Council agrees to public meeting about safety concerns regarding Nambour parks
Former Maroochy Shire Deputy Mayor Trevor Thompson has been working hard to get representatives to a public meeting.
by Cameron Outridge
Former Maroochy Shire Deputy Mayor Trevor Thompson has secured agreement from key players for a public meeting in the new year to address growing safety concerns around encampments in Nambour, saying the situation can no longer be ignored.
Mr Thompson said the aim was to get “all the players in the one room” – the mayor, councillors, police, state representatives, safety advocate Helen Tagg and homeless advocate Abigail – so the issues can be discussed openly and responsibilities clearly defined.
He said several councillors were unaware of the seriousness of recent incidents, including ongoing reports of needles in playgrounds. Council staff and volunteer bush-care crews have also been quietly withdrawn from some park areas due to threatening and aggressive behaviour from encampments with the public left unaware of dangers.
Mr Thompson said council seemed to be treating the matter as an “operational issue”, when it should be brought to a full council meeting. “I’m doing the ring-around now,” he said. “Councillors take an oath to serve the whole council first, not just their division. They all should be getting involved.”
He stressed the push was not about “kicking anyone out of town”, but about moving long-term camps away from parks, playgrounds and schools to restore public safety.
The meeting is expected to be capped at 100 attendees, which is capacity for the proposed venue, The Presynct, in the CBD, with a date to be confirmed. Mr Thompson said Nicklin MP Marty Hunt had already agreed to attend a public meeting. He hoped Housing Minister Sam O’Connor might also be able to attend.
Mr Thompson said Nambour RSL had offered Mrs Tagg its venue for the meeting if numbers exceeded 100. “We might have to go to Nambour RSL if the numbers keep growing like they are, but we’d like to support (Presynct owner) Rusty Nyman first,” he said.
Mrs Tagg said the meeting offered the community long overdue clarity and transparency and was a welcome sign of progress.
“The next stage will require council to demonstrate accountability, rebuild trust and ensure residents have a genuine and respected voice in the process. Moving forward with clear communication and responsible management will help create public spaces that are safe and supported for everyone.”