UPDATE: An investigation is underway in Cairns following the discovery of a hazardous waste barrel that sparked widespread concern among residents. The incident, which unfolded on Mill Road in Edmonton, has prompted a flood of calls to local authorities from worried locals who were left baffled by the “very bizarre” roadside scene.
Approximately two weeks ago, a barrel wrapped in hazard tape appeared on the side of the road, positioned atop a drainage gate and surrounded by bright red safety bunting. Residents, intrigued and anxious, began referring to it as the “body in the barrel,” leading to a surge in inquiries directed at the Cairns Regional Council.
Matthew Tickner, a councillor from Cairns, reported receiving countless calls from concerned citizens asking about the contents of the barrel. “People were very confused,” Tickner stated in an interview with Yahoo News Australia. His own investigations revealed that the barrel contained a damaged lithium battery filled with salt water, intended for safe disposal.
Authorities confirmed that the local fire department had improperly discarded the barrel, typically handled by a specialist contractor from Townsville. “They’ve just kind of left it and said, ‘Well, you guys deal with it now’,” Tickner explained, highlighting the confusion surrounding the situation.
In response to public fears, the council took immediate action. “The barrel was extremely heavy, so we had to get equipment to go out and pick it up,” Tickner said. He emphasized that council workers were not trained to handle hazardous materials, raising concerns about safety. The barrel was successfully moved to the Gordonvale depot, and a contractor from the Queensland Fire Department was called to properly dispose of it.
As the investigation continues, council officials are seeking answers from the Queensland Fire Department regarding why the barrel was left unattended. Tickner expressed disappointment at the lack of local answers, stating, “We’re trying to get to the bottom of it.” He emphasized the importance of identifying any policy breakdown to prevent future occurrences.
To alleviate residents’ concerns, Tickner assured the community via an online post that the barrel did not contain a body. The post gained significant attention as locals were eager to clarify the bizarre situation. “It kind of blew up a little bit because people were really confused as to what the hell it was,” he remarked.
The Cairns Regional Council is committed to resolving this alarming incident and ensuring the safety of its citizens. As this story develops, residents are urged to stay informed. For updates, follow local news outlets and the council’s official channels.
For additional information or to report similar incidents, contact the newsroom at [email protected].
