The Arctic Cat off-road buggy is being used to patrol the riverbed. 

Detective-Inspector Chris Hodgman  said the buggy has been on loan from the Townsville police for two weeks. “It’s here as long as we need it,” he said. 

The buggy is conditionally registered to be on the road. 

“But the main purpose is to be conducting patrols in difficult to access terrain where 4WDs aren’t applicable or appropriate to be used,” Detective-Inspector Hodgman said. 

“There’s been intensive patrolling on the riverbed to assist rough sleepers find alternative accommodation.” 

He said that police have worked with other government as well as non-government agencies to ensure riverbed campers have support. 

The police travel to the riverbed and refer campers onto services for housing, health, and support for alcohol abuse. 

Detective-Inspector Hodgman said there are council bylaws that do apply to people staying in the riverbed. 

“No camping, there’s no drinking, no fires, no litter allowed,” he said. 

“We’re on the job to keep the whole community safe. 

“Over an extended period we have noticed the consistency of violent offences happening in the vicinity of the riverbed.” 

The buggy has environmental, accessibility and safety advantages over a 4WD, the Detective-Inspector said.