Townsville City Council is extending a new security trial seeing results in limiting antisocial behaviour in Townsville's City Centre.
Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said the program involving two additional community safety officers conducting frequent foot patrols of known hot spots within the area of the city centre had been yielding positive results throughout its 5-week trial.
"We know our city centre has problems when it comes to antisocial behaviour, and while the problem is deep-seeded and multi-layered, we want to do everything we can from a council perspective to improve the situation," Cr Greaney said.
"The recent trial included community safety officers conducting foot patrols of known trouble areas like the Dean St carpark, Central Park, our city centre and the Strand.
"They aren't simply just security guards, they're engaging with itinerants and those displaying antisocial behaviour, and through their engagement we have been seeing a positive impact."
Councillor Greaney said the community safety officers had been working with businesses and police extremely closely.
"While our officers don't have move on powers like the police, we have had reports of their presence preventing antisocial behaviours, while also working alongside businesses owners where they can," Cr Greaney said.
"We know our police have a lot on their hands, so to be able to take a bit off their plate at the moment so they can prioritise policing matters is a good thing for our community."
A Touch of Salt's Mark Brine said over the years he had seen it all when it came to antisocial behaviour, but in recent weeks he had seen a marginal improvement thanks to the added presence.
"Things are improving marginally, the current approach from the Council with these officers on the streets patrolling is a positive step in the right direction," Mr Brine said.
"We'd like to be in a position where we have a safe inner-city precinct where we can trade out of where the public don't have a worry about coming down to and visiting.
"While I have seen a slight improvement, what I've seen more so is an improvement in the confidence of people's willingness to come back into the city and dine and shop here."
When asked if he was supportive of Council's Community Safety Patrol Trial continuing Mark said there seemed to be a general feeling of better safety, a bit more confidence and a bit more support in the city centre.
"I think it is the best approach, the police do a terrific job at what they do, but I think we get a much better response from the PLOs or the community safety officers doing the patrols," he said.
"I think building rapport with the people around us misbehaving is a much better approach that what has been used in the past. I think building a relationship with these people is the way forward.
"I've seen them (community safety officers) out on a regular basis and what I see most importantly is them engaging with business owners like myself and our staff, but more importantly the people who are out in the streets."
Senior Partner at Knight Frank, Craig Stack said managing shopping centres and commercial assets from Gladstone to Port Duglas, to out west, it had been their observation with colleagues from around Australia that antisocial behaviour had been more prevalent in recent times.
"This initiative where Council is clearly demonstrating that they are invested in trying to ensure there is a comfortable and safe environment in the city centre is something we're very appreciative of from a business operator and building owner perspective," Mr Stack said.
"There is a clear intent from business owners, property owners and other stakeholders in the city centre to make a difference, so having Council and other government agencies involved is really important."
Councillor Greaney said Council would continue its community safety patrols until the end of the financial year.
"We already have around 100 CCTV cameras around the city centre which are used to update police and keep people safe, so if this added patrol is seeing improvements, even slowly, then it is worth the investment," Cr Greaney said.
"From engaging with people and businesses, cleaning up rubbish and discarded alcohol and drug paraphernalia these community safety officers are doing a great job.
"Council is committed to doing what we can from a local government to enliven our city centre through investment, whether it be incentivising businesses or through added safety measures, every little bit helps."
Mr Brine said he was seeing momentum building in the city and the added safety measures could help create further opportunities.
"I think there is some momentum in the city at the moment, so I'd like to see that continue," he said.
We're in a beautiful spot, we have everything going for us, it's just a matter of making people feel safe in visiting the city centre and in doing that giving them opportunities or reasons to come down and visit."
The Patrols have been equipped to:
- Collect Syringes and rubbish
- Remove abandoned property
- Exercise tip-out powers
- Provide referrals to support services
