Townsville City Council has installed permanent retractable barricades at Jezzine Barracks to prevent night-time hooning in the park.
The installation of the barricades follows a successful month-trial of closing the upper carpark of the popular location at night-time to stop hoons in their tracks.
The barricades at the entrances to the park will close-off the internal roads from 9pm to 5am daily.
Community Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability Committee chairperson Maurie Soars said the trial and community consultation had demonstrated that the barricades were effective and had improved the amenity of the area for local residents.
"Local residents, Council and QPS were fed up with the behaviour of those using the Jezzine Barracks as a raceway late at night, and the impact that was having on residents and the community," Cr Soars said.
"It was a community safety issue and as these are internal park roads, council had the ability to do something about it.
"We trialled temporary closure of the carpark for a month long period after discussing options with the community and followed that with community consultation through Have Your Say Townsville.
"The result of the trial showed that it eradicated hooning in Jezzine Park, so permanent barricades have been installed that will close the internal roads from 9pm until 5am."
Community and Cultural Development Committee chairperson and local councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said that community groups and individuals who access the space after hours would still have access as needed.
"Council has been working with community groups who occupy buildings in the space to ensure they still have access after-hours to use the space when needed," Cr Greaney said.
"Pedestrian access will not be affected with the walkways still fully open to the public.
"It is disappointing that it needed to come to this to stop the behaviour of inconsiderate individuals, but I would like to thank the community for providing their feedback on the trial and for their support in finding a solution."
