Person accused of dumping Rainbow Beach kitchen in National Park fined by DES

A full kitchen pulled from a building in Rainbow Beach and dumped in Cooloola Sandy National Park led authorities to the alleged culprit. See the photos, watch the video.

The person who allegedly dumped an old kitchen in the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park has been fined more than $3600 after being tracked down by authorities.

A Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service ranger found the illegally dumped kitchen near a fire trail in the park on April 12, 2022, and an investigation was launched.

The waste included a kitchen sink along with drawers, cupboards and benchtops.

Under the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011, it is illegal to dump waste in Queensland.

The Department of Environment and Science ‘s illegal dumping team worked with rangers to track down the origins of the dumped kitchen to a building in Rainbow Beach.

A kitchen found dumped in national park near Rainbow Beach. Fines totalling almost $4000 have been issued.

The investigation identified the person allegedly responsible, and they were issued with a Compliance Notice, which they failed to respond to.

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They were fined $2205 for illegal dumping, and $1437 for failing to comply with a Compliance Notice.

“DES takes a zero-tolerance approach to illegal dumping in national parks and state forest,,” a DES statement read.

“It is environmentally irresponsible, creates a fire and pollution hazard and can put people and native animals at risk of injury,” the statement said.

“Where offenders are identified they will be issued with fines and can be required to clean up the waste. For serious breaches of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011, offenders can be prosecuted in court.

A full kitchen pulled out of a building being renovated in Rainbow Beach was dumped in the Cooloola National Park.

“Members of the public routinely provide vital information to assist the department’s investigations into illegally dumped waste.

“People with information about illegal dumping are urged to contact the Pollution Hotline on 1300 130 372.”