How police have stepped up a crackdown on Farnborough Beach hoons

If you’re planning on taking your 4WD for a reckless spin on Farnborough Beach, you should probably be aware of the extra measures that have been put in place to catch you out, as well as the start of new vehicle ban times.

Police have stepped up their crackdown on Farnborough Beach hoons after recent incidents. Generic image.

Police have stepped up a crackdown on reckless four-wheel-driving on the Capricorn Coast’s most popular beach.

And if you think that’s just scare tactics or talk, think again.

Responding to a series of questions from this publication after a recent near miss on Farnborough Beach involving a 4WD and families including children, a Queensland Police Service spokesperson confirmed authorities had not been treading water on the issue of beach safety.

The QPS spokesperson said police had continued to upgrade their fleet with the Rockhampton Road Policing Unit recently receiving a marked Toyota Prado 4WD to enhance enforcement activities.

“Staff from Yeppoon Water Police are also conducting patrols in unmarked police vehicles,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said police at the Yeppoon Station “have an ongoing operation targeting Farnborough Beach”.

“Local officers have been collaboratively engaging with other stakeholders including Livingstone Shire Council, Fitzroy Basin Development Association, Iwasaki Resort and National Parks and Wildlife Service in relation to enforcement and proactive patrolling of Farnborough Beach,” the QPS spokesperson said.

“Police and associated stakeholders have erected extras signage along the beach and at beach accesses including information/advisories and extra speed signage while also continuing to conduct and participate in ongoing education activities.

“Police continue to patrol the beach which also involves Rockhampton Road Policing Unit utilising marked and unmarked vehicles where calls for service allow.

“Police continue to conduct patrols targeting key times and days when anti-social behaviour traffic offences are being committed.”

Livingstone Shire Council announced on Thursday (October 20) when it will close both Bangalee and Sandy Point beach accesses to Farnborough, for all vehicular traffic at night for a three-month trial.

"Farnborough Beach, north of Bangalee, will continue to be available for beachgoers using 4WD vehicles between 4am to 8pm seven days a week, to enjoy one of our iconic beach experiences and one of the most beautiful parts of our coastline," a council statement said. 

"From 1 November, 2022, a three-month trial will begin whereby access to Farnborough Beach, north of Bangalee, will be closed to vehicles outside of these times.

"This applies to motorised vehicular traffic only and pedestrians and non-motorised traffic will continue to be able to access this family-friendly beach at all hours.

"At the end of the trial, the community will have the opportunity to share their views on whether the beach should be closed to vehicular access during these times on a more permanent basis."

On Monday, Sunshine Coast police said they had charged three people with drink-driving, made more than 30 arrests, and directed 80 campers to pack up and leave Teewah Beach as part of enforcement action targeting hooning over the weekend.