Brisbane River to be quarantined after coal tar contamination

A section of the Brisbane River will reportedly be quarantined after tests revealed it has been contaminated by coal tar.

A leaked Brisbane City Council report reveals that coal tar has leached into the river at the West End section from a former processing plant which operated until 1988, the Courier-Mail reports.

The toxic leaching has caused significant ground water and soil contamination and stretches about 40 metres from shore.

The council warns that walking along the riverside and boating in the area is still relatively safe

However, it is warning people not to get in contact with the water.

The council will erect signs later this week due to potential health risks.

The solution to the problem is being delayed as the land is owned by three separate owners – a private business who wants to redevelop the land, the council and the State Government.

The business and the council have agreed to fix the problem but are waiting on the State Government to come to the party.