Birdsville Police thank visitors to the region for a positive race weekend as the outback community held one of its biggest events of the year.
Officers from the Mount Isa Highway Patrol and Tactical Crime Squad conducted high visibility patrols and community engagement throughout the Birdsville Race weekend from Thursday, 3 September to Sunday, 6 September.
Highway patrol officers conducted 116 random breath tests (RBT) and three roadside drug tests (RDT).
About 10.45am on Friday, 4 September police intercepted a white Ford Ranger on the Birdsville Development Road, Birdsville allegedly travelling 111km/h in a 100km zone.
The driver, a 57-year-old NSW man was issued an infringement notice for exceed speed limit in speed zone by at least 11km/h but not more than 20km/h – (MV) and was fined $518 with a loss of three demerit points.
About 10.10am on Saturday, 5 September police intercepted a red Toyota Landcruiser on the Birdsville Development Road, Birdsville allegedly travelling 118km/h in a 100km zone.
A 67-year-old Pullenvale man was issued an infringement notice for exceed speed limit in speed zone by at least 11km/h but not more than 20km/h – (MV) and was fined $518 and with a loss of three demerit points.
Police intercepted a red Landcruiser on the Eyre Development Road, Birdsville about 9.55am on Sunday, 6 September for a RBT and RDT.
The driver, a 21-year-old New South Wales man, allegedly returned a positive RDT and BAS reading of 0.066.
He has been charged one count each of did drive over general alcohol limit but not over the middle alcohol limit and offence of driving ect. while relevant drug is present in blood or saliva.
He is expected to appear in Mount Isa Magistrates Court on 19 October.
Birdsville Police Station Officer in Charge Acting Sergeant Ethan Wilson said police were pleased with the overall behaviour of those who attended the races with only a handful coming to police attention over the weekend.
"Most that attended the 2026 Birdsville Races were there to enjoy the event and it was a great opportunity for QPS to engage with and build community trust," Acting Sergeant Wilson said.
"QPS maintained a high visible police presence across the region conducting patrols, street checks, venue walk through's, wanding activities and community engagement."
Quote these reference numbers: QP2601743990, QP2601739492, QP2601731822
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
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