Bomb squad investigates suspicious package in Townsville

Bomb squad officers were working to identify a suspicious package at Townsville in North Queensland on Friday, but later declared the item safe.

A garbage collector found the device in a car park on Fulham Rd at Heatley, around 11:30am (local time) Friday morning.

Specialist police, including the Explosive Ordnance Response (EOR) team, were at the scene.

Inspector Roger Whyte said neighbouring streets were blocked off while police screened the item.

"Community members within close proximity to the suspect device have been evacuated," he said.

"Members of the ADF bomb unit and Mines and Energy [Department] personnel are also in attendance and liaising with our EOR personnel."