Do the right thing at Cooloola!

Issued: 13 Aug 2021

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is reviewing visitor capacities for the Cooloola Recreation Area following ongoing poor behaviour and unsafe activities by some visitors to Teewah Beach.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) Manager of Compliance Mike Devery said some people were risking their own safety and the safety of others by treating Teewah Beach as a drag strip.

“Unfortunately, QPWS rangers and members of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) are dealing with selfish and irresponsible behaviour at Teewah on a regular basis,” Mr Devery said.

“The ongoing Operation Sand Strike between QPWS and the QPS highlights the dangerous risk-taking activities of some drivers, which includes a number of rollovers that can and have had fatal consequences.

“During recent enforcement activities, QPWS rangers and police officers were appalled by the behaviour of some campers and drivers on the beach.

“People were caught drink driving, driving dangerously by doing burnouts and fishtails, speeding and driving defective vehicles.

“Other groups had organised large gatherings known as bush doofs, and set up lighting on the beach, while other people ignored the ban on campfires that’s been in place since December last year.

“The most concerning aspect of the poor behaviour is the complete lack of consideration for other beach-users and people camping nearby.

“We want people to enjoy their time in the Cooloola Recreation Area, and it’s up to visitors to improve their behaviour and respect the environment and other visitors.”

Mr Devery said QPWS recently commissioned a sustainable visitor capacity and management study for the region, and the recommendations, along with our partnership with QPS will help guide possible further management measures.

“Due to the continued incidents of at Teewah Beach, QPWS are looking at taking stronger action against people who commit offences like dangerous driving,” he said.

“QPWS rangers and police are concerned this behaviour could lead to injuries or worse on the beach, and we’re asking people who witness hooning or poor driver behaviour to report it to QPWS or the police.

“If you’re in a car with someone who is hooning on the beach, have the courage to immediately tell them to stop, because it’s better to speak up than be involved in a rollover.

“Locals and regular visitors and campers who do the right thing are obviously fed up with poor visitor behaviour.

To report antisocial behaviour and provide photographic and video evidence, please call DES on 1300 130 372 or Policelink on 131 444.