ON THE BEAT 30 January

Police Appeal Following Cannonvale Traffic Crash
Queensland Police Service (QPS) authorities are appealing for information after a traffic crash in Cannonvale on Friday, 23rd January.

Investigations revealed that around 11.15pm a dark-coloured vehicle, believed to be a late-model Ford Everest, was travelling at speed on Island Drive when it struck a 40-year-old Cannonvale man riding an e-scooter. The man was transported to Proserpine Hospital and then airlifted by helicopter to Mackay Hospital with significant, potentially life-threatening leg and head injuries.

The driver failed to stop or render assistance and had left the scene before police arrived.
Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who has dashcam or CCTV footage from the area, to come forward. Officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone in the vicinity of Island Drive before or after the crash.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Policelink online at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersqld.com.au and quote the reference number QP2600151091.

Police Shift Focus to School Zones After Major Road Safety Operations
QPS have wrapped up two major road safety operations, with enforcement efforts now shifting toward school zone compliance as students return to classrooms across the state.

Operation X-Ray Surety and Operation X-Ray Mistletoe concluded this month, delivering significant enforcement outcomes as part of the Queensland Police Service’s ongoing efforts to reduce road trauma.

Operation X-Ray Surety was launched on 3 November 2025 in response to the increasing use of e-mobility devices, including e-bikes and e-scooters, and rising rates of unsafe and non-compliant riding. Over the 12-week operation, police issued more than 2,700 infringements statewide, the majority for failing to wear helmets, as well as offences for riding on prohibited roads and speeding. A further 142 non-compliant devices were removed from roads.

Road Policing and Regional Support Command Assistant Commissioner Adam Guild said the operation focused on prevention, particularly among young riders.

“Over the 12 weeks Operation X-Ray Surety ran, our officers worked tirelessly to reduce risk and prevent serious injury,” he said, noting that education in schools and communities formed a key part of the operation.

Operation X-Ray Mistletoe began on 13 December 2025 as the annual holiday road safety campaign, targeting behaviours linked to fatal crashes such as speeding and drink and drug driving. During the operation, police detected more than 32,100 traffic offences, including 16,000 speeding offences, and conducted more than 177,500 roadside breath tests and 7,200 drug tests.

Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler said speeding, impairment, distraction, fatigue and failing to wear seatbelts remain the leading contributors to deadly crashes.

With the holiday operation now complete, police will maintain a strong presence on Queensland roads, with particular attention on school zones.

“Safer roads start with you,” Chief Superintendent Wheeler said. “Every decision you make behind the wheel matters.”

Water Safety a Priority Over The Long Weekend
Queensland authorities ramped up water safety messaging ahead of the recent long weekend, as one of the busiest and highest-risk periods on the state’s waterways unfolded.

With coastal and inland waterways experiencing heavy traffic, Queensland Water Police joined forces with Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) and Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) to help ensure a safe and enjoyable break for boaties, swimmers and beachgoers.

Water Police Sunshine Coast Officer in Charge Sergeant Kyle Bates said officers were out in force throughout the long weekend, focusing on safe and responsible behaviour on the water.

“With increased traffic on both coastal and inland waterways, the choices people make on the water matter more than ever – not just for themselves, but for everyone around them,” Sergeant Bates said.

He also reiterated the dangers of mixing alcohol or drugs with boating, noting authorities have a zero-tolerance policy for anyone putting themselves and others at risk.

“Alcohol and drugs will slow down your reaction time and decision-making, increasing the risk of serious injury or fatal incidents,” he said.

MRQ Chief Officer Tony Wulff said more than 1,000 volunteers were on standby across the state during the long weekend.

MSQ General Manager Kell Dillon said while most boaties were doing the right thing, the long weekend highlighted the need for extra caution.

“Slow down, wear your lifejacket, and make it home safely to your family and friends,” he said.

Authorities reminded Queenslanders that water safety was a shared responsibility, with planning, preparation and smart decision-making key to a safe long weekend on the water.

Jack’s Law Delivering Results Six Months On
Since Jack’s Law became permanent six months ago, Mackay and the Whitsundays region has seen 4,194 people scanned and 10 weapons seized by police, as part of statewide efforts to prevent knife crime.

The expanded law allows officers to use hand-held metal detectors in all public places, increasing their ability to detect weapons and intervene early.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the results show the law is making Queensland safer.

“Every weapon seized is a potential life saved, and that’s how we honour Jack Beasley’s legacy,” he said.

Commissioner of Police Steve Gollschewski also commended frontline officers for their work in leveraging the powers to better prevent, detect, and disrupt crime across the region.

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QPS are appealing for information following a Cannonvale traffic crash. Photo source: QPS
Operation X-Ray Surety and Operation X-Ray Mistletoe will concluded this month. Photo source: QPS

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