Sunshine Coast police are investigating after university sites, including the region’s top athletics track, were vandalised.
Authorities are looking into incidents that occurred at the University of the Sunshine Coast in the early hours of Sunday morning.
UniSC campus development and services director Dean Collins revealed the extent of the damage.
“UniSC is disappointed by the vandalism that occurred at our running track and on campus and is working with the Queensland Police Service.”
“It appears wheelie bins were moved to the western side of the track and set alight, with significant damage caused to a number of lanes.
“Damage also occurred to cooking facilities and to an installation at the main campus”.
The cooking facilities included a barbecue area, while the installation was of information panels celebrating 30 years of the university.
UniSC staff have been at the athletics track assessing the damage and risk.
“The facility is an important community and university asset, used by high-performance athletes, students, staff, local sporting groups and schools,” Mr Collins said.
“We thank our staff and facility users for their patience and understanding while we undertake the necessary repairs. It’s not yet clear how long this will take.”
The entire university campus has extensive CCTV camera coverage.
Sunshine Coast Police Acting Inspector Scott Wiggins revealed some initial investigations of the athletics track damage.
“It appears that youths have accessed the running track and set fire to a number of plastic rubbish bins causing significant damage to that running track,” he said.
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The University of the Sunshine Coast Athletics Club took to Facebook on Monday, to share news of the damage, and disappointment.
“We are saddened to report on the senseless vandalism that occurred at the UniSC Track overnight.
“Five wheelie bins were set alight, causing significant damage to the track.
“We are extremely disappointed by this senseless act and the impact it has on our athletes and wider sporting community.”
The group also shared comments from the UniSC Sport and Fitness department, which made “the difficult decision” to cancel all community UniSC Athletics Track and infield bookings from August 10 to 16.
“This decision has been made to ensure the safety of all users and to allow time for further assessment of the facility and planning of any required remediation works.”
The athletics track is used by several clubs and organisations.
“Bookings scheduled beyond August 16 will be reviewed, and an update will be provided as soon as possible,” the department stated.
