Disgust as used needles found near Maryborough shopping centre

The community has expressed its disgust after used needles were found discarded near a busy Maryborough shopping centre.

Needles left discarded near a Maryborough bin.

Needles left discarded beside a bin close to a busy Maryborough supermarket have raised concerns in the community.

The photo, depicting about eight discarded needles and syringes, was shared on social media by Lee-anne Hadlow, who said she was appalled people didn’t clean up after themselves.

Ms Hadlow said she had seen the needles near Fresh & Save shopping centre in Alice St.

The post attracted hundreds of reactions and dozens of comments from concerned residents.

“Worst kind of littering,” Krystle Kerr said.

George Blair said he had picked a needle up to dispose it near Zaraffas.

Others raised concerns about children finding the needles.

“I’d hate to see a little kid pick them up and hurt themselves,” Susan Hill wrote.

Needles left discarded near a Maryborough bin.

“Disgusting,” Tracey Dahlke commented.

The risk of disease from used needles was also a concern for some.

“Anyone could have been pricked and caught all sorts of life-threatening diseases,” Chrissy Finlay wrote.

“Not in their right mind enough to dispose of them correctly,” Jade Hewlett wrote.

“God knows why they’re given out for free, choose a disgusting dirty habit, use a dirty needle.

“If they had to reuse them, I’m sure so many wouldn’t be left lying around.”

A spokeswoman from the Fraser Coast Regional Council responded to the issue this week.

“Fraser Coast Regional Council can confirm that no reports of discarded needles in Maryborough were received on April 22, 2025,” she said.

“Council provides Sharps Disposal Units in all public toilets to support the safe and responsible disposal of needles and reduce the risk of needle-stick injuries to both the public and council staff.”

“Anyone who suffers a needle-stick injury is urged to seek immediate medical attention by visiting a doctor or the nearest hospital Emergency Department.”

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