Cairns Regional Council and Ports North to trial nightly security patrols at Cairns Marlin Marina

Cairns Regional Council and Ports North have partnered to provide new security measures for waterfront businesses affected by recent unlawful behaviour including break-ins and a stabbing.

Cairns' Marlin Marina boardwalk will soon have new security patrols. Pictures: File

Cairns Regional Council and Ports North will operate nightly security patrols for waterfront businesses affected by unlawful behaviour in a partnered trial that will run for 12 months.

From October security patrols will surveil the Cairns Marlin Marina from Marina Point near Mooz cafe to Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal next to Hemingway’s Brewery.

The response comes after numerous incidents of property damage, unlawful entry and assault at the Marlin Marina boardwalk in the past six months.

Craig Squire, owner of Ochre restaurant, was forced to employ security at his venue after a group of juveniles injured two of his staff members.

Mr Squire welcomed the new security initiative as an example of when local and state government could work together on matters of law and order.

Owner of Ochre restaurant Craig Squire welcomed the new security patrols after staff at his business were attacked. Picture: Brendan Radke

“After we had that incident I spoke to the mayor and talked about the gap in security where Ports North own the land … the suggestion was to engage with Ports North to get them to … provide security,” Mr Squire said.

“It’s unfortunate we’re getting to this situation in Cairns, but we’ve got to respond.”

Ports North will also aim to link its security cameras to the council’s City Safe program, which surveils the CBD at all hours.

“Until the council system covers this area in October, the restaurants at (the marina) have to keep spending a couple of grand each week on security to provide a level of comfort for patrons and staff. That’s not affordable over the long term,” Mr Squire said.

“Ports North have a duty of care to look after their tenants and make patrons at the city’s premier dining precinct feel safe.”

Owner of Blu Marlin Bistro Paul Harris said the security initiative needed more teeth to be effective. Picture: Peter Carruthers

Paul Harris, owner of Blu Marlin Bistro, has also suffered property damage and theft at his business.

He welcomed the principle of the new security partnership but said the initiative needed more teeth.

“I strongly believe taking a photo of someone committing a crime knowing full well that prosecution will never happen is not the answer,” Mr Harris said.

“I’ve seen personally the brazen abilities of these (juveniles) … cameras, while great for identification, are no deterrent which, from a cost perspective, will not solve the issue in any way.”

Dundee's proprietor Gary Low had his waterfront venue trashed and set alight in June, allegedly by a group of teens. Picture: Peter Carruthers

Speaking at a July council meeting, mayor Bob Manning said the council was deeply concerned about law and order incidents at the marina precinct.

“The council has been working with the police and Ports North in regard to the area of the boardwalk that comes under the auspices of Ports North,” Mr Manning said.

“Council does have deep concern about … what part we play in that … we can work very well with (police) because of the very large CCTV camera spread we have.”

Division 5 councillor Amy Eden pushed for the new initiative alongside the mayor after she met with affected restaurant owners.

“We understand the urgency of this situation and both Ports North and the Cairns Regional Council are committed to expeditious action,” Ms Eden said.

Dundees proprietor Gary Low described the move as a “small step in the right direction”.

“Council monitoring the Ports North cameras is a fantastic step,” Mr Low said.

“But, there’s still a lot more that needs to be done.”

Originally published as Cairns Regional Council and Ports North to trial nightly security patrols at Cairns Marlin Marina