Far North Councils respond to shocking year-on-year increases in offence numbers

Councillors have responded to the Far North’s dreadful crime rates with one pointing to dysfunctional home environments while another outlined improvement in some areas.

Far North councillors have reacted to recent crime statistics with a mix of alarm and composure.

As the offence numbers in some Far North towns have doubled year on year, some local governments are realising they have a greater role to play in what has traditionally been a state government challenge.

But others are holding firm on the “not our responsibility” line.

Offence numbers in Cairns’ southern corridor exploded from 2021 to 2022. Division 3 councillor Cathy Zeiger said she was alarmed by the statistics.

“It doesn’t surprise me, sadly. These (statistics) reflect complaints I have received,” Cr Zeiger said.

Division 3 councillor Cathy Zeiger said she was alarmed but unsurprised by offence numbers in her division. Picture: Isaac McCarthy

“Nothing I believe will change until we have a complete re-look at how youth crime is dealt with and how to improve the dysfunction these kids grow up in.

“Having said this, I am proactively working with others to improve the family dysfunction that can lead to criminal behaviour.

“Offenders need a consequence that helps them and helps the victim, with the offender and parent assisting with repair costs.”

Division 5 councillor Amy Eden said transition from proactive policing, a growing online skylarking culture and inadequate consequences contributed to the rise.

“QPS operation Romeo Passo in 2019 proved to be very successful and saw crime rates drop 40 per cent in four weeks. I understand one of the contributing success factors of this operation was due to proactive policing with a QPS officer working from council’s CCTV camera room, with issues intercepted before they escalated requiring full policing responses,” Cr Eden said.

Division 5 councillor Amy Eden said transition from proactive policing has, in part, caused the increase on offences within Cairns suburbs. Picture: Isaac McCarthy

“Command and control was established with the co-ordination of government departments, agencies and business led by QPS.”

Offence numbers fluctuated in Cairns’ northern suburbs. Division 8 councillor Rhonda Coghlan said community vigilance played a role.

“I see many more instances within online groups of residents warning the community of suspicious activity,” Cr Coghlan said.

“I do believe as the closest level of government to residents we do have a responsibility to advocate to the state for more resources to police.

“We have our pilot community safety program running in the city, which could possibly be rolled out to the suburbs.”

Mareeba and Atherton had some of the highest offence numbers in the Far North QPS district.

Mareeba mayor Angela Toppin said her council has stepped up lobbying since youth crime began seriously escalating in 2021.

Mareeba mayor Angela Toppin said community safety and crime prevention were not council responsibilities. Picture: Nuno Avendano

“Community safety and crime prevention are not council responsibilities. However, advocating to address these issues will remain a top priority,” Cr Toppin said.

“The Department of Children … has announced $260,000 funding for PCYC Mareeba and the opening of a new office in Mareeba.

“The Mareeba Community Centre has secured $785,000 funding to recruit two youth workers … (QPS) announced a further seven positions that would be added to the Tablelands region.”

Innisfail and Tully suffered steep rises in offence numbers. A Cassowary Coast Council spokeswoman said the council had been working with QPS to identify where additional security measures were required.

“The mayor and the council’s CEO undertake monthly meetings with QPS to identify hotspot locations and top offences to inform council planning,” the spokeswoman said.

“As council undertakes budget deliberations … consideration will be given to improvements within this area.”

Originally published as Far North Councils respond to shocking year-on-year increases in offence numbers