Rangers find unbelievable things hidden in Queensland forest
- Replies 0
If there's one thing many appreciate about modern technology, it's that it usually helps get rid of problems. But sometimes, technology can actually emphasise the shortcomings of the past–as was unfortunately the case recently in a remote Queensland forest.
On October 23, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers exploring Bilwon State Forest made the shocking discovery of three highly dangerous WWII-era bombs.
The area is known to be linked to Mareeba Airfield, a base built in 1942 for both Australian and US air forces. According to QPWS ranger Ben Finnerty, the base’s southern runway stayed active, but the northern section was used for agriculture after the war.
‘We believe the UXOs were either used for wartime drills or accidentally discarded in the bushland,’ he added.
'Even though these objects have been sitting on the ground for around 80 years, they are still highly dangerous and ready to explode.'
Two Australian Defence Force (ADF) members who came to assess the bombs and make the area safe for everyone ensured the bombs were taken care of. All three were detonated in controlled explosions.
'According to the Defence Force members, old UXOs become more unpredictable and prone to explosions if they are moved or tampered with,' said Mr Finnerty.
The ADF is in charge of the National Unexploded Ordnance Program (NUXOP) to manage unexploded bombs and urges the public to call triple-0 and avoid touching the device if discovered.
Queensland has been known to be littered with bombs, particularly the state’s southeast, which served as a training area for Commonwealth and Allied forces during World War II.
The presence of UXOs also poses a constant threat. In 2018, an NSW man was injured after picking up some artillery shells that had washed up on Birubi Beach—it’s said they exploded at his house, leaving the man with shrapnel wounds.
For our members out and about, should you find any suspicious items, you may contact NUXOP for help. While waiting, it is best to stay as far away as possible from the potentially dangerous items. What do you think of this story? Share with us your thoughts below!
On October 23, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers exploring Bilwon State Forest made the shocking discovery of three highly dangerous WWII-era bombs.
The area is known to be linked to Mareeba Airfield, a base built in 1942 for both Australian and US air forces. According to QPWS ranger Ben Finnerty, the base’s southern runway stayed active, but the northern section was used for agriculture after the war.
High explosives found in Queensland were dated back to the World War II era. Image: Freepik.
‘We believe the UXOs were either used for wartime drills or accidentally discarded in the bushland,’ he added.
'Even though these objects have been sitting on the ground for around 80 years, they are still highly dangerous and ready to explode.'
Two Australian Defence Force (ADF) members who came to assess the bombs and make the area safe for everyone ensured the bombs were taken care of. All three were detonated in controlled explosions.
'According to the Defence Force members, old UXOs become more unpredictable and prone to explosions if they are moved or tampered with,' said Mr Finnerty.
The ADF is in charge of the National Unexploded Ordnance Program (NUXOP) to manage unexploded bombs and urges the public to call triple-0 and avoid touching the device if discovered.
Queensland has been known to be littered with bombs, particularly the state’s southeast, which served as a training area for Commonwealth and Allied forces during World War II.
The presence of UXOs also poses a constant threat. In 2018, an NSW man was injured after picking up some artillery shells that had washed up on Birubi Beach—it’s said they exploded at his house, leaving the man with shrapnel wounds.
For our members out and about, should you find any suspicious items, you may contact NUXOP for help. While waiting, it is best to stay as far away as possible from the potentially dangerous items. What do you think of this story? Share with us your thoughts below!
