An online influencer has been fined by the Queensland Government for lighting a fire on K’gari.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) Senior Ranger Chad Hoult said it was illegal to light fires outside designated areas on the World Heritage listed island.
“Fires on K’gari are strictly prohibited unless they are lit in QPWS-provided fire rings at the Dundubara and Waddy Point camping areas when a fire ban is not in place,” Mr Hoult said.
He said the woman was fined $834 and also received a warning for using a drone to record video above a camping area, where the use of drones was restricted.
“The fine serves as a stark reminder that content creators are not exempt from the rules, nor are they an official source of information when it comes to K’gari’s regulations.
“Disregarding these rules poses a serious threat to K’gari’s delicate environment, unique wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.”
Mr Hoult said illegal fires could quickly become bushfires that impacted the island’s natural and cultural values and put lives at risk.
“We are lucky this wasn’t the case with this fire, however we have seen illegal campfires become significant bushfires on Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) and at Teewah.”
