Sunshine Coast police are prepared and well placed to support a safe Australia Day long weekend, including on the water and roads.
Sunshine Coast District Officer Superintendent Craig Hawkins said the community can expect to see police out in force this long weekend.
“We have bolstered our high-visibility policing presence over the weekend with a focus on road safety and alcohol fuelled violence,” Superintendent Hawkins said.
“Police will be situated across the Sunshine Coast, including at public events, to prevent and target antisocial behaviour, public order offences and drink driving.
“Though I’m expecting a relaxed weekend for all, I’m confident we are well-prepared to handle any situation that may arise.”
A team from Sunshine Coast Highway Patrol, accompanied by the Road Policing Task Force, will deploy to Noosa North Shore for the weekend with patrols set to focus on illegally modified vehicles, anti-social behaviour (including hooning), drink driving, speeding and seatbelts.
Sunshine Coast Highway Patrol Officer in Charge Acting Senior Sergeant Nathan Richards said anyone planning to drive on the beach should educate themselves on the rules.
“This is your reminder that Teewah Beach and the camp zones are all 40km/h speed limit, which will be enforced with zero tolerance,” Acting Senior Sergeant Richards said.
“You must treat driving on the beach as you would any other road – the same road rules apply regardless of if it’s on the bitumen or the sand.
“This is for everyone’s safety as driving on the beach can be unpredictable with hazards including changing conditions and terrain, and pedestrians, including young children.
“We will also have increased patrols across the rest of the Sunshine Coast district and many RBT sites at random locations, focusing on the Fatal Five behaviours including speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue and distraction.”
With an uptick in traffic on the waterways over the long weekend to be expected, Water Police will also have an increased presence to ensure safety and compliance.
Sunshine Coast Water Police Officer in Charge Sergeant Kyle Bates said boaties need to stay vigilant and be ready to adjust plans if the weather conditions turn dangerous.
“Those undertaking activities such as fishing, jet skiing, sailing or paddleboarding, are reminded to prepare and pay close attention to the weather and possible risks before heading out,” Sergeant Bates said.
“Safety should always be a boater’s top priority – especially in severe weather conditions.
“As always, we will have a zero-tolerance policy for those found to be non-compliant with safety regulations, including correct lifejacket use and trip planning.
“The use of alcohol or drugs severely impacts your reaction capacity, vision, and judgement – all of which can have dangerous consequences.
“That’s why we’ll enforce our zero-tolerance approach for boating over the blood alcohol limit or under the influence of drugs.
“We want people to have fun and enjoy our beautiful waterways, but in a safe way that doesn’t require the attention of police or emergency services.”
