Police have issued a stern warning for thousands of people preparing to converge on Teewah Beach for the summer holidays.
The nature strip has grown in popularity, with a steady stream of four-wheel-drives dotting the sand and campers enjoying the foreshore in recent years.
But unrest has plagued the area in 2022 and scores of infringement notices have been issued for traffic offences and public nuisance.
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With an influx of day trippers and campers on the way for summer holidays, police have warned they will have “a strong presence” and they could be “anywhere, anytime”.
“The QPS is committed to keeping the people of the Sunshine Coast and its visitors safe,” a spokesperson said.
“Dangerous driving and behaviour on beaches that are utilised by pedestrians, swimmers and motorists puts all members of the public at serious risk.”
“Police will investigate all reports and, when evidence of an offence exists, issue infringements or charges to those responsible.
“Those engaging in dangerous and criminal behaviours should expect police anywhere, anytime.”
Police have conducted regular patrols at Teewah Beach this year, including the ongoing Operation Sandstorm and Operation Sandstrike.
They issued 119 traffic infringement notices and conducted more than 1000 roadside breath tests in four days in September and told 80 campers to move on in October.
But it was a viral video of police swooping on young drivers at nearby Double Island Point that attracted significant attention.
Police were seen handcuffing one young man and placing him on the bonnet of a car while an officer yelled at the group, in a TikTok clip by Max Steele (@max.ssteele), viewed more than 1.2m times.
“Police are aware of a video that depicts the arrest of an 18-year-old man on October 15, following multiple reports of disorderly behaviour,” the police spokesperson told Sunshine Coast News.
“He was subsequently issued an infringement notice for public nuisance. A group of persons were subsequently moved on from the area.”
Teewah Beach, on the Cooloola Coast in the Great Sandy National Park, attracted more than 200,000 visitor nights in 2021. There were 124,700 four-wheel-drive permits issued for the Cooloola Recreation Area in 2021, compared with 90,838 in 2020.
Sunshine Coast News revealed, in 2021, concerns the beach was being “pummelled to near death” by the sheer volume of vehicles.
Acting CEO of Tourism Noosa Susan Ewington said visitors were drawn “to the area’s unique wilderness surrounds and pristine coastline.”
She said visitors were greeted by “wide open beaches, coastal forests and coloured sand cliffs.”
A Department of Environment and Science spokesperson said people swarmed there to camp and drive on the beach, fish, swim, jet ski, boat and hike.
“The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service promotes appropriate visitor behaviour and safe beach driving practices through ranger and police patrols, signage and web-based information, including educational videos,” the spokesperson said.
“Rangers routinely patrol Teewah Beach, and work closely with the Queensland Police Service, to uphold safe driving practices and help prevent anti-social behaviour.
“People are encouraged to respect the environment and respect their fellow campers by limiting noise at night and driving safely on the beach. People are also urged to take their rubbish with them.
“People are reminded that campfires at Teewah Beach are prohibited, and on-the-spot fines apply.
“Visitors need a camping permit to camp at Teewah and a Vehicle Access Permit to drive on Teewah Beach. Vehicles must be registered, and all drivers must be licensed.
“QPWS rangers issue fines for non-compliance, failure to have the necessary permits and for environmentally and socially inappropriate behaviour. Rangers can also order people to leave the recreation area.
“During peak periods, visitors to Teewah Beach can expect to see additional rangers patrolling the region.”
Police said that anyone who witnesses dangerous behaviour, criminal offences or captures footage including dash cam footage of an offence, is urged to immediately contact police. If someone is in immediate danger, please phone Triple Zero (000).
Alternatively, a report can be made to PoliceLink on 131 444 or online, or to Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000 or online.
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