Crews quick response as whale carcass washes ashore
Council crews worked round the clock to respond following reports of a dead whale floating near Mooloolaba.
Thanks to our community, who reported a whale stranding yesterday afternoon, 22 September 2026, and to our crews who worked around the clock to respond.
What happened
At around 4pm yesterday, Council responded to a report of a dead whale floating between Point Cartwright and Mudjimba.
The alert came to us from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services and our crew immediately responded.
By 5pm, the whale had drifted to the northern end of Mooloolaba and quick moving tides meant the whale was likely to wash onto the beach at Alexandra Headlands before boat crews could intervene.
Council crews quickly mobilised to create an exclusion zone at the beach for public safety.
The whale was removed at first light on Wednesday 23 September and towed 20 nautical miles out to sea.
Our team collected samples and measurements which they will submit to the authorities for research purposes along with a strandings report.
A GPS tracker was fitted to the whale to monitor its movements, allowing us to intervene early should it drift back towards the coast. Data collected will support the future management of carcasses.
About the whale
• The whale was an intact, juvenile, female, humpback whale, measuring 670 cm.
• The cause of death is unknown.
• The whale was tested for H5 Bird flu by on site crews.
Stranded marine mammals
If you see a stranded whale, alive or dead, please report it immediately by calling the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service on 1300 130 372 and follow the advice of wildlife officers.
If you see a stranded marine mammal, like a whale, it’s natural to want to rush in and help. But for the safety of yourself and the animal, please keep your distance report it.