Vandalism at a Sunshine Coast park this month has left newly laid turf torn up, with council considering protective measures to help prevent repeat attacks.
Deep circular tyre tracks were carved through a large grassed area at Dardgee Park in Mountain Creek, with the damage highlighted in a social media post by Division 6 councillor Christian Dickson.
The park, bordered by Airlie Close, Pony Tail Circuit and Water Lily Way, features a large open kick-about space, playground, shelters, barbecue facilities and a half basketball court.
Sunshine Coast Council manager of Parks and Gardens Nicholas Coluccio said a vehicle had allegedly been driven into the park.
“From my understanding, an individual or a group of individuals drove a vehicle into the park and caused damage to the turf area,” he said.
“It’s quite visual and disappointing, especially since the community takes great pride in our parks and open spaces.”
Mr Coluccio said repairing the area would redirect crews from scheduled maintenance and upgrades.
“We’re still investigating and our team will assess what repairs are needed,” he said.
“What this does is take us away from our proactive maintenance. We have to perform reactive repairs, which costs the ratepayers and the community money.”
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He said council and police were already working together in known problem areas across the region.
“There are other hotspots across the region,” he said.
“We work closely with the Queensland Police Service to establish programs and work with the community. QPS visits these sites more frequently, and we use CCTV where practical and financially viable.
“In hotspots, we also look at protective measures, like planting trees along boundaries to prevent vehicle access.”
Mr Coluccio said council would also pursue grants or other funding opportunities for added security infrastructure where available.
A council spokesperson said community safety in parks and public open spaces remained a priority.
“Our parks and gardens teams are committed to working with our community to nurture and enhance our environment and quality of life,” the spokesperson said.
“We take damage to this community property very seriously and report incidences of vandalism to the Queensland Police Service.
“Thank you to our community for your understanding and patience as we assess and repair the damage.”
The spokesperson encouraged residents to report anti-social behaviour to police and damage to council property through the Sunshine Coast App or council customer service channels.
A QPS spokesperson said wilful damage at the park was reported on April 23 and investigations were continuing.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at police.qld.gov.au/reporting. Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at crimestoppersqld.com.au. Quote this reference number: QP2600783470.
