Month: April 2025

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 35-year-old male yesterday in relation to serious traffic offences committed over the past month.

Between 27 March and 21 April 2025, the rider of a motorcycle displaying false plates committed a number of high-speed driving offences within the Greater Darwin region reaching speeds of up to 215 kilometres per hour.

Officers from the Territory Road Policing Division investigated the incidents, identifying the rider and motorcycle involved.

Yesterday morning, members executed a search warrant on the riders residence in Karama locating the motorcycle and alleged offender at the location.

The Motorcycle was seized and the 35-year-old male was arrested and conveyed to the Palmerston Watch House. He has since been charged with 54 offences including:

• Possess thing to administer dangerous drug;
• Posses schedule 1 dangerous drug – Less than traffickable quantity;
• Drive at a speed and manner dangerous;
• Driving at a dangerous speed more 45 kilometres over;
• Fail to comply with police direction;
• Possess plates calculated to deceive;
• Breach of bail;
• Drive a motor vehicle while unlicenced;
• Drive unregistered motor vehicle; and
• Drive unregistered motor vehicle.

He is remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court on 1 May 2025.

Sergeant Rowan Benson of the Territory Road Policing Division said “It is extremely disappointing that we are still seeing these dangerous offences being committed. The reckless actions of the person involved has created unjustifiable risk to so many members of the public and it is lucky that on this occasion nobody has been seriously injured or killed.

“The Northern Territory Police Force will continue to work tirelessly to investigate and prosecute people that choose to put other Territorians in danger.”

Road users are encouraged to report traffic offending to police either by calling 131 444 or by submitting a report online at http://pfes.nt.gov.au/reportonline. You can make anonymous reports via Crime Stoppers online at https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information following an unlawful entry in Katherine.

Around 8:45am this morning, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of an alleged unlawful entry at a business facility near the intersection of First and O’Shea Streets. 

While inside, the unknown offenders allegedly caused significant damage to multiple doors and deployed a fire extinguisher within one of the office spaces.

Police attended and established a crime scene.

Investigations are ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25117919. Anonymous reports can be made via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested three females in relation to an aggravated assault that occurred outside a small shopping precinct in Palmerston yesterday afternoon.

About 3:15pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a female being assaulted by a group of four females. Police allege the female was struck to the head with a bottle and further hit with blunt objects before a male bystander tried to intervene and was also assaulted.

The group fled the scene before police arrival but were arrested nearby a short time later and conveyed to the Palmerston Watch House.

St John Ambulance attended and conveyed the female victim to Royal Darwin Hospital for medical assessment. The male was treated for minor injuries at the scene.

Three females, aged 30, 58 and 59, are expected to be charged at a later date. One of the alleged offenders remains outstanding and Serious Crime detectives have carriage of the investigation.

Anyone with information in relation to the incident is urged to contact police on 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 17-year-old male in relation to an aggravated robbery that occurred in Karama on Monday evening.

Further investigation determined the second male was not inside the store at the time of the incident, and there is currently insufficient evidence to confirm his involvement.

The 17-year-old was charged yesterday afternoon with aggravated robbery and was remanded to appear in court today. 

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 30 Apr 2025

Queensland Police Service (QPS), in collaboration with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), have fined two men for illegal pig hunting activity within Bribie Island National Park.

Feral pigs are a declared pest in Queensland and can be managed under strict control measures on private land, but hunting in national parks is strictly prohibited.

The incident occurred late last month after park rangers and police were alerted to two vehicles entering the park on multiple occasions to hunt feral pigs.

Officers and rangers observed suspicious activity in the area and upon further investigation, discovered the men had travelled on restricted access roads, entering the park unlawfully with pig-hunting dogs and associated equipment.

The offenders allegedly removed their number plates to avoid detection from number plate recognition cameras, however police were able to successfully identify the involved vehicles.

The two men were intercepted by police and issued infringement notices, receiving a combined $9,032 in fines under Queensland’s Nature Conservation Act 1992 and various Transport Operations Acts and Regulations.

QPWS Manager Chris Skennar said the illegal activities can cause major disruption to coordinated pest programs. QPWS carries out targeted pest control around Bribie Island National Park to protect native wildlife, manage invasive species and help restore the island’s natural ecosystems.

“Bribie Island National Park is a fragile ecosystem that supports a wide variety of unique native species. Illegal hunting not only poses a direct threat to local wildlife, but also damages sensitive landscapes, undermining the conservation efforts our rangers work so hard to maintain.”

“Even if the intention is to target a pest species, the way it’s done matters. National parks aren’t a remote property, they’re a shared, protected space. We’re committed to enforcing the law and ensuring our parks are safe for both visitors and wildlife.

“We work closely with QPS to protect these areas and appreciate their support and the support of the community in reporting incidents like this; your information helps to ensure our national parks are protected.”

Moreton District Officer Acting Chief Superintendent Adam Guild said illegal activity will be met with significant fines or charges.

“I acknowledge the good policing work that was done to identify and intercept the alleged offenders, despite their attempts to go undetected.

“We will continue to support QPWS and work with the rangers to assist in protecting our national parks and eliminating criminal behaviour within them.”

Any illegal activity in national parks and state forests can be reported anonymously by calling 1300 130 372.

Media contact:                 DETSI Media Unit on (07) 3339 5831 or media@des.qld.gov.au

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 30 Apr 2025

The Ex-HMAS Brisbane Conservation Park dive site has partially reopened following a temporary closure in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, this iconic piece of Australian naval history offers divers an unforgettable underwater experience just off the Sunshine Coast.

Although rectification works are continuing to protect both divers and its surrounding marine environment, guided external-only dives have been given the green light to recommence.

Access to the site is available exclusively through bookings with SunReef and Scuba World, with the public mooring set to remain closed until further notice to support rectification activities and ensure visitor safety.

Principal Ranger of Southern Marine Parks, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Steve Hoseck emphasised the importance of the rectification efforts in getting tourism operators back in business.

“Reinstating the Ex-HMAS Brisbane as one of Australia’s premier wreck diving destinations is a top priority,” Mr Hoseck said.

“We’re allowing controlled access for certified advanced divers, giving them a unique opportunity to witness the impact of a cyclone on a wreck while making sure ongoing rectification work continues uninterrupted.

“Divers from around the world are drawn to the Ex-HMAS Brisbane wreck, and even with limited access, we’re delighted to get people back in the water to experience this Queensland icon.”

Access Guidelines:

• No physical contact with the wreck permitted.
• Water visibility must be greater than 5m.
• No swimming over or entering the rectification areas.
• Divers must remain 2.5m away from the wreck.
• Max distance between divers of 2m.
• Group sizes are limited and must be accompanied by a certified guide.
• Set dive route.
• Certified advanced divers and above.

For the latest updates on access and restoration progress, head to our official Park Alert.

Media contact: DETSI Media Unit on (07) 3339 5831 or media@des.qld.gov.au

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 23 Apr 2025

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is ramping up efforts to safeguard the iconic Bunya Mountains National Park from the devastating impact of phytophthora.

Phytophthora – which in Greek means “plant destroyer” – is a group of soil borne pathogens that have caused environmental ecosystem damage world-wide.

We need help in reducing the spread of phytophthora, and help starts with visitors to Bunya Mountains National Park cleaning their boots.

Boot cleaning stations have been installed at the entrance of all walking tracks in the Bunya Mountains National Park, and it is now a requirement that all park visitors use them.

“In the past we have been educating visitors about the risk phytophthora poses to this fragile ecosystem, and now, by installing these stations, we are making it even easier for visitors to the park to play their part,” said South Burnett Senior Ranger Mark Casey.

“The stations make a big difference in helping us reduce the spread of this pathogen and will soon be complemented by signage to help visitors understand their obligations,” Mr Casey said.

“Without action to reduce the spread of phytophthora, the ancient Bunya Pines and the species that depend on them could be at risk.

“This is about preserving one of Queensland’s most iconic natural landscapes for future generations.

“We’re taking an educate-and-enforce approach—raising awareness while also ensuring visitors do their part.”

It is also strongly urged that boots are cleaned before arriving and after leaving the park to minimise the risk of spreading pathogens between natural areas.

Fines can apply should it become clear people are still accessing the park without using the boot cleaning stations.

“We need your help to ensure the Bunya Mountains’ incredible biodiversity is preserved,” Mr Casey said.

“Please play your part protecting Bunya Mountains National Park by staying on designated walking tracks, ensuring your gear is clean and free of dirt before entering and exiting the park, use the boot cleaning stations provided, and avoid walking during wet, muddy conditions.”

Source: New South Wales – News

About 4.30pm on Friday 25 April, police at Far North Local Service Area, Traffic Services Branch and Serious and Organised Crime Branch stopped a refrigerated truck at Port Augusta at a drug transit route operation at Port Augusta.

Police spoke with the occupants of the truck and searched the truck where they located and seized in excess of $1.74 million in vapes, $26,000 in loose tobacco and $80,100 cash.

The seizure resulted in the arrest of a 32-year-old man and a 62-year-old man both from New South Wales, they were charged with unlawful possession and possession of tobacco products for sale.  Both men appeared in Port Augusta Magistrates court on 28 April where they were remanded in custody to next appear in court on 1 July.

The refrigerated truck has been seized and will be the subject of confiscations proceedings.

Operation Eclipse have taken carriage of the investigation which is ongoing.

Operation Eclipse Commander, Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby said, “The seizure demonstrates the risk to syndicates should they seek to transport illicit tobacco through South Australia to other states.

“Organised crime syndicates transporting illicit tobacco through transit routes in regional areas will be subject to a whole of SAPOL response to disrupt their criminal activity and financial operations.

“SAPOL will pursue criminal charges when sufficient evidence exists and that includes those who are supporting and enabling that activity and take every opportunity to enforce the full extent of the confiscations legislation to seize assets of those involved,” he said.

Operation Eclipse has so far resulted in 35 arrests for offences including blackmail, possess tobacco products for sale, arson, money laundering and serious criminal trespass.

There have been 184 premises searched – 47 residential, 123 businesses and 14 storage facilities – in excess of $2.2 million in cash, three firearms and $17.97 million in tobacco products.

Significantly, there have been 394 calls to Crime Stoppers since 2 October that have resulted in information being provided to police.

Anyone with any information on criminal activities surrounding the sale of illicit tobacco is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimstopperssa.com.au – You can remain anonymous.

Source: Australian National Party

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Police detect 68 speeding drivers during long weekend operation

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 – 12:37 pm.

Police detected 68 speeding drivers during a targeted road safety operation in the North across the Anzac Day long weekend.
During the three-day operation, officers from Northern Road Policing Services utilised Highway Patrol vehicles across the Northern District, with a focus on dangerous driving behaviour.
Of the 68 drivers detected speeding, 50 were caught travelling between 15 to 29km/h above the speed limit.
Inspector Nick Clark said police would continue to conduct both high-visibility and covert road safety operations.
“We remain committed to road safety and want everyone to get home safely,” he said.
“These operations will continue throughout the year, so we are urging all road users to do the right thing and obey the speed limits and avoid being stopped by one of our Highway Patrol vehicles.”
If you witness dangerous driving, report to police on 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.