Latest news with #NatureConservationAct1992
Sky News AU
17-07-2025
- Sky News AU
Authorities investigating shocking dingo death on K'gari after vehicle strike and deliberate mutilation discovered
An investigation is underway after a gruesome discovery was made on K'gari, with a protected dingo found dead and decapitated near a popular stretch of beach on the world heritage-listed island. The animal was located by park rangers on June 1 at Ngkala Rocks, a remote area on the island's eastern coast north of Waddy Point. An independent veterinary assessment later confirmed the dingo had died after being hit by a vehicle and was then deliberately decapitated. Officials from Queensland's Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) have launched an appeal for public help, asking anyone who may have visited the Orchid Beach and Waddy Point region or who may have dashcam footage between late May and early June to come forward. The incident marks the latest in a string of troubling events involving dingoes on K'gari, formerly known as Fraser Island. In May, a separate dingo was stabbed and later euthanised after it was involved in an attack on a child. The Queensland Ambulance Service said the child was bitten on his underarm but left with no serious injuries. The dingo was stabbed in the neck by a man who was attempting to help the child. The man in question was not charged. In the same location in early May, a dingo swam into knee-deep water and bit a fisherman on his leg, while three women were attacked when they were on a tour in April. Rangers are now calling on drivers to slow down and remain vigilant, particularly along beach access areas, as a number of dingoes have reportedly been struck and killed by vehicles in recent weeks. Dingoes are listed as a protected species under Queensland's Nature Conservation Act 1992, with strict laws in place to safeguard their welfare. The penalties for harming a dingo including wilful killing or removing body parts from the island are severe, carrying fines of up to $483,900 or two years behind bars. Rangers say they are committed to protecting the island's unique wildlife and are treating the latest case as an act of serious concern.
Perth Now
17-07-2025
- Perth Now
Horrifying find on popular holiday spot
WARNING: Distressing content A dingo found dead on K'gari (Fraser Island) was suspected to have been 'deliberately decapitated' after it was hit by a car – with rangers unsure if they can find its head. The Queensland Department of Environment said rangers found a dead dingo at the Ngkala Rocks on the eastern side of the island, north of Waddy Point, on June 1. A dingo was found decapitated on K'gari. Department of Environment and Science Credit: Supplied 'An independent veterinary examination confirmed the dingo had died from a suspected vehicle strike and was then deliberately decapitated' a spokesman said. Principal program officer Robert Black told the ABC that a car 'travelling at speeds of 60 or 80 km/h' would 'cause serious injuries to any animal being struck'. He urged anyone with information to come forward, adding rangers were unable to locate the dingo's head. 'The investigation is continuing,' he told the outlet. 'All that we know at this point in time is that the animal was decapitated … we don't know if (the head) is still in their possession.' Rangers urged visitors to be cautious when driving at K'gari. Supplied Credit: Supplied Rangers at K'gari have cautioned visitors against reckless driving on the island and to be vigilant for any dingoes along the beach. Dingoes are a protected native species in Queensland National Parks under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. 'The maximum penalty for wilfully killing a protected animal on K'gari is $483,900 or two years' imprisonment,' a spokesman said. 'The same penalty applies to the taking of parts of a deceased protected animal from K'gari.'
7NEWS
16-07-2025
- 7NEWS
Investigation into protected dingo found deliberately decapitated on K'gari, Queensland
Authorities are investigating the deliberate decapitation of a protected native animal on a popular tourist island in Queensland. Park rangers on the world heritage-listed K'gari Island found a dead dingo at Ngkala Rocks on the eastern side of the island, north of Waddy Point, on June 1. The dingo was believed to have been hit and killed by a car. Alarmingly, however, the rangers discovered the protected animal had also been deliberately decapitated. An independent veterinary examination confirmed the ranger's findings, with the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) now investigating the dingo's death. 'Anyone who was visiting the Orchid Beach and Waddy Point area north to Ngkala Rocks in late May or early June or has dashcam footage is urged to contact DETSI,' a spokesperson said. Dingoes are protected in Queensland National Parks as a native species under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. The maximum penalty if convicted of wilfully killing a protected animal on K'gari is $483,900 or two years imprisonment. The same penalty applies to the taking of parts of a deceased protected animal from K'gari. Rangers on K'gari have also asked people to drive cautiously on the beach following recent deaths of dingoes due to suspected vehicle strikes.
7NEWS
15-07-2025
- 7NEWS
Illegal holiday shack built in protected Great Barrier Reef national park
Eighteen people have been fined after authorities busted an illegal holiday shack hidden deep inside a protected national park. The cabin was secretly constructed on Curtis Island, near Gladstone, Queensland, without any approvals. It effectively turned part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area into what officials slammed as a 'private playground'. The off-grid structure featured solar panels, rainwater tanks, bunk beds and cooking facilities, even a verandah and barbecue area, allowing 'guests' to stay comfortably in the remote wilderness. But the luxury came at an environmental cost. Illegal 4WD tracks were carved through fragile dune ecosystems to access the site, while trees were illegally felled by hand and used to build the hut and surrounding camp structures, authorities said. The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) launched a compliance investigation after receiving community reports and surveillance footage. 'Curtis Island is a national park, not a private playground,' DESI said. 'We take these matters seriously and our dedicated officers work hard to protect Queensland's precious natural places. 'We will not hesitate to prosecute people who disregard the rules.' The investigation uncovered the site was linked to other prohibited activities including hunting with firearms and unauthorised vehicle use inside the park. Curtis Island, accessible only by ferry from Gladstone, is popular with 4WD tourists for its pristine beaches, bushland and fishing spots. The island is also home to crucial turtle nesting grounds, rare birdlife and fragile dune systems. Authorities said the illegal hut was built near protected areas where 4WD tracks, rubbish and noise risk disturbing nesting turtles and damaging fragile dune systems. Camping on Curtis Island is only permitted at designated sites with bookings. Fires are completely banned, and all structures — even temporary ones — are strictly prohibited under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. DESI fined 18 people — including the accused builders and visitors caught at the illegal site — a total of $7,606. ' Queensland 's national parks are for everyone to enjoy, not for a select few to exploit for personal gain,' the department warned. Officials are now urging anyone with information about unauthorised activities to come forward and help preserve Queensland's unique natural heritage for future generations.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Aussie duo slapped with $9,000 fine for illegal act in national park
A warning has been issued for any would-be hunters with their sights on Queensland's national parks, after two men were fined thousands for gunning down feral pigs. The destructive animals are creating havoc around Bribie Island National Park, and many believe the problem is only getting worse. Although the animals are considered an invasive pest, hunting in national parks in Queensland is strictly prohibited. The pigs unleash an estimated $100m economic burden on Australia's agricultural sector every year and on Bribie Island they appear to be getting more and more brazen – even stealing food from campers. The two shooters allegedly entered the park on multiple occasions to hunt feral pigs and went to lengths to cover their tracks, including allegedly removing their number plates and travelling on restricted roads. The Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation said the men entered the park 'unlawfully', and also had pig-hunting dogs with them. The duo was slapped with a combined fine of $9,032 under Queensland's Nature Conservation Act 1992 and various Transport Operations Acts and Regulations. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services Manager Chris Skennar said there are already pest control programs in place, and illegal activities can undermine those efforts. 'Bribie Island National Park is a fragile ecosystem that supports a wide variety of unique native species. Illegal hunting not only poses a direct threat to local wildlife, but also damages sensitive landscapes, undermining the conservation efforts our rangers work so hard to maintain," Skennar said. 'Even if the intention is to target a pest species, the way it's done matters. National parks aren't a remote property, they're a shared, protected space. We're committed to enforcing the law and ensuring our parks are safe for both visitors and wildlife." Any illegal activity in national parks and state forests can be reported anonymously by calling 1300 130 372. President of the Australian Pig Doggers and Hunters Association (APDHA) Ned Makim previously told Yahoo News the extent of the feral pig problem in Australia is much higher than official government reports. "The estimation of how many pigs there are in Australia is grossly underdone," Makim said. "The minimum number of pigs is thought to be about three million and the maximum about 23 million. We think that it's at least double that higher figure, and maybe more." Hunting for feral pigs is allowed in most states when conducted on private land. In Queensland, the shooters are limited to private land and must have the landowner's permission. Hunting in state forests and national parks is not permitted. In NSW, shooting on public land requires a current R-licence and written permission from the Department of Primary Industries Game Licensing Unit. There are 350 state forests declared as public hunting lands. In Victoria, hunters need a registration of interest, a game licence or a firearms licence to target pest animals on crown land. Hunting regulations must be followed. In South Australia, a Basic Hunting Permit is required but feral pigs cannot be targeted in Game Reserves, National Parks, Conservation Parks and Wilderness Protection Areas. In Western Australia, pig hunting is only allowed on private land with the landowner's permission. In the Northern Territory, pigs can be targeted under a permit system. A permit allows the owner authority to hunt for 12 months inside the hunting reserves of Shoal Bay and Harrison Dam. Hunting on other crown land or Aboriginal land requires a permit. In Tasmania, a game licence is required to hunt on Crown land. Feral pigs can be taken at any time, even from state forests. In the ACT, pig hunting is restricted to private property with permission from the landowner. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
