Woman charged after allegedly wielding hammer in Maryborough CBD
A woman has been charged over an alleged violent incident in the Maryborough CBD as the council backs calls for permanent police presence amid mounting safety concerns.
A woman has been charged for allegedly wielding a hammer in the Maryborough CBD this week, as community leaders continue to grapple with the issue of anti-social behaviour and safety fears there.
It is the latest in a series of incidents and behaviours reported by business owners and visitors in the inner city.
CCTV captured in Adelaide St of the woman this week appear edto show her hitting streetlights with the hammer and at one stage threatening a man on a mobility scooter.
In all three videos the woman can be seen hitting street poles and heard yelling loudly.
In one video, a person tells her police have been called, to which she replies “good!” The videos range in length from 17 seconds to two and a half minutes,
Earlier complaints in the CBD have involved reports of people defecating in the street, walking around naked and leaving needles and other items in public spaces.
In the wake of a campaign to reclaim the inner streets, the Fraser Coast Regional Council on Wednesday backed a push for a Police Beat, while the St Paul’s Anglican Church opened its grounds to those forced to sleep rough.
A motion was passed at the council meeting to write to Police Minister Dan Purdie asking for the establishment of a permanent police beat with a regular foot patrol presence in the Maryborough CBD.
Councillor Paul Truscott said there had been increasing feedback from residents and businesses wanting a stronger and more visible police presence as a deterrent to crime and anti-social behaviour and activities in the area.
“While council continues to work cooperatively with state government departments and agencies to address underlying social issues, we acknowledge that the responsibility for law and order rests with the state,” Mr Truscott said.
“A regular, on foot police presence would provide visible reassurance to the community, assist in early intervention, and strengthen the connection between police and the public, as well as increase confidence in the Maryborough CBD.
“I want to be very clear that I am very grateful for the police, they do an amazing job considering the circumstances.
“I believe they are under resourced and we need more of them.
“We all know that community safety is one of the biggest concerns being raised with us.
“We’re seeing and hearing about more incidents happening in and around the CBD, and people just want to feel safe when they’re shopping, working, or visiting town.
“I want to make it clear that this isn’t a criticism of our local police — they do a great job with the resources they have, and we’re very grateful for the work they do every day.
“This motion is simply about asking the state for more support, through a permanent police beat and additional officers, so that we can strengthen that presence on the ground and give our community the reassurance they’re asking for.”
The Anglican Church at the corner of Lennox St and Ellena St this week put up a notice at its gates asking that on weekdays, rough sleepers be in after 7pm and out with their personal items fby 7am.
On weekends, homeless people are invited to go on to the church grounds after 7pm on Saturday and Sunday, and be out before 6am on Sunday.
The notice drew mixed reactions, with some praising the church for its compassion while others criticised the church for encouraging rough sleepers into the CBD
Council CEO Ken Diehm clarified in a letter seen by the Chronicle that people were not being allowed to camp on the church grounds, but merely sleep there overnight.
He said he had made it clear to Reverend Sue Wilson that he fully appreciated the charitable intent behind its actions.
“I also explained that I was not asking or directing her to cease the activity but that I felt obligated to inform her of the complaints received by council and of the process I am required to follow.”
Mr Diehm said he was awaiting the council’s own legal advice on the matter.
A police spokeswoman said on Wednesday a woman aged in her 30s had been arrested and charged with going armed so as to cause fear.
