New footage of ‘selfish’ behaviour on Teewah Beach | Photos, Videos
WATCH: Drink driving, burnouts, fishtails and speeding are among the latest ‘selfish’ behaviours on Teewah Beach and appalled authorities have officially had enough.
Gympie
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gympie. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Despite the recent crackdown, dangerous drivers have continued using Teewah Beach as a drag strip, with the latest bout of ‘selfish’ behaviour sparking a review into how many visitors will be allowed on the beach.
The Department of Environment and Science has announced it will take a closer look at visitor capacities for the Cooloola Recreation Area, following ongoing poor behaviour and unsafe activities.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Manager of Compliance Mike Devery said some people were risking their own safety and the safety of others by treating Teewah Beach as a drag strip.
“Unfortunately, QPWS rangers and members of the Queensland Police Service are dealing with selfish and irresponsible behaviour at Teewah on a regular basis,” Mr Devery said.
“The ongoing Operation Sand Strike between QPWS and the QPS highlights the dangerous risk-taking activities of some drivers, which includes a number of rollovers that can and have had fatal consequences.”
Mr Devery said during the recent enforcement activities, QPWS rangers and police officers were “appalled” by the behaviour of some campers and drivers along the popular beach.
“People were caught drink driving, driving dangerously by doing burnouts and fishtails, speeding and driving defective vehicles,” he said.
“Other groups had organised large gatherings known as bush doofs, and set up lighting on the beach, while other people ignored the ban on campfires that’s been in place since December last year.”
Mr Devery said the most concerning aspect of the poor behaviour was the complete lack of consideration for other beachgoers and people camping nearby.
MORE GYMPIE NEWS: Special Australian Story episode to air on Kirra’s death
“We want people to enjoy their time in the Cooloola Recreation Area, and it’s up to visitors to improve their behaviour and respect the environment and other visitors,” he said.
Mr Devery said QPWS recently commissioned a sustainable visitor capacity and management study for the region and the recommendations will help guide further management measures.
“Due to the continued incidents of at Teewah Beach, QPWS are looking at taking stronger action against people who commit offences like dangerous driving,” he said.
“QPWS rangers and police are concerned this behaviour could lead to injuries or worse on the beach.”
Mr Devery asked anyone who witnessed hooning or poor driver behaviour to report it to QPWS or the police.
“If you’re in a car with someone who is hooning on the beach, have the courage to immediately tell them to stop, because it’s better to speak up than be involved in a rollover,” he said.
MORE GYMPIE NEWS: Multiple new housing blocks open up in Gympie subdivision
“Locals and regular visitors and campers who do the right thing are obviously fed up with poor visitor behaviour.”
The decision for the review to be conducted comes after numerous dangerous drivers were busted on Teewah by police one weekend in July, resulting in a stern warning from Gympie Patrol Inspector Pat Swindells.
“It wasn’t that long ago that a couple of young fellows were hooning on the beach and one person got ejected from the car and got rolled on and killed,” Insp Swindells said.
“One stupid decision can ruin the rest of your life.”
To report anti-social behaviour and provide photographic and video evidence, please call DES on 1300 130 372 or Policelink on 131 444.
60+ grins: Gympie region’s first day of Prep school 2025
Joy, nervousness, and even some tears were in the air as hundreds of Gympie Prep students – and their parents – celebrated a life changing milestone at primary schools across the region. SEE THE GALLERY, VIDEO:
Read more
Top 30: Standout junior and senior cricketers of the round
It was one of the most impressive rounds of the season last weekend with a number of top shelf displays across the Sunshine Coast. See which players from all junior grades and the top three senior divisions cracked our rankings.
Read more