Rocks also thrown at cars on same night
Bus pelted with cement OFF AND RACING TO GET CITY ON PACE
A LUMP of cement was hurled at a bus full of passengers by a group of youths in one of a string of attacks on motorists on the weekend.
The Sunbus was travelling towards the city on Ingham Rd about 10.30pm when the large lump of cement smashed into a window on the left side of the bus. The bus driver and passengers were not injured but shattered glass was scattered throughout the bus.
The attack on the bus was just one of several similar incidents on Saturday night, with several cars having rocks thrown at their windshields.
Northern Region Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Taylor said it was lucky no lives were lost. IT’S now just days before the roar of V8 engines, the beat of live music and the sound of thousands of racegoers enjoying a good time reverberates through Townsville.
Townsville 400 organisers have begun the massive task of transforming Reid Park into race central for three days of racing action beginning on Friday.
Event organiser Rachael White said
“Throwing rocks at cars is an extremely idiotic activity,” he said.
“We’ve seen it in the past where people have lost their lives because of stupid acts like these. When a car is travelling at 60, 80 or 100km/ h and projectiles are thrown at it it is like shooting a gun.
“If we find people doing it they will go before a court, and if they cause injury to anyone preparations were well under way, with some road closures already in place to allow the completion of the track and the installation of pedestrian bridges and race infrastructure.
“It’s tracking very well and the lovely Townsville weather has been very kind to us,” she said.
“We’ll be putting in the finishing touches over the next couple of days before the teams start rolling in next week.
“We have been working hard on the they will suffer the consequences.” Police were yesterday reviewing CCTV footage to try and identify the offenders.
Sunbus general manager Tony Morrison said they were working with police to help find the culprits.
“On Saturday evening a Sunbus vehicle was struck by a stone paver, causing a window to be smashed,” Mr Morrison said.
“Sunbus understands from the police that this incident was part of a number of similar incidents on that evening.
“These incidents are particularly dangerous to drivers and passengers.”
Mr Taylor blamed parents, saying they needed to be more responsible for their children.
“I understand being a parent is a challenge, but it’s
clear to me that some par- physical build for the past five weeks, but there was a lot of planning and consultation in the months leading up so it’s great to finally see the event taking shape.
“The weekend is very family friendly, with lots of entertainment on and off the track.”
Townsville police’s special planning unit tasked with ensuring the race weekend runs smoothly met on Thursday to examine the command, control and interoperability aspects of the event, and plan incident responses. ents need to step up to the mark and take responsibility for parenting their children. Children roaming the street late at night with no supervision is a recipe for disaster,” he said.
“Parents are often angry and defensive of their child after they do something wrong, but they should show love for their child before they’re in trouble or caught up in tragic circumstances.”
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Ms White encouraged businesses to take advantage of the influx of visitors to the city.
One part of the event sure to be watched with keen interest is the debut of the Australian Formula 4 Championship.
“It’s a good segue into elite motorsport, and we could even be watching the next Jamie Whincup make their debut here in Townsville,” Ms White said.
Grandstand seats are still available via www. ticketek. com. au.