Local police have launched an operation targeting hoons tearing up local suburbs and wildlife reserves.
The announcement follows a spate of reports of young people riding unregistered trail bikes and four-wheel-drives on public roads footpaths, parks, and within protected conservation areas.
The operation, run in collaboration with Logan City Council and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), will focus on behaviour in the Plunkett Conservation Park and Wickham Timber Reserve at Cedar Creek.
Nearby suburbs, particularly Yarrabilba, will also be targetted.
It will consist of increased patrols by high-visibility and unmarked police vehicles, as well as covert trail cameras and enhanced CCTV coverage.
Acting Sergeant Adam Cottle said the operation was crucial for community safety and environmental preservation.
“Trail bikes and four-wheel drives in these areas aren’t just illegal – they’re a risk to public safety, local wildlife, and the environment,” he said.
“The trail bikes are also active throughout the Yarrabilba Town Centre, community parks and sporting fields.
“We’ve seen too many close calls with riders behaving recklessly on roads and footpaths. These conservation areas are meant to be safe havens for wildlife, not playgrounds for illegal vehicles.”
Fines for this behaviour include:
• Use/permit use of unregistered motorbike: $258
• Driving a motorbike on public land without authority: $322
• Driving an uninsured class 12 motor vehicle on a road: $322
• Unauthorised operation of a motorbike by a licensed rider: $537
“The aim is to disrupt this behaviour before it results in serious injury or a devastating bushfire,” Mr Cottle said.
“This operation is about community safety.
“By working with QPWS and Logan City Council, we’re sending a clear message that this conduct won’t be tolerated.”
