The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is asking for public assistance following the discovery of dumped rubbish in Queensland national parks and state forests.
Nat Smith, Acting Principal Ranger, said rangers from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) have more important work to do than clean up after environmental vandals.
“Rangers have discovered six air-conditioners, a washing machine and other electrical accessories at the Coochin Creek campground and day use area,” Smith said.
“Rangers have also discovered and removed household waste including clothes, rubbish and car tyres on Wappa Dam Road in the Mapleton Conservation Park, along with an abandoned four-wheel-drive and other rubbish from the Mapleton National Park.”
Smith said the removal of the waste is taking money and time that could be used for park infrastructure.
“Most people treat national parks and state forests with respect, but the people who dumped this rubbish have created a fire hazard, a pollution hazard and a mess for rangers to clean up,” Smith said.
“Rangers have a zero tolerance to people who illegally dump waste and we make no apologies when we take strong enforcement action, which can include court prosecutions,”
Smith said investigation into the dumped rubbish was continuing. Penalty Infringement Notices will be issued if those responsible are identified.
“We have a number of investigative techniques that we use to identify offenders, and if people unlawfully dump rubbish to avoid paying the waste disposal fee, they will be caught.”
For more information, visit www.des.qld.gov.au
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