Violent road: Truck shot at in latest violent incident near border

Terrifying reports of truckies targeted on a major regional highway that flows into Queensland can be revealed after a shooting and hammer attacks occurring along the road.

A still from footage of an attempted break in at Moree in November. (Photo: Moree Street Wise Community Watch)

Horror is occurring on our roads with one of our most critical industries in the firing line - literally.

Disturbing incidents have been occurring for the past month along the Newell Highway - a major highway which stretches from Goondiwindi to the NSW-Victoria border.

The highway sees thousands of vehicles daily and hundreds crossing the border into Queensland.

Drivers passing through Moree - at the intersection of the Newell and Gwydir Highways - have come across the scourge of crime which seems to be plaguing the wider border region.

On Saturday, a truck driver, 42, was passing near the intersection of Edward St and Jones Ave at Moree just after noon when he heard a loud noise.

Moree, along the Newell and Gwydir Highways has seen crime against truck drivers passing through (Photo: Visit Moree)

He later discovered he and his vehicle had been shot at.

New England Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

A Moree community Facebook page, which first reported the incident, attracted floods of comments with truckies noting similar experiences and warning drivers to “stay the f--k away”.

“Please help the truck drivers before one gets killed,” one commenter said.

“Wow, giving Alice Springs a bit of a challenge for places not to visit,” Denise Maidens said.

A still from footage of an attempted break in at Moree in November. (Photo: Moree Street Wise Community Watch)

“Are we as residents in this town going to keep putting up with this what do we do to feel safe in our community, I am approaching nearly 70yrs old and lock myself in my home every day so sad to say but never thought I would have to do this,” Kerry Duffell wrote.

This comes as in recent weeks our truckies have been under threat by thugs while at their most vulnerable.

Multiple truck drivers were violently assaulted while they slept in their cabins behind servo’s and rest areas near the Queensland-NSW border. Photo: Maps

Violent attacks at the end of October saw three truckies targeted by unknown persons while resting in their cabs.

In the early hours, offenders struck at a window of a truck, while the driver was in his cab sleeping at a Boggabilla service station.

The 66-year-old driver told police a man entered the cab and struck him with a claw hammer to his right knee while threatening and demanding money. The man’s wallet was callously stolen.

Truck driver Mike Williams told this publication earlier this month drivers have grown fearful for their safety.

“Your life’s not worth the $25 you might have in your wallet,” he said.

Goondiwindi and Moree Police have been contacted for comment.

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