The Queensland Government hosted a forum in Townsville today to hear from the community about growing concerns around antisocial behaviour in the city.
Premier, David Crisafulli, led the forum with Member for Townsville, Adam Baillie; Member for Mundingburra, Janelle Poole and Member for Thuringowa, Natalie Marr.
Townsville business leaders, as well as representatives from Townsville City Council, the Queensland Police Service, Townsville Hospital and Health Service and other key stakeholders attended the forum to share their experiences.
Premier Crisafulli said today’s forum marks a key step in restoring safety to Townsville, with locals who have experienced the problem first-hand helping to drive real solutions.
“This disturbing behaviour has been allowed to spiral out of control for too long for Townsville, but the community deserves better and it must be addressed,” he said.
“We are working hard to restore safety for the people of Townsville and are hosting this forum because we want locals to have their voices heard to help drive the right solutions.”
Member for Townsville, Adam Baillie said the forum was a fresh start to address the negative impacts that antisocial behaviour had in Townsville and to deliver a vibrant and safe CBD for all community members.
“After a decade of being neglected by the former Labor Government, we’re working hard to address this issue and restore safety on the streets of Townsville, while giving the most vulnerable the support they need,” Mr Baillie said.
Member for Mundingburra, Janelle Poole said the forum would ensure solutions were informed by local knowledge.
“We are aware the issues that create antisocial behaviour are complex and the best way we can start to resolve the problems is by working together and listening to those with on the ground experience,” Ms Poole said.
Member for Thuringowa, Natalie Marr said the forum was another example of the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to restoring safety where you live.
“The local community and businesses have a right to feel safe, we’ve delivered more resources for police, stronger laws to tackle Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis and now we’re working hard to find solutions to tackle antisocial behaviour,” Ms Marr said.
