: News Article

Hoons hit hard

14/11/2002

NQ Water is prosecuting offenders after a recent melee on the grounds of Lake Paluma.

Chief Executive Officer Ken Diehm has instructed solicitors acting for NQ Water to commence civil action to enforce penalties in regard to breaches in local laws.

Other complaints have been referred to the Queensland Police Service.

The complaints include public nudity, swearing and loud music played until 4 am and other drunk and disorderly conduct on September 18 and 19.
The offenders were repeatedly advised of their responsibilities and asked to curb their behaviour.

They could face more than $8,000 in fines for breeches of their camping permit, inappropriate use of a vehicle and being a public nuisance, as well charges under state laws for obscene behaviour and inappropriate use of a vessel or vehicle.

NQ Water sent written apologies and refunds to other campers at the popular site following the incident, said Mr Diehm.

NQ Water had recently invested $500,000 improving the area for camping and there was no room for such behaviour, he said.

"This was to make Lake Paluma more family friendly and to maintain the environmental integrity of the area," Mr Diehm said.

"We are serious about enforcing local laws to ensure public safety and amenity at Lake Paluma," he said.

"Our ranger is actively patrolling the site and we work closely with the Queensland Police Service to maintain standards."

Mr Diehm said he had the full support of the Board to enforce a no-tolerance policy for bad behaviour at Lake Paluma. ‘We don’t want this happening again,’ he said.

© 2003 NQ Water