Business owner tells hearing: ‘I don’t feel safe in my own community’

Jennifer Barker: “firmer and more consistent enforcement of existing laws is necessary.”

A Nambour small business owner has told a parliamentary hearing that anti-social and drug-related behaviour was leaving residents and operators feeling unsafe – even in their own homes. Jennifer Barker, who runs a micro business from her property, said she had personally experienced two distressing incidents in the past 18 months.

“Both occasions were distressing and left me feeling unsafe within my own community,” she told the committee during the Nambour hearing on March 30.

“Several of my friends who are local business owners in Nambour have suffered significant disruptions, financial impacts due to antisocial or drug affected individuals,” she said. “I strongly believe that firmer and more consistent enforcement of existing laws is necessary to deter criminal and antisocial activity and restore a sense of safety and confidence within our communities,” she said.

In response to these growing concerns Ms Barker last year launched a business petition calling for greater support for the town. “Many of the local operators were feeling increasingly vulnerable and under-supported when these incidents occur. Clear consequences affecting policing play an important role in protecting residents, small businesses and public spaces.”

Ms Barker said that while enforcement was important, young offenders needed early intervention, support services and rehabilitation pathways to address underlying issues and improve long-term community safety. She said the key gap was not a lack of services, but poor connection to them.