Latest news with #DepartmentOfEnvironment
ABC News
3 days ago
- General
- ABC News
Noosa fisherman captures underwater image of possible crocodile sighting
A fisherman on Queensland's Sunshine Coast believes he has captured a picture of a crocodile on his underwater equipment, despite the area being 300 kilometres out of the reptile's usual habitat. Long-time Noosa fisherman James Graham shared the photo of the crocodile-shaped silhouette from the fish sounder on his boat in the Noosa River yesterday. "I've been fishing all of my life and I commit myself to the best fishing equipment on the boat. "So when I was driving along at Noosa, just throwing a line in, something came across the screen that just looked like it belonged many hundreds of kilometres north." The Department of Environment confirmed it was aware of the reports and was investigating, but noted Gladstone's Boyne River, about 300km north of Noosa, was "commonly considered the southern boundary of typical crocodile habitat". However, earlier this month a crocodile was euthanased by rangers after being found in the Mary River, about 50km inland from Noosa. Rangers were also searching for a crocodile earlier in the year when one of the ancient animals was spotted at Inskip Point, about 60km north of Noosa. It was never caught. Mr Graham said he had heard some discussion on social media earlier that day of a crocodile being spotted and immediately doubted it. "I thought, 'In the middle of winter, in the middle of Noosa? That's the silliest thing I've ever heard'," he said. But the figure spotted on his equipment changed his mind. "It's very, very clear," he said.
ABC News
16-07-2025
- ABC News
Rangers investigate decapitated dingo on K'gari (Fraser Island)
Wildlife rangers suspect a dingo found dead on K'gari (Fraser Island) was "deliberately decapitated" after it was hit by a vehicle. The Department of Environment said rangers found the dead animal at Ngkala Rocks, a popular four-wheel-driving area north of Waddy Point on the eastern side of the island, in June. "Certainly, a vehicle travelling at speeds of 60 or 80 kilometres [per hour] will cause serious injuries to any animal being struck." Investigators are calling for anyone with dashcam footage from the Orchid Beach, Waddy Point and Ngkala Rocks areas in late May or early June to come forward. "Any piece of information, no matter how small, may assist us and give us some leads in regard to the investigation," Mr Black said. "The investigation is continuing. 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." Dingoes on the world-heritage listed island are protected, and rangers warn hefty penalties for people who cause harm to the animals. "The same penalty applies to the taking of parts of a deceased protected animal from K'gari. "Anyone with information about the recent deaths of dingoes on K'gari can provide it anonymously by calling 1300 130 372 or 4127 9150, or via the DETSI website."
CBS News
14-07-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Air quality alert to continue through Tuesday night for Metro Detroit
An Air Quality Alert will be in effect through midnight Tuesday for Southeast Michigan, the state's Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy announced Monday. The alert is an extension of an existing alert that was issued statewide Saturday and expected to expire Monday night because of drifting wildfire smoke from Canada. But the conditions for Tuesday will be more region-specific and are attributed to a forecast of elevated ozone levels. The counties of Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Saginaw, Sanilac, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne are listed in Tuesday's alert. Pollutants are expected to be in the Orange AQI range, which is "unhealthy for sensitive groups."
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Yahoo
Secret cabin and slew of illegal activities uncovered in Aussie national park
National Park rangers have handed out nearly $8,000 in fines after a shockingly elaborate scheme was uncovered in a national park in recent months. An unauthorised cabin was built in the depths of a Queensland park, including through the use of illegally felled trees, and periodically used by holidaymakers, leading to a number of fines being handed down and a stern warning issued to the public. After suspicious activity was noticed by a ranger in the Curtis Island National Park last year, authorities launched targeted patrols and later discovered the existence of an illegally built hut as well as other unlawful activities taking place on the public land. Rangers from the state's Department of the Environment have identified the people who built the cabin in a remote area of the park, with more than 18 people involved in the secret set-up. Tina Alderson, the regional director the Great Barrier Reef and Marine Parks Region sought to remind the public in a statement on Monday that it is illegal to build any structure in a protected area. "Building an illegal structure in a protected area essentially excludes others from the area and causes damage to the environment. This hut was also used as a base for other illegal activities," Ms Alderson said. "People who want to build a hut for their own personal use for activities such as fishing, hunting and vehicle-based activities can do so on private land but not in a national park." While the hut was first uncovered in August, authorities said rangers will have the small building removed – a process that has been delayed by an extended period of wet weather. "QPWS [Queensland's Parks and Wildlife Service] is serious about compliance and anyone who builds an illegal structure in a protected area will be caught," she added. When rangers monitored the area after coming across the cabin, they later recorded a number of illegal activities taking place by those using it, including unlawful fires, bringing domesticated dogs into the protected area, hunting with firearms, driving vehicles in restricted access areas as well as driving unregistered vehicles. Authorities also decried the fact that trees were illegally cut down to build the structure. "So far we have issued 22 penalty infringement notices totalling $7,606, which includes two people receiving fines of more than $1,000 each for their role in the offending," Alderson said. Big change coming to iconic Australian national park – but is it enough? Discovery in supermarket freezer lands man with $15,000 fine Brazen $300,000 act prompts 'crucial' caravan warning According to the Queensland Environment Department, Curtis Island – the third largest continental island in the state – boasts "wind-sheared scrublands, diverse birdlife and pristine beaches" and "remains one of the hidden secrets of central Queensland". As the ABC noted, it is home to the critically endangered Capricorn yellow chat bird as well as threatened flatback turtles. Yahoo News contacted Queensland's Department of Environment on Sunday for further comment. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Yahoo
Man faces massive fine after authorities uncover illegal actions in protected park: 'We take a zero-tolerance approach'
Authorities in Australia didn't hesitate to impose a fine on a man for illegally dumping hazardous waste in a protected park. The Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science, and Innovation reported that a man had been spotted on cameras driving a vehicle into the Townsville Town Common Conservation Park with a full trunk and leaving with an empty one, tipping them off that he had likely dumped materials. Rangers ended up discovering the waste he left behind, which included an air conditioner unit, empty boxes, and other waste. The man admitted he dumped the trash and cleaned it up, but was still given a $2,580 fine. "We take a zero-tolerance approach to illegal dumping, and we investigate every report we receive," Jackie McKeay, executive director of waste and enforcement, said in a statement. She added: "Unlawfully dumping waste is a pollution risk and a fire hazard, and it can harm our native animals." The department reminded residents that there are systems in place to report illegal dumping. Air conditioners fall into the e-waste category because they contain refrigerants and other chemicals that need to be disposed of properly, because those hazardous substances can seep into the environment and cause issues for plants, animals, and humans. For example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported that older window air conditioner units often contain chlorofluorocarbons, which damage the ozone layer and contribute to planet-warming gases that impact the climate. That can contribute to a vicious cycle of additional air conditioner use, which also uses lots of energy, creating more extreme and frequent weather events like heat waves and droughts, with far-reaching implications for the globe. Unfortunately, improper disposal of e-waste is a worldwide issue, with the World Health Organization reporting that only 22.3% of e-waste was documented as formally recycled in 2022. That's why it's important to properly recycle air conditioners and other electronics to limit the exposure and impact, following governmental guidelines on disposal and reporting those who violate them. Should the government ban gas stoves? Yes Only in new buildings Only in restaurants No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
