Division 5 councillor Amy Eden implores state’s top politicians to visit Cairns amid crime spree

A Cairns Regional Councillor has written to the Queensland Premier and opposition leader imploring them to visit Cairns amid the Far North crime scourge.

A Cairns Regional Councillor has written to the Queensland Premier and opposition leader imploring them to visit Cairns amid the Far North’s crime scourge.

In 2022, the breach of a domestic violence order offence rate in the Far North increased almost 30 per cent from 2021, while unlawful use of a motor vehicle skyrocketed more than 55 per cent.

While crime rates have incrementally declined since October, Cr Eden said the region risks becoming “the next Alice Springs”.

Now she has sent a letter to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk days after mayor Bob Manning called on the state government tointroduce a banned drinkers register in Cairns.

Division 5 councillor Amy Eden said the premier had not yet responded to her letter. Picture: Isaac McCarthy

“The reputation of Cairns is now in tatters,” she wrote.

“The city has become the domestic violence capital of Queensland. It is a city where getting your car stolen is not a matter of if, but when. Local residents do not feel safe in Cairns CBD. Tourists are alarmed at the unsafe environment.”

The letter added: “I believe a personal visit from you … would provide a better understanding of the urgency of the situation … I do implore you to take charge of this matter and show that you stand with us and understand what we are facing.”

It comes after Cr Eden stood next to a police officer allegedly punched by a man at a press conference on Shields St on Tuesday.

“The guy came up behind us … he just (allegedly) hit him. It was completely unprovoked and random,” she said.

“This (crime rate) needs very urgent attention.”

Cr Eden said she has since received a response from Mr Crisafulli with an indication a meeting would be arranged.

She said she has not received a response from the premier.

“I made it crystal clear I’m not speaking on behalf of the council but in my personal capacity as Division 5 councillor,” she said.

Cairns mayor Bob Manning sent his letter, authored with the Townsville and Mount Isa mayors, on February 17.

Addressed to deputy premier Steven Miles, it calls for the implementation of a banned drinkers register in Cairns among other measures.

According to emails viewed by the Cairns Post, at least four other councillors – Amy Eden, Brett Olds, Cathy Zeiger and Kristy Vallely – were unaware the mayor had taken this step.

Division 9 councillor Brett Olds welcomed the mayor’s pressure on the state government but said consultation with other councillors would have produced a better plan.

Division 9 councillor Brett Olds said the mayor made a good move by writing to the state government but should have consulted the complete council first. Picture: Isaac McCarthy

“There’s a process going on at council right now … we’ve got consultants working on this to find unique solutions. The mayor’s got in front of that process,” Cr Olds said.

“If people can’t get alcohol, they’ll use ice or sniff deodorant through a sock. Prohibition doesn’t work.

“We need to have a wet centre, a support centre to take them to.

“Right now, it’s all on display for locals and tourists to see.

“Fundamentally, there is nothing wrong with what Bob did. But if you want your councillors’ support, maybe include us next time.”

A spokesman for Mr Crisafulli’s office confirmed the opposition leader had intentions to visit Cairns in response to Cr Eden’s letter.

A spokesman for the premier’s office said Cr Eden’s letter had been received she would receive a reply “in due course”.

Originally published as Division 5 councillor Amy Eden implores state’s top politicians to visit Cairns amid crime spree