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I 7 April 2026
Anzac Day: honouring service, remembering sacrifice Pages 4 & 5
Young readers at Eumundi State School are finding their voice with the help of Story Dogs volunteer Kim Clarke and her gentle dog Charli, turning reading time into a fun, confidence-boosting experience. Story page 17.
McDermott aviation flying high
Page 6
Crackdown begins on e-scooters and e-bikes statewide BY SARAH JANE SCOTT A sweeping overhaul of e-mobility laws will soon reshape how residents across the hinterland travel, with the Queensland Government introducing strict new rules targeting e-scooter and e-bike use. The reforms follow a landmark parliamentary inquiry into safety concerns and will introduce a statewide ban on riders under 16, alongside a new licensing requirement for anyone using the devices. While adults will still be allowed to ride, the changes mark one of the toughest regulatory
approaches in Australia. Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said the legislation was designed to improve safety and restore public confidence. He said the government aimed to “get dangerous e-scooters and e-bikes off Queensland streets” and “strike the right balance between keeping Queenslanders safe from those who do the wrong thing, while backing the Queenslanders who do the right thing”. Under the proposed laws, all riders aged 16 and over must hold at least a learner permit or driver licence. Maximum
speeds on footpaths will drop to 10 km/h, and riders deemed medically unfit to drive a car will also be banned from using e-mobility devices. More powerful devices capable of exceeding 25 km/h will be reclassified as motorcycles or mopeds, meaning they will require registration and insurance. The crackdown also comes with significantly tougher penalties. Riding without a helmet or carrying a passenger will attract a $500 fine, while unlicensed riding or underage use will incur the same penalty. Speeding fines will climb as high as $751, and drink
riding penalties could exceed $6,000 for serious offences. Queensland Police will gain expanded powers, including the ability to conduct random breath tests and seize or destroy illegal devices on a first offence. Parents may also be held liable if children are caught riding. Shared e-scooter operators face their own penalties, with fines starting at $2,236 if they fail to ensure riders meet age and licensing rules. Locally, several high schools, including Noosa District SHS, Coolum SHS and Sunshine Beach SHS implemented bans
on e-scooters and e-bikes on campus at the beginning of this year. Independent Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton said the introduction of legislation is a significant step forward, however ongoing work will be required to ensure the laws meet community expectation. “Our focus must remain on improving safety for everyone who shares our roads, paths and public spaces, while ensuring that responsible users on legal devices, including those under 16 years, are not unnecessarily disadvantaged or penalised.”
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Celebrating 25 Years of Noosa Country Style & Proudly Serving the Hinterland for 36 Years Our longevity is built on relationships, local expertise, and a deep love for this region. As we honour these milestones, we look forward to continuing to showcase the homes and lifestyle that make the Noosa Hinterland truly special.
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Discover what 36 years of local experience can do for your property. 07 5447 7000, 30 MAPLE STREET, COOROY 07 5449 1186, 777 EUMUNDI NOOSA ROAD, DOONAN HINTERNOOSA.COM.AU
Cooroy Rag, 7 April 2026 - Page 1