While outside the Noosa Electorate, we have sought information from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) regarding the status of off-ramp lighting at the Cooroy, Eumundi and Pomona exits on the Bruce Highway, following concerns related to night-time visibility and safety raised by Noosa residents travelling through these high-traffic areas.

The department provided the following statement, advising that the affected locations have been impacted by repeated cable vandalism incidents.

The streetlighting at this location has been impacted by a series of cable vandalism incidences. Unfortunately, theft and vandalism are an ongoing issue and continue to have a significant impact to traffic management assets across South East Queensland. 

TMR has assessed the safety of the impacted sites and is developing a longer-term program to resolve this complex issue. Due to the high volume and impact that TMR experiences due to cable theft and asset vandalism we are prioritising our sites based on many factors.

To mitigate the risk of future theft and to provide a solution that is value for money, TMR is taking this matter seriously and reviewing this social issue from a policy, standards, and processes approach. This involves trialling new solutions and undertaking continuous improvements. While the priority is to replace and upgrade the streetlighting as swiftly as possible, it is important to acknowledge that developing and incorporating these improvements necessitates additional time.

TMR is aware of the safety and customer impacts resulting from vandalism and theft and is endeavouring to reinstate all impacted streetlighting as quickly as possible.

If you see any suspicious activity around traffic signals and streetlighting, please report it to QPS via its website at Property Damage | QPS, Policelink at Policelink – Reporting | QPS, calling 131 444, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at Crimestoppers | QLD.

While we appreciate that TMR is investigating mitigation measures to reduce the risk of further theft, the absence of lighting at major highway exits presents a clear safety risk. We have reiterated that reinstatement of lighting should remain a priority, particularly given the traffic volumes and night-time commuter use of these interchanges.

With the Queensland Government having tabled the Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, which proposes amendments to target the theft, sale and disposal of stolen metal as scrap metal, including where such offences disrupt transport infrastructure such as Bruce Highway off-ramp lighting, we encourage residents with concerns on this issue to contact our office and share their feedback. More information on the Bill, including how to make a submission, is available via:
https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=275&id=8572

Further information

To report an urgent issue affecting traffic on a state-controlled road, phone 131 940.

To raise concerns directly with North Coast TMR: northcoast@tmr.qld.gov.au

To contact the Minister for Transport and Main Roads: transportandmainroads@ministerial.qld.gov.au

Please copy our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au and forward any response you receive.