A HISTORY of anti-social and environmentally damaging activity in pockets of the Jimboomba and Scenic Rim regions has led to a four-wheeled solution to getting police off-road to monitor areas of the district that are difficult to access.
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A funding injection from two Logan City councillors has secured an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), jointly purchased by Cr Phil Pidgeon (Division 9) and Cr Jon Raven (Division 5), which will allow police to patrol local parks and bushland at Crestmead.
This follows news of an all-terrain vehicle for the Logan district announced by Minister for Police Mark Ryan in February. The Kawasaki Teryx LE seats two and provides a high visibility policing presence around pedestrian access ways, parklands and general public spaces at Edens Landing, Eagleby and Beenleigh.
Multiple ATVs are now in use in the Logan City Council (LCC) region.
According to an LCC statement, the ATVs will make it easier for police to intercept trail bike riders, crack down on illegal behaviour, and apprehend dumpers who are breaking the law.
The vehicles will be clearly marked with police stickers and lights as well as a LCC logo.
“Councils play a very important role in law and order and the ATVs are just one of many ways we are assisting the Queensland Police Service,” Cr Pidgeon said.
“These vehicles will help make more places safe in Crestmead and reassure the community that we’re on the front foot when it comes to crime.”
According to Cr Raven, the ATVs would also provide a valuable link between the community and the police.
“This will make police much more accessible,” he said.
“The ATVs make the police a lot more approachable and that increases public confidence.”
Police said the ATVs increase their tactical capabilities by allowing them to go to places that are difficult for traditional police vehicles to access.
Illegal activity
The conservation parks of the region have traditionally attracted recreational use, but while horse and bicycle riding and walking on designated trails is permitted, the use of motorised vehicles is prohibited.
In 2014, more than 40 fines were issued during a joint operation in Plunkett Conservation Park near Yarrabilba.
Jimboomba police, working in conjunction with National Parks rangers and the Forest Hill stock squad, conducted a two-day blitz on illegal trail bike riding.
Remote access
Also in 2014, a man in his 30s was airlifted by RACQ CareFlight Rescue after sustaining injuries in an off-road dirt bike accident at Jimboomba.
The man was riding on a steep and rocky dirt trail with friends when he left the trail and came off his bike.
QAS Paramedics and CareFlight’s Critical Care Doctor treated the patient at the scene for suspected chest and abdominal injuries.
Road sharing
Space for off-road cyclists and other recreational users has long been a topic of debate in the community. Seven years ago, LCC conducted a feasibility study into building a rail trail along the old Bethania to Beaudesert railway line.
Scenic Rim Regional Council mayor at the time John Brent agreed to set up a committee with the Bethania to Beaudesert Rail Trail Support Group but later withdrew his offer due to “no funding”.
Bike trail
The Hidden Peaks Trail is a 110-kilometre mountain bike ride following a newly mapped route.
It was launched by Australian Eco Trails in August 2016 as a companion experience alongside its Scenic Rim Trail hike, linking Spicers Peak Lodge at Maryvale west of Brisbane with its Hidden Vale sister lodge, further north and over the Great Dividing Range.
