Petitioner launches advocacy group ‘Nambour Now’ – steps up call for safety and leadership

Frustrated Petitioner Helen Tagg has launched a new community group, Nambour Now, to keep pressure on authorities and give residents a voice as concerns continue about homelessness and safety in public spaces.

Mrs Tagg, who gathered more than 1600 signatures earlier this year calling for stronger safety measures, support for rough sleepers and better coordination between local and state government responses, said she had hoped the petition alone would lead to action.

“I really hoped the petition would be enough, but the community is still living with the same risks and uncertainty. I know discussions are happening behind the scenes, but what is happening is not yet visible where locals can feel it. That is why I had to keep going.”

The Nambour Now Facebook group, launched this month, attracted nearly 500 members within two days. The page describes itself as a community of locals, business owners, past residents and supporters who want to see Nambour safer, stronger and more connected.

In her launch post, Mrs Tagg said she “never set out to start a movement, only to feel safe in her own town”. What followed, she said, showed how many others had been holding the same concerns quietly, waiting for somewhere they could be heard. The response to her petition confirmed that concern was widespread.

“Residents were saying, I see it, I feel it, and I am tired of pretending this is fine. They want to feel like they belong in their town again.”

Locals report witnessing needles in playgrounds, open drug use near schools, harassment of walkers and abuse toward volunteers. These are no longer isolated incidents, but conditions the town is living alongside every day.

“This is not just about residents feeling unsafe,” Mrs Tagg said. “It is also about those sleeping rough without proper support. Leaving people to unravel in public is not care, and it is not safe for anyone else.”

She said Nambour Now was created to ensure the community does not slip back into silence.

“Locals here have felt ignored for a long time, and by keeping this issue in the open it cannot be quietly buried behind closed doors.”

While residents understand homelessness involves all levels of government, they say the missing piece is visible commitment.

“People are not asking for miracles. They just want honesty and a plan that shows the urgency of the situation, and they want to know their safety is being taken seriously.”

Mrs Tagg said practical action is needed on the ground. “I am doing all I can on my end to support both the community and those sleeping rough, but no one should be left to deteriorate in public. Safe and supported sites would give people dignity and safety while easing pressure on the streets.”

Momentum within the group shows locals are no longer willing to wait quietly.

“The community wants to see responsibility shown openly, not quietly in the background. We are not going away until this is taken seriously and delivered on in real terms.”

Helen Tagg.