Residents across Newcastle and the Lower Hunter and the Central Coast and the Lake Macquarie Regions  are increasingly being  subjected to the constant noise and intimidation and danger caused by the illegal use of unregistered dirt bikes on public roads and through residential neighbourhoods.

This is no longer an isolated problem affecting one suburb. Communities including Woodberry, Beresfield, Tarro, Thornton, Metford, Raymond Terrace, Wallsend, Maryland, Fletcher and many other surrounding suburbs are experiencing the same ongoing issue.

 Families are regularly disturbed throughout the day and well into the evening by the deafening noise of high powered dirt bikes, being ridden through residential streets. Many residents are being woken at night, while others no longer feel safe allowing their children to play outside or walk to school; due to the reckless behaviour of these riders.

The offenders are frequently seen riding unregistered dirt bikes, without licences performing dangerous stunts such as wheelies, travelling at extreme speeds, weaving through traffic, mounting footpaths and treating suburban streets as race tracks. Residents have reported speeds well in excess of the legal limit with some estimates exceeding 150km/h in 50km/h zones.

Most of the offenders are identified as local and many people know their names and addresses!  We have video footage and this information has been given to Police staff on several occasions and Crime Stoppers  yet police tell us nothing can be done because police are not permitted to pursue the  bikes in the suburban areas.

Many members of the community know the identities of repeat offenders and have supplied NSW Police with video footage, photographs, and registration details, where available, and other information through local police stations and Crime Stoppers. Despite this, residents are repeatedly told that police are unable to pursue these ridters through suburban areas due to operational policies and safety concerns. While the community understands the reasons behind these policies, the lack of effective enforcement has left many residents feeling that these offenders are operating without consequence.

This ongoing behaviour presents a significant public safety risk. Every day that passes without effective intervention increases the likelihood of a serious injury or fatality involving pedestrians, motorists, cyclists or the riders themselves.

We call upon the NSW Government, the New South Wales Police Force, The Minister for Police, the Minister for Roads, Transport for NSW, Hunter Police District and Port Stephens-Hunter police District to work together to implement stronger measures to address this growing problem.

We urge our elected representatives including Sonya Hornery, Tim Crakanthorpe, Jenny Aitchison and Edmund Atala to advocate for meaningful action on behalf of our communities.

We ask that authorities consider:

Increased police patrols during peak offending times particularly afternoons evenings and weekends.

Greater use of unmarked police vehicles, and Intelligence-led operations.

Expanded use of CCTV, drones and other technologies to identify offenders.

Stronger enforcement of existing road safety and anti-hooning legislation including the seizure and confiscation of illegally operated motorcycles where permitted under NSW Law.

Additional resources dedicated to tackling repeat offenders across Newcastle and the Lower Hunter and Central Coast area.

This issue effects thousands of residents across our region. Every person deserves to enjoy their home without constant noise, intimidation, or fear that a reckless rider may cause a tragic accident.

By signing this petition you are calling on the NSW Government and the New South Wales Police Force to take decisive action before someone loses their life,

Together we can help make Newcastle and the Lower Hunter and Central Coast, safer, quieter, and more live-able for everyone.

According to New South Wales road safety statistics, motorbike-related accidents have seen an uptick in areas with similar illegal activities. The lack of formal action on this issue only exacerbates the potential for accidents, possibly severe ones that could alter lives forever. This is not merely speculative fear—it is a genuine concern backed by patterns observed in regions where illegal racing and joyriding occur unchecked.

We urge the New South Wales police force, the Ministry of Transport, and the Hunter Police Stations to prioritize addressing this ongoing crisis. Increased patrols during early evening and night-time hours,  and strict enforcement of traffic regulations are just some of the actionable steps needed . Also confiscation of the bikes under NSW hooning laws.

By coming together and signing this petition, we can advocate for a safer, quieter, and more harmonious neighborhood, where residents no longer fear for their peace or their safety. Let's urge our authorities to act now before tragedy strikes, ensuring a community where both riders and residents coexist safely. Your signature can make a difference—help bring an end to the noise and danger in Woodberry and the multitude of other suburbs  in the Lower Hunter affected by these terrorists!                                                                          

                                                                        Please share this petition with your friends and neighbours!                                                                                                                                                                                 We now have over 690 signatures!!!