Queensland’s first Designated Business and Community Precinct will launch in Maryborough CBD from 1 July, with the aim of tackling antisocial behaviour and restoring community safety.
The State Government says the new precinct will target high levels of antisocial behaviour by arming police with stronger powers and the tools they need to help protect local businesses, workers and families.
It follows a series of community forums (pictured) in Maryborough to hear from residents and local businesses about the impacts of antisocial behaviour.
“These new precincts will give police the powers they need to move on troublemakers, ban repeat offenders and restore safety in the heart of towns across regional Queensland,” said Premier, David Crisafulli.
“We promised stronger laws – and we are delivering – after proud communities like Maryborough were held to ransom because of a decade of weak laws.
“I want to thank and acknowledge Member for Maryborough John Barounis for his tireless efforts in standing up for his community and ensuring their voices were heard.”
The new Precincts will:
- Arm police with stronger tools to immediately remove and ban offenders engaging in disorderly, offensive, threatening or violent behaviour in key commercial areas;
- Allow police to issue 24-hour move-on directions to offenders and banning notices of up to one month for repeat or serious offenders.
The reforms will also strengthen Jack’s Law wanding powers and allow police to search and detect knives and weapons without a warrant in Designated Business and Community Precincts to prevent violence before it occurs.
The Precincts will operate under a framework similar to existing Safe Night Precincts, expanding proven approaches beyond nightlife areas into key business and community locations.
Member for Maryborough, John Barounis said these changes were crucial to stamp out antisocial behaviour in the local community.
“For too long under Labor’s decade of decline antisocial behaviour was allowed to go unchecked causing significant issues in the Maryborough CBD affecting our businesses, tourism and families who call our wonderful city home,” Mr Barounis said.
“I have been listening to and working for my proud community to deliver a change that will restore safety to where we live.
“We are giving police the powers they need to get on with the job and keep Queenslanders safe, while also connecting people in need with outreach services.
“These powers ensure officers can act on the spot to prevent situations escalating and protect the safety of the wider community.”
