Furious $140k warning over illegal act plaguing Aussie bush: 'Zero tolerance'
If you've recently had a washing machine or air conditioner replaced you may be able to help authorities in Queensland.
If you’ve had an appliance replaced recently then you could have vital information that could help catch those responsible for dumping six air conditioners, and a washing machine inside a national park.
The items were found by national park rangers on February 6, dumped beside a number of other electrical accessories, fouling a campground popular with families at Coochin Creek on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Authorities don’t necessarily think the tradesman who removed the items is responsible, as a dodgy offsider paid to take them to the tip could have decided to pocket the cash instead.
“Queensland’s national parks do not need air conditioning, they are not carparks and they are not rubbish dumps,” Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) ranger Nat Smith said.
Coles and Woolworths bags, McDonald's wrapper dumped in conservation area
But these aren’t the only household items recently found dumped by vandals in the state’s forests, there are two other separate incidents QPWS are investigating.
One disgusting act occurred on March 10, with photographs taken by rangers showing household items strewn across Wappa Dam Road in the Mapleton Conservation Park. These include Coles and Woolworths shopping bags, a McDonald’s wrapper, an old tyre and dozens of plastic food wrappers.
At nearby Mapleton National Park, rangers have tracked down the owner of a 4WD which was recently found abandoned in an unrelated incident.
Individuals face massive $143,750 for rubbing dumping
Hoping to convey the seriousness of the offences, QPWS has issued a reminder that fines can be severe. Individuals caught dumping more than 2500 litres face fines of up to $143,750 while the penalty for corporations can reach $718,750. For dumping offences less than 2500 litres the maximum fines are $57,500 and $287,500 for corporations.
“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,” Mr Smith said.
“Illegally dumped waste damages the natural and cultural values of our national parks, state forests and reserves, and there is no excuse for it.”
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