MP hopeful: Safety, confidence returning to Nambour

Nicklin MP Marty Hunt: “People are starting to see improvement around town. (We’re) getting people out of tents and into accommodation with the services they need.”

by Cameron Outridge 

Community safety, visible policing, emergency accommodation and renewed confidence in the town centre were central themes of an address by Nicklin MP Marty Hunt at the Nambour Chamber of Commerce meeting on February 5.

Speaking at Fit Kat Bootcamp’s new Price Street gym premises, Mr Hunt said safety had been the strongest and most consistent message he heard from residents and business owners since returning to parliament and government just over a year ago.

He outlined recent developments and government initiatives aimed at improving safety and addressing homelessness in Nambour.

“My first priority was community safety because that’s what people were telling me was their main concern,” he said. “It’s been an issue for a long time.”

Mr Hunt pointed to the establishment of a permanent police beat in the CBD as a key step already delivered, alongside CCTV upgrades and legislative changes aimed at addressing antisocial behaviour.

“You’ve now got a permanent police presence in the CBD,” he said. “Senior Constable Aaron Caldwell is around the businesses regularly, meeting everyone. That visibility matters.”

He said further improvements were in progress, including enhanced CCTV with live feeds to police and continued work on changes to the Summary Offences Act.

“For me, it’s all about making people feel safe shopping and being in town,” he said. “That was the feedback, and that’s what we’re fixing.”

Mr Hunt also outlined ongoing efforts to address homelessness.

“Housing teams are in the parks every week, directly connecting with people sleeping rough,” he said. “We’ve housed 22 people and helped dozens more. There’s a lot going on.”

He said a temporary supported accommodation project involving 20 units outside the CBD would be announced in coming weeks, alongside progress towards a homelessness day hub also located away from the town centre.

“The idea is emergency support – getting people out of tents and into accommodation with the services they need,” he said. “This will need to include beds, showers, somewhere to wash clothes et cetera, a place where people can go during the day and just chill out and take a bit of time and those support services will be there as well.”

On broader fronts, Mr Hunt said record investment was flowing into social housing across the Sunshine Coast, with 270 homes under construction and $5.6 billion committed statewide.

“Don’t believe anyone trying to tell you nothing’s happening,” he said. “People are starting to see improvement around town.”

Private and public investment

He also highlighted private and public investment across Nambour, including upgrades at Nambour Central on Lowe St, progress at C-Square and planned Currie Street and Mill Street streetscape improvements.

“Confidence in Nambour is coming back,” he said. “It’s great to see people in business investing here.”

Fit Kat founder Kat Wilkinson also addressed the meeting, saying safety and collaboration were critical for small businesses.

“Safety matters, community matters, and collaboration is how we get there,” she said. “When one local business wins, we all win.”