Premium Content
Subscriber only A second crocodile sighting reported in the Gladstone region is a reminder for residents to be croc wise. Department of Environment and Science (DES) wildlife officers conducted a spotlight survey at Ibis Park boat ramp on Monday night after a reported crocodile sighting in the area earlier that day. Wildlife officers found no sign of the animal. Recent warning signs have been installed and wildlife officers will continue monitoring the area. Local fishers are reminded to properly dispose of fish scraps and never discard them at boat ramps. Members of the public are urged to report crocodile sightings as soon as possible by calling 1300 130 372 or using the Croc Watch App.
for an
individual: $2,135 (PIN) and maximum penalty of $53,380 (prosecution) for less than 2,500L of waste; $2,669 (PIN) and maximum penalty of $133,450 (prosecution) for greater than 2,500L of waste. for a
corporation: $6,672 (PIN) and maximum penalty of $266,900 (prosecution) for less than 2,500L of waste; $10,008 (PIN) and maximum penalty of $667,250 (prosecution) for greater than 2,500L of waste. Thirty-two reports of illegal dumping in the Beerburrum forest area including Bribie Island and Beerwah forests have been investigated since January 1. Picture: Supplied. A spokesman said the department took illegal dumping offences seriously. Anyone with information should email illegaldumping@des.qld.gov.au or phone the litter and illegal dumping compliance team on 3330 5041.
Premium Content
Subscriber only
Four Central Queensland waste companies were “thrown on the scrap heap” by the Queensland Government after each being fined more than $32,000 and ordered to cease operations.
Department of Environment and Science DES inspectors conducted a statewide blitz of waste operators over three months, culminating in more than $100,000 in infringement notices being issued.
A DES spokeswoman said compliance officers visited a number of Central Queensland waste companies.
“The department issued four direction notices (which require activities to immediately cease) and four penalty infringement notices – totalling $32,028,” the spokeswoman said.
The names of the businesses could not be provided, the spokeswoman said, as they had 28 days to appeal the infringement notices.
Premium Content
Subscriber only THE State Government has ordered a waste company to stop pumping contaminated water out of a mining void into an Ipswich creek, which it was allegedly doing for two weeks. The Department of Environment and Science issued Bogside Mining Industries with an environmental protection order (EPO) directing the company to stop dewatering the mine void on its New Chum site into Six Mile Creek on February 3. Department officers inspected the site on January 29 in relation to a complaint about an alleged unlawful pumping station on the site which may have resulted in water being pumped from the void into the creek.
Premium Content
Subscriber only
Tiny Flatback Turtles in large numbers have been found dead along the Capricorn Coast after being attracted to vehicle headlights, says The Department of Environment and Science.
Since the end of January 2021, Department of Environment and Science DES senior conservation officer Dr Ian Bell said a large number of post-hatchling Flatbacks had been found dead or stranded along the coast.
The Flatback, listed as vulnerable, is one of seven sea turtles found in Australian waters.
Curtis Island off Gladstone is home to one of four major rookeries for Flatbacks, along with Peak, Wild Duck and Avoid islands.