Premier meets with Maryborough business owners over crime crisis

Premier David Crisafulli has met and shared coffee with residents and business owners in Maryborough as concerns refuse to die over a crisis of crime and anti-social behaviour in the city centre.

Premier David Crisafulli in Maryborough on Wednesday morning, December 4, meeting with concerned residents and businesses about the crime crisis in the city.

Premier David Crisafulli visited Maryborough on Wednesday morning to meet with local campaigners, residents and business owners on the crime crisis gripping the city.

Daniel Beattie, who helped coordinate the town hall which was attended by hundreds if not thousands of people in November, said he was invited by LNP Maryborough MP John Barounis to bring together a group of business owners and residents to discuss key concerns with the Premier.

A series of shocking images and video emerged in November of multiple disturbing daylight acts in the Maryborough CBD, resulting in the public meeting.

Those images included one man defecating on the road on the corner of Kent and March Streets despite the availability of nearby public toilets and an aggressive vagrant screaming abuse opposite the Post Office Hotel, putting his hands down his pants then removing his clothes entirely and walking the streets naked.

Premier David Crisafulli with Daniel Beattie in Maryborough on Wednesday morning, December 4, meeting with concerned residents and businesses about the crime crisis in the city.

Since the public outcry and meeting, Maryborough police have instigated Operation Whiskey Unison and say they have arrested 31 people.

The operation placed police in areas where antisocial behavior had increased over recent months including Queens Park, Adelaide Bazaar, and all of the streets in the CBD.

They released two of the 31 names on Wednesday: C W Chalker, 44, and H A Day, 34.

“I think it was great for the Premier to come after he had heard the outturn that we had and that John had asked him to come up,” Mr Beattie said after Wednesday’s event.

Premier David Crisafulli in Maryborough on Wednesday morning, December 4, meeting with concerned residents and businesses about the crime crisis in the city.

“I think the meeting was productive,” he said.

“No doubt he hears the same thing from every town though as it’s not just exclusive to Maryborough, but I believe we are on the right track and I really hope things get better.

“Obviously I won’t be a five minute job as these things do take time but I’m very positive for the future.

“He also personally thanked me for the work I’ve been doing and to keep it up, which was much appreciated.”

Mr Beattie said the meeting had focused on the challenges Maryborough was facing “and exploring constructive solutions around policing and legislation”.

“A heartfelt thank you to our Premier and MP for taking the time to listen and engage with our community. Your commitment to addressing our issues is greatly appreciated!”