News
24 July, 2025
Cut off at the source
MORETON Bay Council is calling on the State Government to fulfil its election commitment to introduce legislation targeting copper thefts that have cost Council almost $100,000 in the past 12 months.
During this period, incidents of copper theft and vandalism have occurred at parks and several sporting complexes and fields, including those used by local soccer, rugby league, baseball and AFL clubs. Since 2021, City of Moreton Bay has incurred around $500,000 in repair costs due to copper theft.
These figures only account for Council-owned assets and do not include damage to private property. The costs to ratepayers include replacing wires and materials, as well as the time required by Council staff to respond to and repair the damage. There’s also the added burden on local organisations such as sporting clubs, community groups and volunteers.
Mayor Peter Flannery is urging the State to amend the Second-Hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 2003 immediately to make it harder for thieves to profit from selling stolen scrap metal. Proposed amendments include:
Prohibiting scrap metal dealers from paying cash for scrap;
Requiring dealers to report suspicious transactions to police;
Mandating that dealers maintain detailed records of scrap purchases, including identification of sellers.
“In the lead up to last year’s election, the LNP said Queensland was ground zero for cost of living and crime, as it announced it would introduce practical new laws to crack down on ‘off the books’ scrap metal trade,” Cr Flannery said.
“While we understand the new government has a substantial legislative agenda to deliver, costly copper theft will continue to run rampant until action is taken. Addressing a legislative loophole would stamp out what’s become a lucrative crime, help the state’s coffers and stop wasting ratepayer dollars.”
The Local Government Association of Queensland supports Council’s push, which also led to a parliamentary inquiry into scrap metal theft under the previous government in 2023.
“Current legislation allows thieves to take stolen copper to a pawn broker without identification and receive a cash payment,” Cr Flannery said. “We’re stuck in a circuit of theft and repair – this situation cannot continue.”
While Somerset Region hasn’t seen any copper theft in the past year, Fernvale Sports Park was vandalised in April 2024 by perpetrators looking for copper, costing Council $25,000 in repairs. The offenders removed aluminium cabling from field lighting and dumped it nearby after discovering it contained no copper.
Somerset Council has since implemented various mitigation strategies across its showgrounds and outdoor sporting facilities to prevent future attempts. Mayor Jason Wendt said Somerset Council would support new legislation aimed at curbing scrap metal theft and stands behind Moreton Bay’s efforts.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Integrity, Deb Frecklington, called metal theft “a serious crime” and confirmed her office has been in contact with Moreton Bay Council.
“The criminals responsible couldn’t care less about the major disruptions they cause, not to mention the huge cost impact on community groups, businesses, councils, and transport networks,” she said.
“The Crisafulli Government remains committed to cracking down on metal theft in Queensland.”
The 2023 parliamentary inquiry report on scrap metal theft is currently being reviewed by the Crisafulli Government, with the next steps now being worked through, including consultations with the Department of Justice.
