The Department of Environment and Science has expressed disappointment after 13 penalty infringement notices (PINS) were issued to Teewah visitors for various offences one weekend this month (4-5 December).
Compliance Manager at the Department, Mike Devery said five DES officers were on patrol and several incidents of poor and dangerous behaviour stood out.
“One driver was observed purposefully swerving a four-wheel-drive up and down the beach then turning to drive up a vegetated dune at speed,” Mr Devery said.
“The vehicle damaged the vegetation on the dune and became bogged,” he said.
“The driver was directed to carefully un-bog the vehicle, rebuild the impacted section of the dune and was issued with two $275 PINs for allegedly driving without due care and attention and driving on a vegetated dune.”
Mr Devery said a number of drivers were observed to be not wearing a seatbelt when beach driving and were now dealing with a fine of $275 each.
“We have recent examples of rollovers and other accidents, where people have been thrown from the vehicle and suffered serious injuries or have been killed,” he said.
“Doing donuts on the beach and other reckless driving behaviour is putting drivers and their passengers at risk, especially if people are not wearing seatbelts.”
Mr Devery said other offences included people camping without permits or not having a vehicle access permit, with one group of campers falling asleep while leaving an unlawful campfire unattended.
“At approximately 11pm on Saturday, about 40 or 50 young people were detected having a party in a camping area, which included strobe lighting, extremely loud music and excessive alcohol,” he said.
“The group was directed to turn off the music and immediately clean up the numerous cans, bottles and other litter strewn over the area.”
Mr Devery said Teewah was one of the most popular camping areas in Queensland and visitors needed to respect the rules, respect fellow campers and respect the environment.
