Burdekin Clamps Down On Road Safety Over Christmas

Queensland Police are ramping up efforts to keep Burdekin roads safe this festive season as part of the state’s annual Christmas and New Year blitz, Operation X-Ray Mistletoe. With 289 lives already lost on Queensland roads in 2025, police are warning motorists that safe choices are crucial.

"Most police will agree that delivering a death notification to a family is the hardest task an officer can perform. I don’t want any of my officers to have that burden this Christmas," said Sgt. Lisa Shields, Officer in Charge at Ayr Police Station.

Sgt. Shields said the operation will see increased patrols across the Burdekin, with a particular focus on the “Fatal 5” offences–speeding, drink and drug driving, driver fatigue, dangerous driving, and failing to wear seatbelts.

"Within the Burdekin, the community will see an increase in police presence, more static RBT sites, and officers patrolling the Bruce Highway," Sgt. Shields said.

Water Police and Fisheries will also increase patrols on local waterways, targeting unsafe boating behaviour during the holiday period.

Commissioner Steve Gollschewski underscored the human cost of road trauma at the launch of Operation X-Ray Mistletoe, where a Christmas tree displayed 289 baubles—each representing a life lost on Queensland roads this year.

"These are just not numbers–these represent a parent, child, partner, mate," Commissioner Gollschewski said.

"Their absence is permanent and has profound impacts on their loved ones’ lives."

Sgt. Shields said Ayr Police are aiming for zero fatalities in the Burdekin this Christmas—a target they successfully achieved last year.

"We are committed to keeping our community safe and ensuring everyone is able to spend the holidays with their loved ones," she said.

"I encourage everyone to act responsibly, respect the conditions, and follow rules to prevent tragedies."

The operation begins on 13 December and will continue across the holiday period, with thousands of roadside and on-water tests planned, supported by specialist officers, mobile patrols, and targeted enforcement in high-risk locations across the state.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Adam Guild reiterated the importance of responsible choices for every road user.

"We know that most Queenslanders do the right thing, and I thank those road users who make responsible choices," he said.

"But for those putting themselves, and other road users, at risk–police will be ready to respond the moment you make that choice."

‍

QPS to increase patrols on local roads and waterways this festive season as part of Operation X-Ray Mistletoe. Photo source: QPS

‍