Rescue crews in massive clean up

Deputy Premier Paul Lucas said today that an urgent investigation was underway into the cause of a major oil spill on the Sunshine Coast.

The Deputy Premier said rescue crews were working around the clock to repair the damage and that those responsible would face the full force of the law.

“Pollution response teams are on the Sunshine Coast along with a foreshore clean up team. Everything that can be done, will be done,” Mr Lucas said.

Rescue crews are focusing on the worst affected areas of Moreton Island, Bribie Island and southern parts of the Sunshine Coast.

Early this morning Premier Anna Bligh conducted an aerial inspection of the affected area after last night declaring it a disaster zone.

Mr Lucas said every effort and every resource available was being directed towards the clean-up.

“Our beaches are world-famous. We will do everything we can to get them back into shape,” he said.

The slick was caused by a Hong Kong-based container ship, the Pacific Adventurer, which ran into difficulties in international waters in heavy seas whipped up by ex Tropical Cyclone Hamish.

Mr Lucas said a significant amount of oil had washed up along a 20 kilometre stretch on the eastern side of Moreton Island, extending 20 kilometres south from Cape Moreton, and along the foreshore on Moreton Island’s northern side.

“An full investigation is underway. We will leave no stone unturned and those responsible will be forced to face the full consequences of their actions,” he said.

“Clean up crews are working around the clock to repair the damage and restore the coastline. We’re mindful of wildlife and will do whatever it takes to save them,” he said.

Maritime Safety Queensland has reported oil on Bribie Island’s eastern side, and Sunshine Coast beaches, including 10 kilometres from Point Cartwright south to Kawana.

“More than 100 workers across a range of government agencies are on deck. More are on standby reading to take over the next shift,” he said.

“Floating barriers are being installed in the Mooloolah and Maroochy Rivers to reduce the risk of oil in the waterways.

Mr Lucas said four command centres had been set up:

• Moreton Island foreshore at the eastern juncture of Middle Road
• Bribie Island Surf Life Saving Club
• Marcoola Surf Life Saving Club
• Kawana Surf Life Saving Club

Tourism Minister Desley Boyle and Tourism Queensland CEO Anthony Hayes are contacting tourism operators and organisations in Moreton Bay and on the Sunshine and Fraser Coasts.

Tourism Queensland has launched an assessment of the impact on tourism businesses.

“They can be assured the Government is ready to help them out. Once we know the full impact, we’ll sit down with them and decide what we need to do in response.

“At this stage, we anticipate our assistance will include extra funding for a specific marketing campaign,” Ms Boyle said.

The Pacific Adventurer has been detained at Hamilton Wharf by the federal authority, the Australian Maritime Safety Association. The company can face fines of up $1.5 million and the Ship’s Master fines of up to $500,000.

Media Contact: Matthew Klar 0437 435 223