Action plans to tackle hooning

Concerned residents have put forward a three-point plan to take Action Against Hooning (AAH) on Redcliffe’s streets.

AAH is reporting hooning, highlighting hotspots, pushing for action and lobbying for a state-wide solution to the problem.

The group says hoons regularly move to avoid police and CCTV cameras, but says Scarborough Harbour and Hornibrooke Esp are popular areas.

Also, the waterfront at Woody Point where the issue is so bad AAH spokesperson Hazel Key says some residents cannot use their balconies at weekends.

“There’s a lot of frustration and definitely some anger out there about apparent inaction (by authorities),” Hazel says.

“I understand that frustration because despite a long lists of actions, widespread, blatant hooning is still happening and developing into a culture in our view.

“It's a dangerous development and it’s linked to other criminal behaviour.”

A QPS spokesperson said police investigate all reports of hooning.

Moreton Bay Police are also “aware of community concerns regarding recent hooning activities in the district and are conducting thorough investigations”.

“Enforcement action is taken where sufficient evidence is available which can include details about the hooning including date, time and location, relevant registrations and in instances where applicable dashcam/vison of the illegal behaviour,” the spokesperson said.

Hazel said AAH is “going for a state-wide solution … because when you fix it in just one area, they (hoons) move elsewhere.

“We do sympathise with the police who we know lack resourcing. The government just isn’t backing the police and that’s why the problem is getting out of control,” she said.

“There’s lawlessness on our roads and the hoons are enjoying it.”

AAH’s three-point plan calls for:

1. Cameras at all signalled intersections and roundabouts in Queensland, funded by Transport and Main Roads’ Camera Detected Offence Program (CDOP).
2. Revoking the exemption from testing for exhaust modification - changing a loophole which says an exhaust is a ‘minor modification’ not requiring testing/certifying.
3. Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) - also known as Slow for Sam signs - on all suburban through-roads, which may not stop hardened hoons but help general driver behaviour.

Action Against Hooning has discussed the issue with Federal Member for Petrie Emma Comer, State Member for Redcliffe Kerri-Ann Dooley, Shadow Police and TMR Ministers, Mayor Peter Flannery and Cr Karl Winchester.

“We’ve brought it to the attention of decision-makers and they’re beginning to sit up and take notice,” Kay said. “There’s a lot more to do.”

Hazel says she noticed speeding and hooning near her Margate home in 2023, lodging reports and contacting authorities but “nothing tangible” came from it.

In mid-2024, with the issue worsening, she “developed” the brand and “people started coming”. “It was surprisingly quick” she said.

“We are non-partisan and will work, within the law, with anyone who can help us further our goal of getting hooning under control, state-wide.”

Moreton Bay Police thank the public for reporting inappropriate driving behaviours, but urge residents not to “place themselves in harm’s way” while getting car details or information.

Submit incidents to the Hooning Hotline on 13HOON, Policelink on 134 666 or the Reporting Hooning webpage.