20-06-2025
Tradies forced to make $100,000 clean-up after selfish act at national park
'Disgusted' is how rangers are feeling after they discovered 200 tyres illegally tossed into an Aussie national park. On Friday, Queensland's environment department (DETSI) announced it had launched a joint investigation with council to find those responsible.
The dumping ground was discovered inside a deep ravine in the Isla Gorge National Park, around 340km west of Bundaberg, creating a massive challenge for workers. The region is home to rare plants and animals, and is known for its gorges, sandstone outcrops and rock formations.
Taking a single car tyre to the tip costs from $14, and so the culprits saved roughly $2,800 by dumping them. But their selfish act will impact taxpayers across the state, as the removal of the tyres took two days and required tradies with specialised skills.
Authorities were forced to bring in a 130-tonne crane to remove the tyres for recycling. It's believed that hiring equipment of that size costs in excess of $100,000.
Banana Shire Council Mayor Nev Ferrie called the act 'disgraceful'. Speaking with Yahoo News he said hauling the tyres out of the national park had delayed other essential work in the park.
'It's bloody terrible stuff. Someone would have got paid to pick those tyres up, and then they've come along and thrown them away where no one can see them,' he said.
A senior ranger with DETSI said the dumping would have also polluted a sensitive environment, and put the park at an increased risk of fire.
'This shocking example of illegal dumping has delayed our planned burn program, and we are doing everything we can to remediate the site and find the person or business responsible,' he said.
Authorities believe someone in the region knows which business or individual is responsible for the problem.
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'People involved in illegally dumping waste can receive hefty fines, and they can be ordered to clean up the mess,' the ranger said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact DETSI on 1300 130 372 or the Banana Shire Council on (07) 4992 9500.
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