POLICE from across the Port Stephens/Hunter District (PSHD) came out in noticeable numbers with the annual advent of “Operation: Tan Lines” on Saturday 27 December.
Throughout the day, PSHD police were joined by NSW Police Highway Patrol and trailbike officers, NSW Water Police from Nelson Bay, and Rangers from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
MidCoast Council and NSW Waterways and Fisheries also took part, boosting patrol visibility around Hawks Nest, Tea Gardens and Karuah.
“This was an annual multi-agency operation, to inundate the Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest and Karuah areas, particularly in light of the influx of tourists, showing a visible police presence in what are predominantly family-friendly holiday areas,” PSHD Inspector David Donovan told News Of The Area.
“We are certainly not targeting tourists, we like to have them there, and we like them to feel safe when they are here, in our Sectored Communities, backed up by other agencies.”
“Operation: Tan Lines” focused on patrolling camping and bushwalking areas in Tea Gardens and Myall Lakes National Park and Hawks Nest, and beach users along Bennetts Beach.
The operation was coordinated by officers from Tea Gardens Police Station, with support from sector police across the district.
Assistance extended from East Gresford and Paterson to Port Stephens Bay, Karuah and Nerong, with neighbouring districts also lending support.
“Statistically, 633 RBT tests were run, with no positives returned, [Police] see that as a positive thing, people being responsible, and we are sure that the police visibility helped,” Inspector Donovan explained.
“If people are doing the wrong thing, we want to detect it, such as driving on [the] beach without correct permits, drink-driving, for example.”
In all, 60 boats were inspected for safety equipment, with only minor warnings given out, and six random drug tests were performed.
Bennetts Beach was predictably busier, with patrols handing out 11 infringement notices for not having beach permits – mainly driving in the region south of the Surf Club area down to the Yaccaba headland.
Inspector Donovan said that Tea Gardens and Nelson Bay sectors are very popular with tourists.
Generally with more people increasing the likelihood of driving on the beaches and likely to be drinking alcohol.
“Operations like this prove to people who are not obeying the rules that police will be there and will be taking action.
“Beach misuse in Hawks Nest was disappointing considering that MidCoast Council had proactively put up large, flashing signage at the Jimmys Beach 4WD entrance this year.
“For a proactive operation, it was pretty successful because it was visible, we are pleased with the results from the community considering the RBTs and boats inspected, no formal action needed to be taken.”
On Saturday 10 January, a similar operation was run along Birubi Beach, noting the seasonal influx of tourists to the area.
PSHD police assisted Highway Patrol in checking beach permits and running random breath and drug testing near Gresford and Dungog for an extensive RBT operation.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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