Bundaberg locals can expect to see more police out and about as part of Bundaberg Regional Council’s Safe Spaces project.
The project has recently been launched with support from organisations including the Queensland Police Service.
It aims to improve safety by addressing antisocial behaviour, while also supporting vulnerable members of the community.
Queensland Police Service Bundaberg Patrol Group Chief Inspector Grant Marcus says the action plan is being implemented in response to an increase in calls for service and community feedback.
“We’re going through one of those phases where we’re seeing an increase in the calls for service,” he says.
“In response to that, we are actually increasing the level of policing in the [Bundaberg CBD] area to try and address those increasing calls.
“Members of the community should expect to see more police out and about… police officers walking the beat, police officers pulling over cars and doing RBTs, things like that.”
Chief Inspector Grant Marcus also emphasised the importance of supporting vulnerable members of the community while balancing the need for safety and order.
“It’s not a criminal offence to be homeless,” he says.
“We want to make sure that [those struggling] are getting the services and that there are opportunities for them to have a roof over their head.
“It would be good to see more people come into the CBD and enjoy themselves, so our aim is to make sure that it’s a safe place.”
