parts of australia ' s most pristine coastline have been termed a disaster zone involving a small oil spill from a wind - damaged cargo ship . at least 60 km² of queensland ' s northern coasts were contaminated and at least 42 tonnes of water washed into the ocean from ms australian explorer on october night . the ship , which had driven into low-pressure condition , lost 31 containers aboard , one of which pierce the ship ' s hull and a fuel locker . anna greiner , the nsw premier , has declares moreton island , bribie island and southern half of the sunshine coast disasters zones .
MV Pacific Adventurer has lost oil in the area of Moreton Island, Bribie Island and southern parts of the Sunshine Coast.