- The Crisafulli Government holds second forum in Townsville to encourage further early progress in dealing with antisocial behaviour.
- Increased high-visibility police patrols already starting to deter unwanted activity in the centre of town.
- Forum outlined impacts of antisocial behaviour on locals and businesses, while focusing on identifying long-term solutions.
- Crisafulli Government is delivering for Townsville in its first 10 months, with the city still feeling the effects of a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering progress in its goal to reduce antisocial behaviour in the Townsville CBD and restore safety where you live.
The second Townsville community forum in two months held by the Crisafulli Government, heard that a local action plan specific to the town is being rolled out and is already showing encouraging signs.
High-visibility police patrols in the Townsville CBD have increased to deter antisocial behaviour and bring some reassurance to local businesses and residents.
A cross-sectoral group has also been established with representatives from State and local government tasked with developing a comprehensive blueprint for the future.
The group will focus on issues impacting the identified cohort of offenders and offer a range of supports including mental health and housing services to curb antisocial behaviour.
Assistant Minister to the Premier, Trevor Watts said the Crisafulli Government was committed to reducing antisocial behaviour in Townsville.
"We are giving the people of Townsville a voice so we can restore safety where you live," Mr Watts said.
"The advice and information from the residents, business owners, and stakeholders is invaluable as our Government restores community safety to Townsville and while we have made an encouraging start there is still plenty more to do."
Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said he would continue working to make Townsville safer.
"For too long antisocial behaviour has cast a large shadow over our vibrant city," Mr Baillie said.
"We are still dealing with the impacts of a decade of watered-down laws under Labor, but already we are starting to see signs of progress while we search for long term solutions."
Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole said the forums were an important step in restoring safety to Townsville.
"As a former police officer, I have seen firsthand the impact antisocial behaviour has had in Townsville's CBD," Mrs Poole said.
"These workshops are a major step forward in delivering the change the people of Townsville deserve, and already we are seeing early signs of progress."
Member for Thuringowa Natalie Marr said the forums are part of a fresh start for Townsville.
"Our community has expressed a strong desire for change, and we are listening to their concerns, something Labor never did," Ms Marr said.
"The early signs are promising, but we will continue to work with the community to identify long-term solutions and restore safety to Townsville."
