Media Release

Afternoon round-up

Serious crash, Noosaville: Police attended the scene of a serious two-vehicle traffic crash on Weyba Road, Noosaville shortly after 12.30 this morning. The 30-year-old female driver of one vehicle is currently in Nambour hospital with internal injuries which are not considered life-threatening. The male driver of the other vehicle was uninjured. The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating.

Vehicle arson, Bowen: Police are investigating the arson of a vehicle at a Bowen residence last night. The Mazda utility was parked in the carport of a Rodney Street residence between 6pm and 9pm when it was deliberately set alight. Police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information which could assist police with their investigations should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Ultra-light aircraft crash landing, Booyan near Bundaberg: An 18-year-old pilot and his 20-year-old female passenger have made a lucky escape after the ultra-light Jabiru aeroplane they were in crashed landed near Bundaberg this morning.  Around 8.36am the pilot made a mayday call after he experienced complete engine failure near the Booyan airstrip, north-west of Bundaberg.  When the pilot attempted to land the plane in farmland off Stewarts Road, the nose wheel collapsed and the plane slid on its belly for approximately 30 metres before coming to a stop.  Both the pilot and passenger walked away from the damaged plane. Emergency services responded and located the crashed plane and both occupants nearby.  The female was treated at the scene for a minor knee injury.  The matter is to be investigated by Recreational Aviation Australia (RAA). 

Drugs, weapons arrest, Regents Park: A 32-year-old man of no fixed address has been charged with 20 drug, weapons and property offences. The man was arrested by police at Regents Park about 3.30pm yesterday and his charges include possessing and producing dangerous drugs, possessing instructions to produce dangerous drugs, unlawful possession of weapons and receiving stolen property. He has been remanded in custody and will appear in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Monday.

Marine search leads to arrest, Townsville: A man who triggered a search of the waters off the Strand at Townsville this morning has been charged with stealing. About 2.30am, a fisherman contacted police after hearing a man calling for help out at sea. Police attended and observed an overturned outrigger canoe offshore, with a man clinging to the hull. A rescue helicopter was called out and located the vessel but failed to find the man. Water police and a pilot vessel also searched the area but the man was not located. About 4.50am on Howitt Street, Townsville, police located a 24-year-old man who had allegedly stolen the outrigger canoe before paddling into the sea and overturning. He had managed to swim back to shore. The man, of no fixed address, has been charged with stealing, and obstructing police. Bail has been refused and he is due to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on Monday.

Street disturbance, Lockhart River: Five Lockhart River residents will face court in May following a street disturbance in the far north Queensland town overnight. Police charged four men, aged between 18 and 21, with public nuisance and a 34-year-old man was charged with driving a vehicle while under the influence of liquor.