October 30, 2024
Firefighters wearing hazmat suits have taken a sample of a suspicious substance which spilled out of an envelope – believed to be a postal vote – at the Nanango Cultural Centre on Wednesday morning.
A police spokesperson said the incident was reported to police at 10:40am.
A small exclusion zone was set up and the Nanango Cultural Centre evacuated.
South Burnett CTC was hosting a community feedback session in the centre at the time.
Paramedics were also called to the scene but no one was reported to be injured.
A QAS spokesperson said five people were assessed by paramedics – although four had no contact with the substance – but no one had been taken to hospital.
The area where the incident occurred is believed to be the official office of Returning Officer Michael Whitwell for the 2024 State Election.
“Work is under way to identify the item,” the police spokesperson said.
A Queensland Fire Department spokesperson said three crews attended.
UPDATE October 31: A police spokesperson said investigations were continuing.
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The incident has caused the temporary closure of the South Burnett Regional Council’s Nanango Customer Service Centre.
A spokesperson said the office was within the 100m exclusion zone of the incident under investigation.
“The community is advised that Council staff will not return to the office until we have received clearance from the Queensland Police, so there is no certainty of office reopening times at present,” the spokesperson said.
“Council apologises for any inconvenience caused.”
[UPDATED]
