A compliance operation has seen the successful execution of 10 search warrants simultaneously for alleged illegal waste activity in Forest Lake.
Public reports to the Pollution Hotline alerted the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) to the suspicious activity.
Information indicated that several operators were acting illegally by receiving and handling waste without an Environmental Authority (EA), including vehicle wrecking and receiving scrap metal and construction waste including asbestos and end-of-life tyres.
An EA provides businesses with conditions they must comply with to manage environmental risks associated with their operations.
Unlicensed waste operators present significant environmental risks, not to mention unfairly undercutting lawful operators who are meeting their environmental obligations to protect our environment.
After comprehensive planning, on 10 June 2025, DETSI led an operation with the support of the Queensland Police Service, to collect evidence about alleged illegal activity.
Strong enforcement action will be taken against unlicensed activities, with fines of $16,690 for a company. DETSI also typically orders unlicensed operators to cease or reduce their operation to meet the permissible thresholds.
Executive Director at the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Brad Wirth echoed the success of the operation.
"This is not the first successful compliance operation of its kind, and it certainly won't be the last.
"It took a lot of preparation to orchestrate this operation; it is a complex project and the safety of our staff and those operating at the premises is our top priority.
"Improper waste handling can impact the environment through the release of contaminated water, increased fire risk and dust and noise nuisance impacts, which is why these activities must be licensed.
"Let this serve as a warning to waste operators who think they are above the law: it is not worth the risk.
"Enabling illegal activities to occur not only has detriment environmental impacts, but it is also unfair to operators who are complying with their environmental responsibilities – something we do not take lightly.
"We will continue to take strong compliance action against operators and individuals allegedly engaging in illegal activity."
