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Queensland Environment Department

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21.01.2022 Today we pay tribute to the service & sacrifice of those who fought in all wars & armed conflicts as part of national Remembrance Day. The Kokoda trackover 90km of deep valleys & dense jungle winding over the Owen Stanley Ranges of Papua New Guineamarks the course of one of the most important battles of the Second World War for Australia. During the battle, Papua New Guinean men were employed as carriers & played a vital role carrying supplies & evacuating wounded & sick t...roops to safety. Their compassion & care earned them admiration & respect from the Australians. This friendship between the people of Papua New Guinea & Australia continues to this day. This year, the State of Queensland & the government of Papua New Guinea entered into an agreement that recognises the cooperative partnership between the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) & Queensland Park and Wildlife Service (QPWS). Earlier in the year, a couple of our QPWS rangers swapped the surrounds of Airlie Beach & Toowoomba for the jungle of Papua New Guinea to continue the journey of friendship, cooperation & assistance of those that have gone before them. Although COVID-19 international travel restrictions cut their time short, an extraordinary amount of work was able to be achieved. Activities included: assisting maintenance on the 96km Kokoda track, introducing safety & long-term sustainability measures incorporating new park management systems & improving administrative & operational procedures mentoring & training the local rangers & customary landowners, exchanging skills & knowledgeand much more. Their three-month deployment is part of an ongoing relationship with the Queensland Government & the Independent State of Papua New Guinea. Feedback received from KTA is that the QPWS rangers have left a lasting impression on their management & rangers, tourism operators and the local villagers along the track. ‘Tenkyu tru’ to the Kokoda Track Authority & hopefully we will be back again soon.

20.01.2022 #4WD with care | Top tips for 4WDing in national parks this #Summer 4WDing is a great way to explore some of Queensland’s spectacular national parks. Driving on sand requires particular driving skills, so if you’re heading to one of our coastal national parks this Summer, it’s important to know the below 4WD tips before you go.... Before you go: A vehicle access permit must be purchased before driving on Bribie Island, K'Gari (Fraser Island), Cooloola, Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) and Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island) recreation areas. When driving: All #Queensland road rules apply, even on beachespolice patrol anytime, anywhere. Stay on trackonly use well-established tracks to reach the beach and don’t drive on sand dunes. Be prepared to turn aroundfallen trees and washouts can occur on remote roads and tracks. If the road is blocked, turn around and go back or look for another suitable track that is open. Closed means closednever drive into areas that are closed or have locked gates. On the beach: Watch out for, and give way to, people and wildlifethey may not be able to hear your vehicle over the sound of the surf & wind. Stay away from nesting seabirds. If disturbed, adult birds can abandon their nests leaving eggs and chicks vulnerable to heat, cold and predation. Park well away from traffic areas. Park at an angle to the water so that drivers can see that you have stopped. Drive when tides are low, don’t try to drive at high tide. Care for our environment: Winch safelytry not to use trees for winching. Use tree protectors if you have no other option. Help protect our parks by ensuring you don’t carry plant seeds, soil or pests in footwear, clothing, boats, vehicles and gear. Before your visit, find out more about how to 4WD with care http://ow.ly/DTHJ50Ci9Vb Tag you 4WD buddies below and keep each other safe this summer #qldenvironment | #4wdwithcare

16.01.2022 ’ ( ) The Queensland Government is restricting visitor access to K’gari (Fraser Island) in the interest of public safety. The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) are currently involved in firefighting operations on the island.... QFES has assessed the situation in conjunction with QPWS and decided to restrict access to the island due to erratic and difficult conditions expected in coming days. As a safety precaution, as at 5pm 27 November, new visitor access to K’gari (Fraser Island) will be restricted until further notice. Permit bookings from tomorrow and onwards will be cancelled. People who have a camping and associated vehicle access permit booked to visit and are not able to use it due to the restricted access will be notified and receive a refund. You are able to amend or manage your booking any time via www.qld.gov.au/camping. Existing visitors on the island are being asked to remain alert to the potential for any change in conditions. Please observe all signage, barriers and directions from rangers and emergency personnel and do not enter closed areas. Smoke may impact some camping areas, and beach drivers should exercise caution if smoke is impacting visibility. KEEP UP TO DATE BY: Following QFES on Facebook (Queensland Fire and Emergency Services - QFES), Twitter (@QldFES) and via https://newsroom.psba.qld.gov.au/. Park Alerts has updates from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Staying tuned to your local radio station In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

16.01.2022 Recently, two of our Rangers were out-and-about at Toorbul completing #shorebird signage audits when they came across ‘Traveller’ 6RYBR a migratory Bar-tail Godwit. They were able to record the leg tag for this bird and informed the Queensland Wader Study Group, who shared the story of Traveller. Without ado let us share the story with you! ‘Traveller’ was originally banded with a metal band in 2010, and later tagged with coloured flags and bands in Feb 2013 at Mana...watu estuary North Island, New Zealand. Researchers have been monitoring her for the last eight years. Traveller was photographed on her return journey on Sep 10 at the Toorbul Roost then later recorded on Sep 23. She had stopped over to rest and feed for just under a fortnight. Where is she returning from you may ask? She is likely to be returning from the Kuskokwim Shoals, near the mouth of the Kuskokwim River, in Alaska. So far she has made at least a 10,000km nonstop flight, and still has 2,500km across the Tasman Sea to make it home. All in all, she will have a return migration of 25,000km, following an endless summer. Her survival connects and relies on related protected areas, even when they are oceans apart. Australia and New Zealand have signed to the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (RAMSAR). Across the Tasman Sea, Manawatu River mouth and estuary is a sister RAMSAR site. Some 10,470km away in the north, in Alaska, Travellers northern hemisphere summer breeding site and success, is assured by the protection provided by the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge. Thank you Maggie for your great picture, the Queensland Wader Study Group for cataloguing this fantastic information and networking it with the New Zealand Researchers from across the Tasman, who started recording her story. Undisturbed feeding and resting is essential for the success of migrating shorebirds http://ow.ly/WZQa50CucgC | #qldenvironment

15.01.2022 ' ! Recently, four of our Queensland National Parks Rangers responded to a report of polystyrene balls strewn all over the beach at #PicnicBay. The Rangers had to resort to using vacuum cleaners and sifters to collect the little balls. Sadly, this is not the first time it has happened.... Over 75% of rubbish that is removed from Australian beaches is made of #plastic, which includes #polystyrene. Marine debris kills marine life. It can smother coral, entangle wildlife or be ingested by animals. All species of sea turtle, more than half of all known species of marine mammal such as dolphins and whales, and sea-birds are negatively affected by marine debris. Plastic debris also has potential toxic effects on animals, caused by chemicals in plastic that leach out after being eaten. Thank you to Townsville City Council who also aided in the clean-up. You can help #KeepQldClean by reporting people that you see littering or illegally dumping rubbish from a vehicle or vessel at: http://ow.ly/qPTD50CcX63 For more info on Queensland’s plan to tackle plastic waste and pollution, visit: http://ow.ly/ufzS50CcX64 #qldenvironment

14.01.2022 It’s National Recycling Week and we will be sharing some of our top tips on how you can pump up your recycling efforts! Have you heard of REDcycle? They are located at a number of supermarkets across Queensland and turn the soft, scrunchable plastic packaging (like bread bags) that you drop off into a huge range of recycled-plastic products! Every action, big or small, makes a difference. What are your #TopTips for better recycling?

12.01.2022 don’t know about you, but we are pretty happy to be one day closer to the weekend! Can you guys to the challenge and tell us who this little critter is? Drop your guesses below and check in on Thursday when we reveal the answer. ... #qldenvironment | #guesswho

11.01.2022 #ICYMI: K’gari (Fraser Island) is one of Australia's most stunning holiday locations and is also home to a large wongari (dingo) population. Although the wongari are the apex predators in the island’s ecosystem, their welfare is at risk because people continue to feed them. To learn more about how feeding puts both the animals and other people in danger check out this video from Channel 9’s A Current Affair. ... When on the island, it’s important never feed wongari and secure all food and rubbish to discourage them from loitering around campsites and townships. For more information about how to be dingo-safe visit www.qld.gov.au/BeDingoSafe

08.01.2022 Today we celebrate world oceans day! Here in #Queensland we are bounded by the Gulf of Carpentaria, Torres Strait and the Coral Sea in the north, and the South Pacific Ocean in the east. The total coastline of our great state is 7,400 km. What does the ocean mean to you? To us, the ocean means the world literally a healthy ocean regulates climate and reduces climate change impacts. Ocean currents distribute heat across the globe, regulating temperature and weather. And t...he ocean also absorbs over 90% of the heat and approximately 30% of carbon dioxide emissions produced by human activities. In #Queensland we are lucky to have: three state marine parks the #GreatBarrierReef protected waters for whales to come and give birth feeding and nesting grounds for six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles. Amongst other things, we are incredibly proud that we led the ban on light-weight single use bags and from 1 September the supply of single-use cutlery, bowls & plates, stirrers & expanded polystyrene takeaway cups & food containers, will be banned. We all have a part to play in keeping our oceans as healthy as they can be! Tell us what the ocean means for you in the comments below

08.01.2022 #Monday done, time to shake your tail feathers! We think we may have you all scratching your heads for this one! Drop your #guesswho guess below if you think you know this critter! #qldenvironment

07.01.2022 Are you planning on casting a line in one of our glorious marine parks this weekend? This Saturday (21 November) is World Fisheries Daya day that highlights the importance of maintaining the sustainability of our fish stocks and the marine habitats they call home. Make sure you play your part by downloading the new recreational fishing app ‘Qld Fishing 2.0’ before you head out. ... Using your location, the app’s ‘Can I Fish Here?’ function helps you understand the fishing rules that apply in each marine park zone and what activities are allowed. The app features the latest zoning maps and can be used in remote locations or in locations with limited mobile signal reception. Illegal fishing is one of its biggest threats to sustainable fish populations and a key part of our marine park management program involves on-water and aerial patrols to detect illegal fishing activities. Recreational fishers caught poaching from Marine National Park (Green) Zones face a $2220 fine. When you’re out on the water, follow the rules and regulations, and help protect Queensland’s valuable fisheries resources for future generations to enjoy. The free ‘Qld Fishing 2.0’ is available from the App Store or Google Play. Tourism and Events Queensland.

06.01.2022 Did you know that recycling right can begin at the supermarket? You can avoid excess waste by considering your recycling options before adding them to your trolley. The Australasian Recycling Label makes items easy to identify, with icons that display how to dispose of each element of packaging.... What are you doing to boost your recycling efforts this #NationalRecyclingWeek ?

05.01.2022 This #NAIDOC Week we celebrate the spiritual and cultural connections of First Nations people to Country. We thank Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers for sharing their unique knowledge, expertise and insight in managing land and sea country across the state. We are honoured to work alongside them. This graphic highlights the impressive volume of work rangers have delivered over the past year to protect culture and biodiversity on country. Behind these statistics sits a rich tap...estry of social and economic benefits that flow, for communities, from rangers getting out on country and transferring cultural knowledge to younger generations. Thank you to the Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers for their dedicated efforts to care for country. We look forward to working together in 2021. #qldenvironment | #NAIDOCWeek2020

05.01.2022 Another #Monday off, we are one day closer to the weekend! To help get you through... have a look at this pic, can you tell us what it is? #guesswho | #qldenvironment Queensland Museum

05.01.2022 It’s National Recycling Week! Here’s more of our #TopTips for better recycling and reducing the amount of waste going to landfill: take your eligible drink containers to your nearest container refund point for a 10c refund or donate to your local community group, more at: www.containersforchange.com.au find out what recycling options are available near you for recycling items like e-waste, batteries and paint at: https://recyclingnearyou.com.au ... donate good quality items to charity! Just remember to drop them INSIDE a charity bin or store... donations left outside end up costing charities money to clean up. What are your #TopTips for recycling?

05.01.2022 Pullen Pullen Reserve in western #Queensland is the first ever special wildlife reservea new class of protected area that provides national park level protections to privately owned land. National conservation not-for-profit organisation, Bush Heritage Australia purchased Pullen Pullen in 2016 to protect critical habitat of one of the world’s most elusive and endangered birdsthe #nightparrot. The night parrot was thought to be extinct for more than 100 years until it was r...e-discovered at Pullen Pullen in 2013. By establishing a nature refuge, Bush Heritage has secured and protected more than 56,000 hectares of the bird’s habitat from threats such as predation by feral cats and foxes. The added level of protection that comes with the special wildlife reserve status will ensure Pullen Pullen is permanently protected from possible incompatible land uses such as mining, timber harvesting or grazing. The declaration of Pullen Pullen Special Wildlife Reserve is of immense importance to the land’s Traditional Owners, the Maiawali First Nations People, who have been working closely with Bush Heritage Australia to identify and protect the reserve’s ecologically and culturally important values. is the traditional name of the night parrot in Maiawali language. More information about special wildlife reserves can be found at: http://ow.ly/GOKL50BysDr | #qldenvironment

04.01.2022 You know how it is, one minute it's Sunday, you are six hours into a Netflix binge and then... minute, it's Monday! Allow us to make your day better, have a crack at guessing who this is! Drop your answers below #guesswho | #qldenvironment

04.01.2022 Who is hiding from #Monday like this critter is!? Can you name this species? Drop your answers below #qldenvironment | #guesswho

02.01.2022 Spending time near the water is a way of life for us here in #Queensland, but it isn’t without risk. #Crocodiles are a common occurrence in northern #Queensland waterways, but thanks to our innovative new app QWildlife, we are helping to make waterways in Croc Country safer. We encourage everyone who visits or lives in croc country to download the #QWildlife app to access to the most recent information about crocodile sightings to better plan your trip in Croc Country. By v...iewing sightings on the app, you’ll be able to see if others have reported any crocs in the area and avoid known-croc locations. When making a report, users will be able to upload a crocodile’s location, size, time of day and any photographs of the animal (that can be safely taken). The up-to-date sighting information that is provided by QWildlife will also enable our team to better manage risks associated with crocodiles. Do your part and always be #Crocwise in #Croccountry. Download QWildlife from the Apple app store http://ow.ly/4rJW50Cw6PL or Android app store now http://ow.ly/fu1k50Cw6PM . #qldenvironment | #becrocwise

01.01.2022 #TurtleTuesday! This has to be some of the most amazing reef vision you will ever see! Ranger Sam spotted this gorgeous #Loggerhead turtle cruising the reef off Mulgumpin (Moreton Island). Sam was underwater replacing critical infrastructure used to monitor the endangered Grey Nurse Shark. #qldenvironment

01.01.2022 Have you noticed that you can hear more traffic noise or smell more odours during winter? That’s because areas like South East Queensland often experience temperature inversions, which cause noise, dust and odours to travel further. A temperature inversion happens when the Earth’s surface cools quickly, causing the air at ground level to be colder than the air higher in the atmosphere. ... This means the warm air above prevents soundwaves, odours and emissions from dispersing vertically into the atmosphere. It also causes pollutants to build up underneath, creating a low-lying horizonal haze (as seen in this photo of Brisbane taken from Mt Gravatt). Unfortunately, poor air quality can have harmful effects on human health, particularly the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and smoke and haze can reduce visibility. To help protect the health and wellbeing of communities across Queensland, we are currently upgrading and expanding our network of air quality monitoring stations throughout the state. The network upgrade will increase monitoring of fine particles, smaller than 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5), which can originate from combustion processes, including motor vehicle emissions and fires. Live air quality data is the most reliable source when it comes to finding out about current air quality in Queensland. You can view the current air quality in your area by visiting our website: https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/air-quality If you have concerns about pollution you can call our Pollution Hotline on 1300 130 372.

Queensland Environment Department | Public & government service