RBT blitz on Hamilton Island

Whitsundays Online
Sourced from News Ltd - Greg Stolz

Random Breath Testing arrived on Hamilton Island last weekend with a blitz by QLD Police on Golf Buggy Drink Driving.

The operation concentrated on the Hamilton Island Outrigger Cup, which attracted more than 1000 paddlers and supporters, all in party mode.

Many drivers were shocked to be pulled over for breath tests to and from the harbour-side restaurants and taverns1.

Golf buggies are the main form of transport on Hamilton Island, with thoroughfares linking the harbour, holiday accommodation and residential areas classed as public roads2.

Senior Constable John Bentley from Whitsunday Police said"A golf buggy is a vehicle and you can't get behind the wheel if you've had too much to drink. There have been some serious accidents on Hamilton Island involving golf buggies and it's important police maintain a presence to deter illegal behaviour3."

A valid driver's licence is required to hire a golf buggy on Hamilton Island. If you are stopped in one for drink driving, you face losing your regular motor vehicle licence, as well as earning a steep fine.

A HI buggy licence is also required those living and working on Hamilton Island. If they receive too many demerit points, their buggy licences can be revoked4.

While detecting a high number of golf buggy drivers had been drinking, none were over the legal driving limit.

Top Image : No, it's not real - the photo was staged.
Bottom image: Original Hamilton Island buggy number plates that were replaced by QLD 'C' plates in 2003/4.

Editors Note : The editor lived on Hamilton Island from 2001 to 2005.
1 There are no Police permanently stationed on Hamilton Island.
2 The roads on Hamilton Island became public in 2003 with all buggies requiring registration through the QLD Dept of Transport.
3 Between 2001 and 2005, there were several deaths on Hamilton Island involving golf buggies.
4 Prior to breath testing on Hamilton Island, in an attempt to stop drink driving, private buggies were not allowed to be driven between 1am and 5am.