Yatala pollution sees lizards covered in tar-like substance

Authorities have launched an urgent investigation after a pollutant spilled into a Gold Coast creek, causing wildlife to be coated in a tar-like substance.

A reptile pictured covered in a tar-like substance at the scene of a spill at Halfway Creek in Yatala. Picture: Facebook/ Tiarnah Kingaby

An investigation has been launched into the cause of pollution in a Yatala creek which saw wildlife coated in a tar-like substance.

Volunteers from Reptile Rehabilitation Queensland rescued around a dozen water dragons from the site of a spill at Halfway Creek, which adjoins an industrial area.

A spokesperson for the group said they were called to the scene on Monday and also returned yesterday, where volunteers spent the day working to rescue affected reptiles.

“We’ve got probably about a dozen (water dragons) that either are going to wildlife hospital or will be this afternoon (Tuesday),” the spokesperson said.

“We’ve got another four or five who we’ve captured but are unaffected. And a whipsnake.

“We’ve been working down there since we got called on Monday afternoon.”

A water dragon rescued after the incident in Yatala by Reptile Rehabilitation Queensland Inc. Picture: Reptile Rehabilitation Queensland Inc.

While the cause of the pollution has yet to be confirmed, volunteers at the scene said the substance involved was believed to be a petroleum-based product called cutback bitumen.

A council spokesperson said the local authority was working with state government authorities to investigate how the substance came to be in the creek.

“The City’s Environmental Health team was notified of a pollution release into Halfway Creek at Yatala yesterday (Monday),” the spokesperson said.

“A private company has taken responsibility for the spill and immediately commenced containment and clean-up efforts. A wildlife group has been engaged to protect impacted water dragons in the area.

“The City is working with the Department of Environment and Science to investigate the cause of the spill and determine if any further action needs to be taken.”

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