring a male dingo (wongari) believed responsible for biting a female tourist around the thigh on 20 October 2024.

16 Oct 2024

Eagleby company and director fined, handed suspended jail term, in one of Queensland’s worst cases of asbestos offences

The Beenleigh Magistrates Court has handed down a scathing sentence for one of Queensland’s worst-ever illegal asbestos waste matters, following an extensive investigation by Queensland’s environmental regulator.

11 Oct 2024

Seasonal closure areas for nesting birds on the Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park

The annual summer closure of Woody Island, and the beaches next to Taylor Cay and Sisters Island in the Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park will take place from October 2024 for six months to protect nesting and roosting coastal birds.

10 Oct 2024

Shark warning, deceased whale on Bribie Island beach

Marine Park rangers warn tourists and residents of sharks after a deceased whale washed up yesterday near a popular Bribie Island beach.

10 Oct 2024

Cassowary alert - keep your windows up and your speed down

An adult cassowary is risking its life and bringing traffic to a standstill along a narrow, winding stretch of road at the top of Gillies Range.

8 Oct 2024

Woman bitten by dingo – Lake McKenzie – K’gari

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is investigating an incident on K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) after a woman was bitten on the leg by a dingo in the unfenced area at Lake McKenzie.

4 Oct 2024

Crocodile targeted for removal – Bramston Beach

A large crocodile that lunged at a fisher in a small creek at Bramston Beach, south of Cairns, has been declared a problem crocodile and will be targeted for removal from the wild.

3 Oct 2024

Wongari, shorebirds killed in vehicle strikes on K’gari

Visitors and residents to K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) are reminded to slow down when driving on the beaches following the recent death of a wongari (dingo) and dozens of shorebirds in separate incidents.

30 Sep 2024

New ranger accommodation to enhance caring for Country on Mulgumpin

From this month, Quandamooka Rangers will be able to spend more time on Country caring for one of Queensland’s most iconic Moreton Bay islands thanks to brand new ranger accommodation on Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), supported by the Queensland Government.

30 Sep 2024

More than $500,000 funded for landmark Queensland-Bavaria research projects

Four research projects utilising tech for improved healthcare and environmental sustainability have been funded under the historic Queensland-Bavaria Collaborative Research Program.

27 Sep 2024

Gold Coast to benefit from multi-million dollar enforcement action following Albert River sewage spill

Gold Coast residents are set to benefit from more than $2.1 million in direct environmental improvements, including better water quality and a significant upgrade to the city’s sewerage network.

27 Sep 2024

Koalas killed and seriously injured by domestic dogs

Two koalas have been killed and another is receiving intensive care after receiving horrific injuries following recent domestic dog attacks on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).

27 Sep 2024

Community invited to have their say on updated coastal plan

Queenslanders are invited to have their say on proposed changes to the state’s Coastal Management Plan.

26 Sep 2024

Be ‘cass-o-wary’ on the road this World Cassowary Day

A recent wildlife vehicle strike has revealed a common reality – one of the world’s most enigmatic and endangered birds, the cassowary, is falling victim to road fatalities at an alarming rate.

26 Sep 2024

Whale frees itself after stranding in the Great Sandy Marine Park

Marine Park rangers responded to reports of a live whale stranding this morning in the Great Sandy Marine Park off the west coast of K’gari (formerly Fraser Island).

25 Sep 2024

Fellows crafting brighter futures for design students

Two Queensland teachers have been selected to fly to New York City to bring sustainable and modern design curriculums for state schools to fruition.

24 Sep 2024

Bushfire advice for Carnarvon National Park

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is responding to a bushfire burning within Carnarvon National Park and multiple adjoining properties. The bushfire entered the national park from a neighbouring property. One front of the bushfire is burning near Bunbuncundoo Springs camping area in the Ka Ka Mundi section of the national park. Another front is burning in the Mount Moffatt section of the national park.

24 Sep 2024

Deceased whale floating off Great Sandy Straits

Marine Park rangers have secured a deceased adult humpback in a secluded location near Dream Island in the Great Sandy Straits off K’gari (formally Fraser Island).

20 Sep 2024

Whitsunday crocodile sightings

A crocodile that was recently seen in waters around Hook Island and Hayman Island in the Whitsundays has been removed from the wild.

20 Sep 2024

Feral deer eradication protects threatened flatback turtles

In a major boost for populations of threatened flatback turtles, the eradication of feral rusa deer from Wild Duck Island has been pivotal in protecting one of Australia’s largest flatback turtle rookeries.

Downloadable multimedia

19 Sep 2024

Deceased whale floating off south-east coast

Marine Park rangers are monitoring a deceased adult humpback whale that is floating along the coastline near Wellington Point on Brisbane’s bayside.

19 Sep 2024

Mustering permits issued to Cape York graziers

Stock muster permits have been issued and graziers have until October 6 2024 to remove their branded cattle from Cape York national parks and Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land (CYPAL).

18 Sep 2024

Bio-based materials basis of historic science agreement

More sustainable automotive materials, chemical production and agriculture, all using bio-based materials, are the focus of the first round of grants provided under an historic collaborative science agreement between Queensland and Germany.

18 Sep 2024

DESI secures landmark restraining order to reduce Ipswich odours

DESI has secured a landmark outcome that will see NuGrow Ipswich Pty Ltd reduce nuisance odours from its facility, including through best practice enclosed/in-vessel composting systems.

17 Sep 2024

Whitsunday crocodile sightings

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) is investigating reports of an estimated 2.5-3.0 metre crocodile seen in waters around Hook Island and Hayman Island in the Whitsundays.

13 Sep 2024

Keep your stick close, and your children closer

Always carry a dingo stick. Don’t walk alone. Never run. Secure all food and rubbish. Don’t interact with dingoes under any circumstances. And most importantly, keep your dingo stick close, and your children closer.

10 Sep 2024

Injured stripey back with dad after heartwarming reunion

An abandoned and injured cassowary chick has been reunited with its father following a life-saving phone call and a rapid response from wildlife officers and the local veterinarian.

Downloadable multimedia

6 Sep 2024

Wombat highway reopened as second translocation underway

The second translocation of northern hairy-nosed wombats is underway with plans for an additional fifteen animals to be released into their new habitat at Powrunna State Forest.

Downloadable multimedia

30 Aug 2024

Community invited to have their say on new thresholds for PFAS in regulated waste

Queenslanders are invited to have their say on proposed changes to the state’s environmental regulations that will amend threshold levels for PFAS in regulated waste.

28 Aug 2024

Five new projects set to enhance Queensland water modelling

Five new water modelling projects will improve Queensland’s capacity to model its surface and groundwater resources.

28 Aug 2024

A fed bird is a dead bird – cassowaries causing unhappy campers

Cassowaries at the Murray Falls camping area have become habituated and are boldly approaching park visitors and pestering them for food.

Downloadable multimedia

19 Aug 2024

Dingo hobbled by gang hooks on K’gari

Rangers have captured and sedated another dingo on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) to remove a large set of gang hooks from the animal’s mouth and foot.

Downloadable multimedia

17 Aug 2024

4-year-old girl bitten by wongari on K’gari

Rangers on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) are monitoring a male dingo (wongari) responsible for biting a four-year-old girl around the chest on 17 August 2024.

16 Aug 2024

2025 Engaging Science Grants build science literacy and foster engagement

More opportunities to meet and learn from Queensland’s talented scientists are on offer through funding support for events and educational engagement projects under the Queensland Government’s Engaging Science Grants.

15 Aug 2024

Soil science success under the National Soil Action Plan

Queensland has been successful in obtaining $2.75 million of Australian Government funding under the National Soil Action Plan for new soil science projects.

5 Aug 2024

Update 2: Cooktown crocodile investigation

Wildlife officers have humanely euthanised a large crocodile that is believed to be responsible for the fatal attack on the Annan River near Cooktown on 3 August 2024.

5 Aug 2024

Annan River crocodile feeding

DESI is highly concerned at seeing recent social media videos reportedly showing crocodiles being fed in the Annan River, near Cooktown.

5 Aug 2024

Update: Cooktown crocodile investigation

Our wildlife officers are continuing to assist the Queensland Police Service in their search for a missing person in Cooktown.

5 Aug 2024

Update – Bushfire response: Eastern Beach, K’gari

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is continuing to investigate the cause of a bushfire at Eastern Beach on K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) in Great Sandy National Park, which is contained and self-extinguishing.

4 Aug 2024

Cooktown crocodile investigation

Our wildlife officers are assisting Queensland Police with this missing person incident. Wildlife officers from Cairns travelled to Cooktown last night and conducted a preliminary site inspection of a section of the Annan River.

2 Aug 2024

Smoke advice – Bushfire response: Eastern Beach, K’gari

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is responding to a bushfire at Eastern Beach on K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) in Great Sandy National Park.

29 Jul 2024

Green zone is a red flag for fishing in southern marine parks

Fishers are being put on notice to check their location before casting a line after a 50 -year-old Brisbane man was fined thousands in court for fishing in a green zone.

26 Jul 2024

Quoll returned to habitat after Brisbane discovery

A spotted-tailed quoll has been released back into habitat after being discovered by a member of the public in mangroves overhanging the Brisbane River.

24 Jul 2024

Whale calf stranding on K’gari

A humpback whale calf has been euthanised after stranding on the eastern side of K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) near Eurong.

23 Jul 2024

Dingoes snagged hook, line and sinker

Fishing equipment is ensnaring dingoes on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) and causing serious injuries to the island’s iconic residents.

17 Jul 2024

QPWS, Sea World rescue stranded humpback near Hervey Bay

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers and Sea World experts have successfully refloated a 10 metre humpback whale following a mammoth two-day operation off the coast of Hervey Bay.

15 Jul 2024

Mount Ngungun temporarily closed

Mount Ngungun in the Glass House Mountains National Park has been temporarily closed.

9 Jul 2024

Environmental DNA tests could boost safety in Croc Country

A collaborative research program could help change the management of Queensland’s estuarine crocodiles and help improve public safety in Croc Country.

9 Jul 2024

Rangers ask for no ‘surprises’ in the bush

Across Queensland, rangers are dealing with a crappy situation in our national parks, and people are being asked to stop leaving surprises in the bush.

8 Jul 2024

QPWS takes action against Mount Ngungun vandalism

National park vandals are being put on notice following a recent spate of graffiti and damage to the popular Mount Ngungun peak, leaving Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers and volunteers to clean up the iconic rocky outcrop.

28 Jun 2024

Removal of unauthorised rock climbing fixtures in Lamington National Park

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has removed dozens of unauthorised rock-climbing bolts from a cliff face in Lamington National Park.

25 Jun 2024

Prohibited puppy playtime leads to fines for pet parents

Every man and his dog are reminded to keep out of restricted protected areas after a Cairns couple were ordered to pay $1,501.40 for taking their kelpie onto Michaelmas Cay.

24 Jun 2024

New fossicking area in Blair Athol State Forest

A new 507-hectare fossicking area is now available in Blair Athol State Forest near Clermont.

Downloadable multimedia

14 Jun 2024

Two-year old boy bitten by wongari on K'gari

Rangers on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) are attempting to identify an untagged female dingo (wongari) that bit a two-year-old boy on the thigh on 13 June 2024.

14 Jun 2024

Rare but there – koala rescued in Townsville

The relatively rare sighting of a koala in Townsville recently is a reminder that there is a small population in the region living quietly, mostly unseen and almost unknown.

Downloadable multimedia

3 Jun 2024

Near-shore landslip - Inskip

Rangers from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation witnessed a near-shore landslip that occurred at Inskip Point on 3 June 2024.

Downloadable multimedia

30 May 2024

Upgrades complete for iconic Chance Bay camping area on Whitsunday Island

The Queensland Government has finalised $180,000 worth of upgrades to the Chance Bay camping area in the internationally-recognised Whitsunday Islands National Park.

28 May 2024

Engaging science grants spark STEM interest and protect environment

Community groups, education professionals, scientists and citizen science projects have been given a share of $500,000 thanks to the latest round of the Engaging Science Grants program, administered by the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.

27 May 2024

Cattle Creek crocodile captured in Ingham

A crocodile that lunged at a fisherman on the bank of Cattle Creek, near Ingham was captured in a baited trap on Friday 24 May 2024.

Downloadable multimedia

24 May 2024

Tyto Wetlands crocodile captured in Ingham

A crocodile that took up residence in the Tyto Wetlands in Ingham was removed from the wild by direct capture during a spotlighting survey on 23 May 2024.

Downloadable multimedia

24 May 2024

CTSCo project not suitable to proceed

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation has determined the CTSCo Surat Basin Carbon Capture and Storage Project is not suitable to proceed due to potential impacts on groundwater resources in the Great Artesian Basin.

23 May 2024

$1.2 million upgrade for Bunyaville Conservation Park day-use area

Works will soon begin on a major $1.2 million upgrade of the Bunyaville Conservation Park picnic area to improve all-ability access and provide a more enjoyable experience for visitors.

20 May 2024

Illegal dumping in Cherbourg Forest Reserve

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is seeking the public’s assistance in its investigation into the alleged illegal dumping of asbestos roofing material in the Cherbourg Forest Reserve.

15 May 2024

Mental health, bushfire safety and PFAS contamination among the focal points of this year's Industry Research Projects Program

Advance Queensland and the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) have officially unveiled the recipients of this year’s ‘Industry Research Projects Program’. The 10 projects awarded from across the state will assist Queensland during its journey towards becoming a leading and sustainable world-class innovation economy.

14 May 2024

Targeted crocodile captured in Cardwell Marina

A large crocodile that was behaving aggressively around boats and reportedly lunged at the resident of a houseboat in the Cardwell Marina has been captured in a baited trap.

14 May 2024

They’re coming back – and they’re not alone

It has been nicknamed the ‘humpback highway’ but there is more going on beneath the surface during the annual migration than the spectacular recovery of a threatened species.

13 May 2024

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) boosts Queensland’s research capability with more than $14M in funding announced for new innovative projects

From next-gen renewable energy research to habitat loss mitigation; the Queensland Government has unveiled the recipients of this year’s Research Infrastructure Co-Investment Fund (RICF), which celebrates some of the state’s most forward-thinking and important projects in the areas of health, renewable energies, science, and technology.

13 May 2024

Cape York Peninsula feral cattle control program

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is planning on conducting feral cattle control programs on four national parks on the Cape York Peninsula later this year to prevent damage the animals cause to the natural and cultural values of Queensland’s national parks.

13 May 2024

Investigation into the death of a dingo on K’gari

A man who allegedly used a speargun to cause the death of a dingo on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) is being investigated for offences under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

10 May 2024

Cardwell Marina crocodile captured

A three-metre crocodile that moved into the Cardwell Marina recently was captured in a baited trap on 9 May 2024.

9 May 2024

DESI launches Queensland’s largest collection of water quality data

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) has launched a comprehensive online portal granting easy access to millions of Queensland water quality data points dating back 38 years.

9 May 2024

Targeted crocodile captured in Coorooman Creek area

A highly habituated crocodile that was showing no fear of people and approaching boats for food has been removed from the wild near Coorooman Creek in the Rockhampton region.

9 May 2024

$80K fine, prison sentence for illegal 10 tonne catch in Marine Park Zone

A commercial fisher has been given a nine month prison sentence and ordered to pay $80,000 after he was caught illegally trawling in protected marine habitat off the coast of Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).

Downloadable multimedia

3 May 2024

Crocodile targeted for removal – Coorooman Creek

A crocodile that has been regularly seen around the Coorooman Creek boat ramp in Zilzie will be targeted for removal from the wild after it exhibited dangerous behaviour.

1 May 2024

2024 Queensland-Cooper Hewitt Fellowship now open

Applications for the 2024 Queensland-Cooper Hewitt Fellowship opened today (1 May).

30 Apr 2024

10yo boy bitten by wongari on K’gari

Rangers on K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) are reminding people to be vigilant following another incident that resulted in a child being bitten by a dingo (wongari).

26 Apr 2024

Interference with crocodile trap – Ingham

A remote camera has captured the moment a man ignored Crocwise messaging and risked his life by interfering with a crocodile trap in Cattle Creek near Ingham.

24 Apr 2024

Endangered Australian Turtles become the focus of Queensland-first Survey in Tiaro

Tiaro and District Landcare Group has begun tracking the movements of one of the world's most vulnerable reptiles, the Mary River turtle, in a project jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

24 Apr 2024

‘Catastrophic’ system failure under investigation

Gold Coast City Council is under investigation for a ‘catastrophic failure' of its systems following a significant sewage spill from a council pipe at Yatala.

22 Apr 2024

Update: Saibai Island crocodile incident

Wildlife officers have euthanised a large crocodile that is believed to be responsible for a fatal attack on a 16-year-old teenage boy off Saibai Island last week.

22 Apr 2024

Cairns crocodile sightings

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) is investigating reports of a large crocodile seen in waters between Yorkeys Knob and Holloways Beach on 21 April 2024.

19 Apr 2024

Saibai Island crocodile incident

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) extends its condolences to the family and friends of a teenager who died in waters off Saibai Island early yesterday morning.

17 Apr 2024

Child bitten by wongari on K’gari

Rangers on K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) are attempting to identify a collared dingo (wongari) that bit a child and caused minor injuries on 17 April 2024.

15 Apr 2024

Update: Long-term arrangements for voluntarily surrendered magpie 'Molly'

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) has approved a specialised licence and today (15 April 2024) returned ‘Molly’ the magpie to a couple who took it in as a nestling in 2020.

11 Apr 2024

Long-term arrangements for voluntarily surrendered magpie 'Molly'

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) is preparing the return of Molly the magpie, who was voluntarily surrendered on 1 March, to the family who took it in as a nestling in 2020.

5 Apr 2024

No excuse for illegally burning waste in reserve

Two men have been fined more than $4,000 for unlawfully disposing of waste and then setting it on fire in the Pinnacles Reserve near Townsville.

4 Apr 2024

No further positive results in asbestos inspection program

Queensland’s environmental regulator, the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI), has finalised its proactive asbestos sampling and inspection program, with only two of 36 sites sampled having positive detections in end products.

3 Apr 2024

Child bitten by dingo, Yidney Beachfront, K’gari

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is investigating an incident on K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) after a girl was bitten on the leg by a dingo at Yidney beachfront this afternoon (3 April 2024).

28 Mar 2024

Fish frames a dangerous boat ramp feed

Fishers who discard fish frames and bait at boat ramps in Croc Country are attracting crocodiles and putting themselves and the lives of other people at risk.

Downloadable multimedia

27 Mar 2024

Go slow for those below and let our coral recover this Easter

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is asking boaties to take extra care these Easter holidays to protect wildlife and help marine parks recover from recent bleaching events.

26 Mar 2024

Whale watching opportunity in Great Sandy Marine Park

A rare and exciting business opportunity to undertake whale watching in the Great Sandy Marine Park is on offer for a limited number of operators.

26 Mar 2024

Crocodiles captured in the Townsville region

Two large crocodiles have been removed from the wild in North Queensland, with one evading capture for almost a month.

Downloadable multimedia

26 Mar 2024

Crocodile snaps pomarine on Pelican

Rangers conducting bird surveys on the aptly named Pelican Island have captured the brutality of nature as an estuarine crocodile emerged from the ocean to grab a pomarine jaeger.

Downloadable multimedia

22 Mar 2024

A freshwater crocodile walks into a service station…

A freshwater crocodile walking into a service station is not the beginning of a joke, but a very real situation for members of the public and the Queensland Police Service in Townsville.

Downloadable multimedia

20 Mar 2024

Flames forge future for Mount Ballow Mountain Frog

Did you know that fire can be used to protect rainforest frogs? Something to think about this World Frog Day.

20 Mar 2024

Outcome of interim civil proceeding against Swanbank company

The department will continue to pursue regulatory options to prevent odour impacts on the community from waste operators after the Planning and Environment Court today declined to make interim orders against a composter in Swanbank.

15 Mar 2024

Compliance blitz, court case result in almost $500K in fines for illegal waste stockpiling

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, as Queensland’s environmental regulator, is putting Queensland waste operators on notice after a prosecution of an unlicensed operator, and a compliance blitz on metal recyclers resulted in more than $400,000 worth of fines for carrying out unlawful activities that risk the safety of the community and the environment.

15 Mar 2024

Crocodile genetics study to inform management

The results of a long-range genetic study of Queensland’s estuarine crocodiles have shown they can be described broadly as six populations living within 12 distinct bioregions.

15 Mar 2024

Tourist bitten by wongari on K’gari

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is attempting to identify a dingo (wongari) on K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) that bit a German tourist on 13 March 2024.

13 Mar 2024

Collar to track wongari entering fenced area

Rangers have fitted a GPS tracking collar to a dingo (wongari) displaying heightened risk activity and entering a fenced area on K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island).

13 Mar 2024

Asbestos detected at Emu Park transfer station and NuGrow Rockhampton

Laboratory results have confirmed asbestos has been detected in a mulch stockpile at Livingstone Shire Council’s Emu Park transfer station.

7 Mar 2024

Coorooman Creek crocodile complacency continues

Wildlife officers are warning that complacency in central Queensland croc country is very unsafe after witnessing disturbing behaviour from users of the Coorooman Creek boat ramp in Zilzie.

7 Mar 2024

Joint asbestos investigation update – 6 March 2024

No further evidence of asbestos contamination has been found at NuGrow’s Swanbank facility after further testing as part of the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation’s (DESI) ongoing investigation.

7 Mar 2024

$145,000 penalty for destroying thousands of protected mangroves near Townsville

A Townsville man has been ordered to pay close to $145,000 in relation to illegally clearing almost three football stadiums-worth of internationally-recognised wetlands in the Cape Cleveland section of Bowling Green Bay National Park.

6 Mar 2024

Crocodiles observed downstream in Rollingstone Creek

Wildlife officers from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) have confirmed the presence of three large crocodiles in Rollingstone Creek, north of Townsville which are well downstream of the swimming hole.

6 Mar 2024

Hop to it! Secure your camping permit for Easter to avoid a fine

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is reminding Queenslanders to obtain their permits ahead of camping these April school holidays and Easter long weekend.

4 Mar 2024

Smithsonian Fellowships now open

The Queensland Government’s 2024 Smithsonian Fellowship Program is now open.

4 Mar 2024

Rollingstone Creek crocodile confirmed

Wildlife officers have used photos and videos to confirm the presence of an estimated three-metre crocodile in the Rollingstone Creek swimming hole, north of Townsville.

2 Mar 2024

Planned burn in partnership protects key environmental, power assets

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has partnered with Powerlink, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) and neighbouring landholders to protect crucial habitat in D’Aguilar National Park through a broad-scale planned burn operation.

1 Mar 2024

Joint asbestos investigation update

No further evidence of asbestos contamination has been found at the first 23 waste sites tested as part of the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation’s (DESI) ongoing investigation.

27 Feb 2024

Asbestos detected in compost at NuGrow Ipswich

A small amount of asbestos has been detected in a compost stockpile at NuGrow Ipswich Pty Ltd’s site during a joint targeted inspection by the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) and the Asbestos Safety Unit of Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ).

26 Feb 2024

Do not feed or interact with crocodiles

Wildlife officers have issued a serious warning to the public that feeding crocodiles puts lives at risk, after alarming social media videos surfaced in the Rockhampton region.

21 Feb 2024

Tourists lost in remote area after Google Maps mishap

Two German tourists are lucky to be alive after Google Maps directed them to enter Oyala Thumotang National Park (CYPAL) while they were attempting to travel from Cairns to Bamaga.

Downloadable multimedia

18 Feb 2024

Tourists bitten by wongari on K’gari

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is investigating two separate incidents on K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) where two people on separate tours were injured by wongari (dingoes).

14 Feb 2024

Crocodile captured in the Mulgrave River

A 2.3m crocodile has been captured in a trap in the Mulgrave River near the Ross and Locke recreation area, upstream of Gordonvale on 11 February 2024.

9 Feb 2024

QPWS team studies turtles, remove over 100kg of rubbish from crucial turtle nesting habitat

Threatened Species officers from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) have removed rubbish and large debri from foreshore on one of the world’s most important hawksbill turtle rookeries.

8 Feb 2024

Croc removed from property near Cardwell

Wildlife officers from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) have removed a 2.5 metre crocodile from a private property near Cardwell in north Queensland.

Downloadable multimedia

7 Feb 2024

Winchester South coal mine approved

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation has approved the environmental authority (EA) application for Whitehaven WS Pty Ltd’s Winchester South coal mine.

6 Feb 2024

Croc removed from Palm Creek - Ingham

Wildlife Officers from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) have removed a small crocodile from Palm Creek at Garbutt Park in Ingham.

Downloadable multimedia

2 Feb 2024

Decision reserved in NuGrow court action

In December 2023, the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation 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.

2 Feb 2024

28 protected birds released after being held at a Gympie residence

Wildlife Officers from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) have rescued and released dozens of protected birds which were being kept illegally by a Gympie resident.

1 Feb 2024

Rangers join Wujal Wujal flood clean-up

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers have taken their specialist skills and equipment off-park to support the ongoing clean-up of Wujal Wujal following severe flooding from ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

24 Jan 2024

Park closures ahead of Tropical Cyclone Kirrily

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has today temporarily closed mainland and island national parks and protected areas between Cardwell and Airlie Beach ahead of the expected impact of Tropical Cyclone Kirrily and associated weather conditions.

23 Jan 2024

Waste fire, Swanbank

Compliance officers from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) are investigating the cause of a fire at the Nugrow composting facility in the early hours of yesterday morning (22 January 2024).

23 Jan 2024

Fined for Moreton Bay Marine Park fishing offences

A commercial fisher was fined $8000 plus $250 costs on fishing-related charges in the Cleveland Magistrates Court last week.

19 Jan 2024

The great interstate platypus exchange

The Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) and the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) have exchanged platypuses to bolster the population and enhance public education for the species.

16 Jan 2024

Dingo euthanised on K’gari following dangerous incidents

A dingo responsible for several serious incidents on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) has been humanely euthanised this afternoon (16 January 2024).

15 Jan 2024

Rangers respond to dingo bite at Hook Point, K’gari

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is investigating an incident on K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) after a man was bitten on the leg by a dingo at Hook Point earlier today (15 January 2024).

13 Jan 2024

Update – Serious dingo incident, Hook Point

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has identified the dingo that bit a young girl at Hook Point on K’gari yesterday (12 January 2024).

12 Jan 2024

Rangers responding after young girl bitten on K’gari

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is investigating an incident on at Hook Point on K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) today (12 January) during which a young girl was bitten multiple times by a dingo.

12 Jan 2024

Environmental Protection Order – Wood Mulching Industries

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) has ordered a Swanbank waste operator to take immediate action to better manage their green waste and compost stockpiles on their site, following a fire late last month.

11 Jan 2024

Waste levies waived for Scenic Rim Regional Council and Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council

The Queensland Government has waived waste levies for the Scenic Rim Regional Council in south-east Queensland and the Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council in far north Queensland to support these communities as they recover from significant recent weather events.

10 Jan 2024

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