Yarrabah rock-throwing incident injures police officer, sparks renewed calls for action
A Yarrabah police officer was injured after youths pelted rocks at their vehicle, as the mayor calls for more resources to be based in the Far North Queensland community.
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A Yarrabah police officer was injured after youths pelted rocks at their vehicle, as the mayor calls for more resources to be based in the Far North Queensland community.
It comes after a string of incidents where emergency service workers, including hospital staff, have been targeted.
A Queensland Police spokesperson confirmed an officer suffered minor injuries following the incident on Monday night.
The back passenger window was smashed in the attack, and the officer was treated for his injuries.
“Police were travelling on Back Beach Road at 11pm on May 26 when an unknown offender or offenders threw an object,” the spokesman said.
Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council mayor Daryl Sexton said there hadn’t been a permanently appointed officer in charge of Yarrabah for some time.
But a Queensland Police spokesman confirmed one has been appointed and is expected to start in June.
“The council has regular meetings with police regarding a number of policing issues in the community,” he said.
“Of ongoing concern is there is also a number of current vacancies for other police positions in Yarrabah, which impacts on their ability to respond to matters in a timely manner on a local level.”
Mr Sexton said his comments were not a reflection on the officers who have acted in the role, but the community deserves stability in this vital position to address local issues.
The incident follows a troubling rise in attacks involving rocks and slingshots targeting vehicles – including those of healthcare workers – travelling in and out of Yarrabah, about 60km from Cairns.
Staff at the hospital have previously reported feeling unsafe, with the bus transporting them to work being targeted as well.
Health workers called for increased protection, including the possibility of armoured vehicles, as they try to safely reach work.
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service has implemented a raft of changes to help staff including roster changes, on-site accommodation for staff and are now considering adjusting the hours of the emergency service.
Mr Sexton is calling for Police Minister Dan Purdie to visit to help solve the staffing issues.
“I’ve also spoken with our local Member for Mulgrave, Terry James, who is assisting in trying to arrange a visit from Police Minister Dan Purdie so we can discuss these issues directly,” he said.
MP for Mulgrave Terry James said he was aware of the ongoing issues in Yarrabah.
“I’ve spoken with Minister Dan Purdie’s office and we’re in the process of organising a visit to Cairns as soon as the minister’s schedule allows,” Mr James said.
The Queensland Police spokesman said Yarrabah was not solely serviced by officers stationed in the community.
“The QPS adopts a borderless model of policing to ensure a strong police presence,” the spokesman said.
Last month, Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services Aboriginal Corporation said rock-throwing had become increasingly dangerous, with emergency and hospital vehicles targeted.
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Originally published as Yarrabah rock-throwing incident injures police officer, sparks renewed calls for action
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