“Enough Is Enough”

Mackay Acts On ‘Antisocial Behaviour’ To Restore Safety In Public Places

By Hannah McNamara

The Crisafulli Government and Mackay Regional Council are stepping up efforts to address antisocial behaviour in Mackay, while advocating for people sleeping rough and offering accommodation pathways for those camping in public areas including the riverfront, the CBD and Queens Park.

As part of the riverfront activation plan, police crews and council officers have been engaging with people sleeping rough, issuing notices to leave and offering accommodation and housing solutions. Both Mayor Greg Williamson and Mackay Regional Council CEO Gerard Carlyon have confirmed that “All services have confirmed they can accommodate everyone.”

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the Crisafulli Government was taking decisive action to improve safety and amenity across the region.

“After hearing from locals at our community forum, the Crisafulli Government has acted quickly with a stronger police presence and bolstered local services,” Mr Dalton said.

“Our top priority is ensuring those who live, work or visit Mackay are safe, while connecting vulnerable individuals to the help and services they need.

“We know there is much more to be done to make Mackay safer, and we will continue to work with residents and businesses to deliver the fresh start we promised.”

As part of the clean-up, abandoned material such as trolleys, tents, mattresses and debris has been removed by council crews. CEO Gerard Carlyon confirmed, “We are not taking people’s personal possessions.”

“Police are key partners in this operation,” he said.

“We work as part of a combined agency group that includes Housing, Health, alcohol and drug services, and mental health services. This has been a multi-month operation, beginning with outreach visits to everyone sleeping rough in the CBD and waterfront areas, where appropriate services were offered.

“We are now at the clean-up stage. There have been some very challenging incidents, including staff being scratched, rocks being thrown, and needle-stick injuries from discarded syringes.”

Mayor Greg Williamson said community safety had reached a critical point.

“The people who are still here now are here by choice. All services have confirmed they can accommodate everyone who has been living here," he said.

“The antisocial behaviour has made the public feel unsafe, and we cannot accept that any longer. This is about making our city safe again for people who want to use the public environment.

“Our workers have been spat at, had rocks thrown at them, and police have also been involved in those incidents. That is not the environment we want for our community, or for these people.”

People who choose to remain camping along the riverfront, in the CBD or in Queens Park will be issued with a 24-hour notice to leave and seek accommodation. If they do not move on, council and police will return to enforce compliance.

CEO Gerard Carlyon said, “If people choose to remain, council and police will return daily to ensure camping ceases in public spaces, including the waterfront, Queens Park and the CBD.”

“We are confident supports are in place. On a daily basis, there are vacancies that people are choosing not to use.

“Our goal is to reclaim public spaces for the public and activate these areas so families, children and the wider community can safely enjoy them.”

Mayor Greg Williamson reiterated that the focus remains on safety, support and restoring confidence in public spaces.

“This is not about criminalising homelessness. It is about saying enough is enough.”

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Mayor Greg Williamson and appointed CEO of Mackay Regional Council Gerard Carlyon said the Crisafulli Government and Mackay Regional Council are enforcing public space rules to improve community safety while offering accommodation and support to people sleeping rough across Mackay’s riverfront, CBD and Queens Park. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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