Prickly stonefish in creek

A DANGEROUS freshwater stonefish has been lurking in a popular Gold Coast swimming hole, stinging a local and sending them to hospital in “extreme agony and excruciating pain”.

The Freshwater Bullrout, a spiny stonefish usually seen further north, is armed with 15 razor-sharp dorsal spines that can penetrate the feet or hands of unwary swimmers.

When a person is attacked, venom is transferred up the spine into flesh, causing the victim excruciating pain.

A handwritten sign was spotted along Syndicate Rd in Tallebudgera Valley, where a number of popular freshwater pools run upstream from Tallebudgera Creek.

The sign read: “Please be aware. I was stung by a Bullrout in the creek this week and was taken to hospital in extreme agony and excruciating pain.

“I am the sixth person locals know of from this part of the creek that has been stung. Please put your shoes on.”

In a local community group, Carmen Gambe Wright said: “Water is getting warmer and they are coming further south like the Box Jellyfish.

Kerry Risely added: “My wife got stung on the finger by a Bullrout and they had to cut her wedding ring off, worst pain she has ever encountered in her life she said.”

Millie Vergoort said: “I’ve seen a grown man scream in agony from it (a sting).

Division 14 Councillor Gail O’neill said signs warning of freshwater stonefish were a fixture along Tallebudgera Creek “years ago”, but she wasn’t certain if they were implemented by council.

However, she said due to requests from locals, the Natural Area Management Unit undertook a survey of the streams and creeks, and said the area did “warrant signage”.

“Signs are currently being made and I’d like to see visitors warned of any freshwater stonefish in the creek,” Cr O’neill said.