'Disgraceful' act leaves 200 old tyres in Isla Gorge National Park
Authorities have spent more than $100,000 and delayed bushfire safety work to remove hundreds of illegally dumped tyres from one of Queensland's most pristine national parks.
The tyres were found in a deep ravine in Isla Gorge National Park, south-west of Rockhampton, during a bushfire in October.
The Department of Environment and Banana Shire Council launched a joint investigation and finished removing 200 tyres this week.
The ABC understands a 130-tonne crane used for the clean-up cost more than $100,000 to hire.
Authorities believe a business or individual has been dumping tyres in the same location, off the Leichhardt Highway, for months.
The national park is a maze of gorges and sandstone outcrops popular with bushwalkers and campers.
Senior Ranger, Chris Job said the tyres posed a significant fire risk and had polluted a highly sensitive environment.
"They all look very similar in degradation, so I would say they [were dumped] within the last year," Mr Job said.
"We believe someone in the region knows who is responsible ... and we are asking anyone with information to call us."
The illegal dumping has delayed the department's bushfire hazard reduction plans.
"Isla Gorge had a large planned burn for this season for hazard reduction … with those tyres in the deep ravine it was unwise to burn," Mr Job said.
"It's quite a large fire risk — 200 tyres going up in one single location would put a lot of toxic smoke up and is, obviously, horrible for the environment."
The tyres will be sent to a recycler for processing.
Banana Shire Council Mayor Nev Ferrier said the dumping was unacceptable.
"It's just disgraceful," he said.
"Whoever did this clearly has no regard for the land, our national parks, or the people who care for them.
"The Isla Gorge is one of the most beautiful parts of our region and to see it treated like this is heartbreaking."
People can report illegal dumping to the Department of Environment or their local council.
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