Rangers ask for no ‘surprises’ in the bush

Issued: 9 Jul 2024

Across Queensland, rangers are dealing with a crappy situation in our national parks, and people are being asked to stop leaving surprises in the bush.

During routine patrols and maintenance work, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers are having to clean up what people are putting down.

Ranger in Charge Lindie Pasma said bush toileting is prevalent in national parks in the central Queensland region and is visually undesirable and a potential source of pollution.

“Rangers are asking visitors to our national parks to keep the environment clean by following a few basic guidelines,” Ranger Lindie said.

“Toilet facilities are provided in many of our camping areas and at the beginning of many of our walking tracks.

“There are usually no facilities on long walks or hikes through our protected areas, and this means when nature calls, people have to go in nature.

“If you’re on a hike, take a small shovel with you because we really want people to bury their waste at least 15cm deep or 50cm deep in sand.

“It helps keep the area clean for all users, reduces the number of flies and doesn’t attract other animals such as dingoes.

“Toilet paper left scattered on the ground is littering, and it can pollute the environment. It can also be a fire hazard.

“Most people move away from walking tracks for privacy reasons, but we want people to stay away from creeks or rivers, as human waste can pollute water by overland runoff or through the soil.

“Where possible, human waste should be bagged along with all personal hygiene products and disposable nappies. They can then be taken from the park for appropriate disposal in rubbish bins.”

Ranger Lindie said there are several popular locations in the region that are prone to bush toileting.

“This includes Battleship Spur lookout on the Carnarvon Great Walk, which provides amazing views over the Carnarvon Gorge,” she said.

“Other locations notable for bush toileting are the beach camping sites and Freshwater day use area in Byfield National Park.

“The Lonesome Lookout in Expedition National Park and Salvator Rosa and Ka Ka Mundi Sections of the Carnarvon National Park also require regular clean-ups.

“We’re asking people to go before they go on a long walk or hike, and to protect the natural and cultural values of our parks by cleaning up after themselves.”