MP urges Council action as safety grants present prime opportunity

Mr Hunt said the State Government’s newly announced $40 million Secure Communities Partnerships Grant program was an ideal opportunity for progress

Nicklin MP Marty Hunt has urged Sunshine Coast Council to act on Nambour’s long-standing safety issues, saying its own Strategic Safety Review recommendations were now two years old while local businesses continued to deal with unlawful, aggressive and anti-social behaviour on a daily basis.

The 2022 Nambour Safety Strategy Review and Strategic Plan outlined six key recommendations — none of which, Mr Hunt said, had yet been implemented.

“You’ll find it online. It’s been there for two years, it’s got six recommendations and none of them have been actioned,” he said.

Mr Hunt said he had raised the matter with newly elected Mayor Rosanna Natoli and was hopeful of progress.

“Recommendation one is to form a working group. I’m urging Council to do that,” he said.

New grant offers pathway to locally driven solutions

Mr Hunt said the State Government’s newly announced $40 million Secure Communities Partnerships Grant program was an ideal opportunity for progress — but only if Council acted.

He said the grant funding would require Council to apply and match funds, but could directly support practical safety upgrades in town centres, particularly those protecting small and family businesses.

“It’s funding to support safety measures to deter crime against small and family businesses and create safer and more vibrant business areas, which is exactly what I’m talking about (with Nambour safety),” he said.

Unlike previously-funded initiatives like the Police Beat and CCTV upgrades, Mr Hunt said the new grant allowed local business communities to help shape their own priorities.

“Business needs to drive these ideas,” he said. 

“So if you see anything in Nambour that needs doing like lighting or something that would be a crime prevention or safety measure, bring it to us –  probably through the Chamber is the most powerful way to do it.”

Mr Hunt encouraged local business owners to contribute to his ongoing survey.

“I want to hear from you,” he said. “Let us know what’s going on for you in business and I’ll keep pushing those sorts of safety things for town.”

He also directed businesses to business.qld.gov.au for details on safety grants and other government support programs.

Mr Hunt added that with strong leadership from local businesses and support from the State Government, meaningful change was possible.

“We don’t want to talk our town down,” he said. 

“But we also have to acknowledge that safety remains an issue – and if we don’t improve the way people feel in the streets, we’re holding back Nambour’s progress.”

Following the council-commissioned safety review and repeated calls from traders and the public, Mr Hunt said action was overdue.

Local business owners continue to report weekly incidents involving vandalism, intimidation, unlawful drug and alcohol use, and aggressive behaviour, particularly around the CBD.

Mayor aware of concerns: ‘People deserve to feel safe’

Mayor Rosanna Natoli said she was aware of the concerns.

“Business owners in Nambour and residents tell us they feel unsafe and it is important that the state authorities listen and act in this space,” Mayor Natoli said.

“People deserve to feel safe on the streets in their communities.”

She said Council officers were currently considering which local projects could be supported through the new funding program.

“We will continue to work with Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt and the State Government to find solutions to the current situation and emerging issues in the Nambour CBD. 

“We await the State Budget later this month.

“The footage from our cameras is provided to Queensland Police Service whenever they request it, and this is an ongoing working relationship.”

Division 10 Councillor David Law said he had also heard directly from concerned business owners.

“I attended the meeting with Marty Hunt, Snr Sgt Pete Hocken and local businesses and heard first-hand from them the current issues they are facing,” Cr Law said.

“We are trying to encourage businesses to come to Nambour and they will need to feel safe and welcome here.”