Residents and business owners are urging authorities to clamp down on “anti-social driving behaviour” along a bustling coastal strip.
Almost 400 people have signed a petition to “stop excessive vehicle and motorbike noise in Mooloolaba’” particularly on Mooloolaba Esplanade and Venning Street.
The campaign is calling for “urgent attention to escalating traffic noise and road safety issues in our local area”.
“This disruptive activity occurs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, more so at late evening and night, with a significantly heightened and unbearable presence on Friday, Saturday nights and over the weekend.”
Sunshine Coast Council said the petition would be considered if formally submitted, while the Queensland Police Service said officers regularly patrolled the area and carried out targeted enforcement against speeding and dangerous driving.
The petition, started by Stephen Smith in September, stated that one of the main issues was “excessive and intentional acceleration”.
“High-powered motorbikes and vehicles frequently engage in heavy, deliberate acceleration.”
“This occurs in both directions from Mooloolaba Esplanade-Buderim Avenue intersection onto Venning Street through to the corner of the Walan Street intersection.
“This behaviour causes extreme noise pollution, even when the vehicle remains within the legal speed limit.”
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It stated that another significant issue was “vehicle speeding”.
“Dangerous speeding remains a constant issue along the same corridors, compromising the safety of pedestrians and other road users.”
The petition stated that there was a considerable impact on the community and economy.
“The resulting noise pollution has made outdoor socialising and dining virtually impossible for local residents and patrons.”
“Furthermore, local businesses are reporting that this environment is actively detracting from Mooloolaba’s reputation as a premier holiday destination, negatively impacting tourism retention and repeat visitor bookings.”
A petition poster says the area’s “beautiful, relaxed and peaceful atmosphere” had been compromised.
“Speeding and excessively loud exhausts from cars and motor bikes, particularly late evening and at night, are severely disrupting sleep, impacting local businesses and posing a serious danger to pedestrians.”
Mr Smith also told Sunshine Coast News that the area’s reputation as a tourist destination was at risk.
“Many holidaymakers have stated they love the Sunshine Coast and Mooloolaba but are now seriously considering holidaying elsewhere,” he said.
The petition called for the council to conduct a thorough review of the area and act.
“Evaluate infrastructure solutions to combat excessive vehicle acceleration from Mooloolaba Esplanade, at the Meta Street corner, through to Venning Street, at the Walan Street corner.”
“Review the appropriateness of the current speed limit across this zone. Following this review, we request the installation of permanent speed cameras to capture and deter speeding motorists. We also request a review of the use and installation of acoustic cameras similar to those being used in Victoria.
“Review existing pedestrian crossing in relation vehicles running red light heading south through traffic lights and timing to cross the road safely and options for additional pedestrian crossings in this area.”
A council representative outlined the group’s position on the concerns.
“Council is aware of the petition. However, it has not been formally submitted and, as such, Council is unable to comment on it at this stage.”
“Should the petition be formally presented through the appropriate process, it will be considered in accordance with Council’s governance and decision-making procedures.”
The representative said similar concerns had previously been raised with the council and some of the issues fell outside its powers.
“We have previously received requests from residents regarding vehicle noise in this area. However, Council does not have the authority to enforce vehicle noise offences or direct vehicles to move on, as these matters are for QPS.”
A police spokesperson outlined ongoing enforcement in the area.
“Sunshine Coast police conduct regular patrols and targeted enforcement activities across the Mooloolaba area … to deter and detect speeding and dangerous driving behaviour.”
“Police are aware of community concerns regarding driver behaviour in this area and take all reports of hooning and excessive speed seriously.
“Officers regularly review operational data, community complaints, and intelligence to inform enforcement strategies and ensure resources are deployed where they are most needed.
“Speeding and reckless driving place all road users at risk and remain a key focus for police. Enforcement action, including the issuing of infringement notices, is undertaken where offences are detected.”
