Hoons face crackdown by camera
BOATIE and jet ski hoons have been put on notice, with new weapons being used to stop dangerous operators.
The Gold Coast Waterways Authority has splashed out on five movable, high definition cameras, worth $100,000, to catch hoons in the act – including jet ski operators accused of endangering others when they tow surfers on to big waves.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey said yesterday some riders thought they were bulletproof because they could not be identified, but the quality of images caught by the new cameras had overturned that.
The new resource allocation adds to cameras already in use on the Gold Coast.
This financial year 81 infringement notices and 451 formal warnings have been issued for speeding, and five infringement notices and 31 formal warnings for offences relating to waterskiing, surfing and wave jumping. There have also been fines and warnings for environmental breaches, and anchoring, mooring and grounding offences.
Mr Bailey said the cameras would boost the ability to catch law breakers.
“Common offences relate to waterskiing, freestyling, surfing and wave jumping and last financial year, 16 marine infringement notices and 59 formal warnings were issued,” Mr Bailey said.
“Reckless jet ski operators who endanger others on the Gold Coast’s big waves are being caught on camera.
“Some of these riders who have been ignoring speed limits and safe distance rules in the surf believed they were untouchable because they couldn’t be identified or pursued, but that has changed.
“Hooning behaviour of any kind, be it on the road or water, is unacceptable and we are putting a stop to this reckless and dangerous behaviour.
“Maritime Safety Queensland is now using a state-of-art camera capable of fast-image capture over very long distances which identifies offenders and provides sufficient evidence for legal action.”
Acting Senior Sergeant Mitch Gray of Gold Coast Water Police said the cameras would be a welcome addition to enforcement technology.
“Any extra resources to help us address marine related complaints and behaviour on the waters are an absolute asset to us,” he said.
Mr Bailey said complaints had been made about beaches at Currumbin and Coolangatta.
“It has become increasingly obvious some jet ski riders simply do not feel the need to obey rules requiring them to keep to six knots within 60 metres of a swimmer or surfer or ceasing operation completely when paddlers are in the water,” Mr Bailey said. “Thanks to innovative thinking by Maritime Safety Queensland, these irresponsible individuals are now being hauled in.”
To report incidents, call the police Hoon Hotline on 134666.