Bundaberg council to investigate ‘disgraceful’ water quality at Bargara

The Bundaberg council will investigate what happened to the water in a small creek that empties into the sea at Bargara after photos emerged of the water more closely resembling milk.

Locals have raised concerns over water quality at Rifle Range Beach in Bargara.

The Bundaberg council will investigate water quality at a beachside creek after concerns were raised about its milky white water by visitors to Rifle Range Beach.

Images of the water at Mary Kinross Park at Bargara prompted one long-time local to say he had “never seen this before”.

The images, which were uploaded to a Facebook community group on March 14 sparked concerns among locals and visitors alike who questioned what was making the water look like that.

One commenter said the quality of the water was “disgraceful” while another questioned if it was run-off from people washing their cars, or cleaning painting supplies.

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“Oh wow, I’ve lived around here for about 11 years and I’ve never seen it look like that either,” one concerned resident said.

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“Sooner it’s reported the better while it’s still running off so they can determine where it’s coming from,” said another.

While the creaminess of the water at Mary Kinross Park had dissipated by Friday, there was still murkiness and a thin film.

Almost 50 people shared their thoughts on the creek water, which sits close to nearby playgrounds and runs directly onto the beach.

The NewsMail visited the creek in the early hours of Friday, March 15 and noticed that while the milky colour had dissipated, there was still a murky quality to the water.

Bundaberg Regional Council was contacted to confirm if a report had been lodged, and what steps were being taken to address the community concerns.

“This issue had not been reported to council, but now council is aware it will be investigated,” a spokesperson said.

“Community members are encouraged, if they notice situations such as this, to report it to council so it can be inspected in a timely manner.”

Originally published as Bundaberg council to investigate ‘disgraceful’ water quality at Bargara