News
8 October, 2024
Hooning havoc control
Anti-hooning measures have taken centre stage in Somerset this week with council calling on the State Government to address hooning activity in the Mid-Brisbane River, while Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, has made an election promise to address hooning activity in Dundas, if the LNP is elected.
Council said hooning and anti-social behaviour had been a problem at the Mid-Brisbane River for many years, including problems with illegal 4WDing, camping, and rubbish despite having asked the state numerous times to address the issue.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt last week called on the Government once again to commit to tackling the problem, ahead of the October 26 state election.
“Council has been asking for years for the State Government to make a commitment to managing the Mid-Brisbane River and our requests have been ignored or pushed to various departments,” he said.
“The reality is that the Mid-Brisbane River is state government managed, but little has been done by them to clean it up and stop the anti-social behaviour.
“The river is a critical water source for SEQ and faces ongoing issues threatening its environmental value, water quality and public safety.”
Cr Wendt added that Council took matter into its own hands almost four years ago, using ratepayers money to install bollards, signage and security cameras along Mid-Brisbane River to try and curb the issue, “despite it not being our responsibility”.
“This is yet another example of the State Government cost-shifting onto local communities. It’s not good enough, and the State Government must take responsibility for managing the river and protecting public safety,” he said.
“What we are asking for is a partnership with the State Government to increase investment in protecting the Mid-Brisbane River’s environmental values, water quality and managing antisocial behaviour.
“We need a State Government who will commit to making changes for a stronger future that prioritises our community. It’s time the State Government listened.”
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, said the proper management of the Mid-Brisbane River is important for public safety and the environment.
“The State Government can’t keep relying on the Somerset Regional Council to clean up this problem,” she said.
“We have to work together in a coordinated way to manage these issues and achieve better outcomes for both the environment and the community.”
Just a few days later, Ms Frecklington announced the LNP have committed to anti-hooning measures in the Dundas area, if elected at the end of the month.
Anti-hooning measures would include physical structures, such as raised concrete islands and street lighting, to deter hoons from assembling at the well-known hooning location at the intersection of Northbrook Parkway and Wivenhoe-Somerset Road.
“Local residents of Dundas and surrounds have been putting up with this blatant and frequent anti-social behaviour for many years, and the State has done nothing to fi x the problem,” she said.
“This location is one of the primary burnout hotspots in our region. The hooning activity is dangerous for locals and regular users of this road.”
The announcement is part of the LNP’s Making Our Community Safer Plan.
