QPWS find kitchen illegally dumped in Cooloola’s Great Sandy National Park

Authorities are calling for help after an entire kitchen was among the items discovered in a heritage national park near Noosa despite being just minutes from a tip.

Authorities are calling for witnesses after construction waste was found dumped in the iconic Great Sandy National Park at Cooloola.

The discarded rubbish included a kitchen sink, benches, a microwave and a toaster and was dumped along a firebreak at the national park.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife ranger Diane Bowman said in a statement from the department, the items had been discarded in the national park despite Rainbow Beach’s tip being only minutes away.

“They have made their domestic waste our problem, and we have to clean up the old benches, drawers, the kitchen sink and their old microwave and purple toaster,” Ms Bowman said.

The dumped items included a microwave, a toaster and a kitchen sink.

She said QPWS was investigating the dumping and asked anyone with information to contact the department.

Fines for illegal dumping can range from $2205 to $10,338.

Even tougher penalties can apply if it is taken to court.

Gympie mayor Glen Hartwig told the Gympie Times this kind of behaviour was “not appreciated”.

“Why someone would do that at a time when the council has offered free dumping in the wake of the floods is astounding,” Mr Hartwig said.

Gympie mayor Glen Hartwig said such illegal dumping was “astounding” given the council had provided free tip services in the wake of the February floods.

Ms Bowman said in the statement such waste could contain asbestos “which can contaminate the environment and is extremely dangerous to unsuspecting people who visit the national park”.

“It can also contain nails and screws which can cause injury to people and our beautiful animals, and dumped waste is also a serious fire hazard,” she said.

“The department takes the issue of illegal dumping very seriously, and if the perpetrators can be identified they can expect a fine.”