Help needed to identify fence thieves

Noosa Council is facing an unnecessary bill of nearly $10,000 to replace stolen fence panels and two gates from the Hinterland Adventure Playground in Cooroy. 

The cost to replace more than 25 fence panels stolen from the Hinterland Adventure Playground in Cooroy is expected to be around $10,000.

The 27 powder-coated fence panels were removed from their posts on Sunday night. 

Acting Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh is seeking community help to find the culprits. 

“Our staff found them missing after a routine inspection,” he said. 

Two gates were also taken and Mr Walsh said it appears to be a well-orchestrated operation.

“It’s quite obvious that whoever took the equipment would have needed a utility or trailer, so we really hope someone has seen something,” he said.

“Fence panels are expensive and easily tradeable on the market, so we suspect that is why they may have been taken.

“We really need the community’s help so if they have any CCTV footage or saw anything to contact Police.”

Mr Walsh said such a senseless and blatant act has a profound impact on the community. 

“It’s not just the disruption to the playground and the potential risk to safety for those using the facility, but also the time and effort for our staff to carry out the repairs, 

“This is likely to be close to a $10,000 cost for Council and something that is completely unnecessary,” Mr Walsh said. 

“Our staff are looking at some temporary measures to ensure safety of playground users, however we hope to have a replacement fence in place within a few weeks.”

Council estimates vandalism to public infrastructure costs the community about $60,000 annually.