Sushine Coast Oil Spill
What Can I Do To Help?
Thank you for your concern regarding the recent tragedy along the Sunshine Coast. Surfrider’s role as concerned citizens is to help where we can through the appropriate channels. Please be active in reporting the presence of oil or injured wildlife to the appropriate agency. Surfrider Australia has compiled the relevant information here. Help along the Sunshine Coast is still needed!
Maritime Safety Queensland is the lead agency for managing marine pollution and coordinating the cleanup efforts. Emergency Management Queensland, the Environmental Protection Agency and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service are managing the wildlife cleanup efforts.
Reporting
Maritime Safety Queensland is the lead agency for managing marine pollution and coordinating the cleanup operations. For more information, go to http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/.
Reporting potential pollution: Any potential pollution sightings should be reported to Marine Safety Queensland at +61 7 3120 79496 (leave a detailed message with as much information as possible).
Reporting emergencies: For after hours emergencies use the following numbers to report marine incidents and marine pollution:
Gold Coast +61 7 5539 7373
Brisbane +61 7 3305 1700
Gladstone +61 7 4973 1208
Mackay +61 7 4956 3489
Townsville 0419 553 313
Cairns: +61 7 4052 7470 or 1300 551 899
Reporting injured wildlife: Any injured or oiled wildlife sightings should be reported to the Environmental Protection Agency at 1300 130 372.
Oil-affected wildlife can be dropped off at the following locations:
Sunshine Coast North:
Marcoola Surf Life Saving Club
64-76 The Esplanade, Marcoola
Sunshine Coast South:
Kawana Surf Lifesaving Club
99 Pacific Boulevard, Buddina
Bribie Island:
QPW Ranger Base
White Patch Esplanade
Bribie Island
Volunteering
The Queensland government is urging people to stay out of restricted areas to allow the pollution response to progress smoothly.
Wildlife: The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is accepting volunteers to assist with affected wildlife. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Potential volunteers should call the Queensland Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) hotline at 1300 264 625. Volunteers should leave their name and phone number, list any experience with oil wildlife training, provide availability, and refer specifically to a wildlife volunteer log (if applicable).
Land Rehabilitation: SEQ Catchments, a community based business that aims to restore natural resources, is coordinating land rehabilitation efforts. Volunteers should call 07 3211 4404 or email admin@seqcatchments.com.au.
Status Updates
Beach closures: Currently, the following beaches are closed on the Sunshine Coast: Dicky Beach, Currimundi, Wurtulla, Kawana, Twin Waters, Mudjimba, Discovery Beach, Marcoola and Boardwalk. All beaches on the eastern side of Moreton Island from Cape Moreton to Rous Battery are also closed.
Updates: For updates on beach closures, clean up and general enquiries, call the Maritime Safety Queensland Hotline at 1800 216 723.