Thefts a “low blow” for Redlands Coast community

Redland City community property has again been attacked by thieves, with solar panels stolen from water quality testing buoys in Moreton Bay.

It follows the recent theft of copper wiring from Redland Showgrounds (Norm Price Park) and Charlie Buckler Sportsfield, which caused significant damage to sports field lighting.

Mayor Karen Williams said the solar panel theft was another low blow against Redlands Coast residents.

“Again, ratepayers have to foot the bill for the actions of thieves who obviously have no respect for our community,” Cr Williams said.

“If anyone saw something or has information which may be useful, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Policelink online or 131 444.”

In two separate incidents, solar panels were stolen from monitoring buoys in Moreton Bay about 100m offshore from the Aquatic Paradise canal entrance channel and adjacent to the Raby Bay eastern canal entrance.

The solar panels, worth about $750 each, power equipment which provides water quality data used to inform dredging programs in Raby Bay, Aquatic Paradise and Weinam Creek.

“When you include the contractor costs to re-install the panels plus the bill to repair the lighting cable stolen from the showgrounds, it adds up to a massive impost which ratepayers have to fund,” Cr Williams said.

“It is so disappointing and, quite frankly, makes me so angry.

“Council is now investigating ways to better secure public property against thieves and stem the risk of this happening again, but this also will come at a cost to ratepayers.

“So please be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to police.”