Health workers in Yarrabah claim authorities have failed to implement adequate protective measures

A Queensland ambulance has become the latest target in Yarrabah rock-throwing incidents, prompting healthcare staff to consider reducing vital services amid claims authorities are failing to address the ongoing safety concerns.

Healthcare workers in Far North Queensland are being attacked with rocks by youths using slingshots, as staff call for armoured vehicles to take them to and from work or a reduction in operational hours. Picture: Supplied

Healthcare workers are calling for shorter operational hours in Yarrabah as they continue to face dangerous rock attacks during their daily commute.

Workers say authorities have failed to implement adequate protective measures despite ongoing safety concerns, with the stress and anxiety impacting their ability to provide adequate care.

A source said the latest emergency services vehicle to be targeted was a Queensland Ambulance vehicle hit with rocks last week.

Peak bodies have acknowledged it is a “complex issue” requiring multifaceted solutions, while inspectors from Work Health and Safety have commended the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service for going “above and beyond what would be expected”.

Cairns Hospital chief executive Leena Singh said the issue was a complex one. Picture: Sandhya Ram

CHHHS chief executive Leena Singh said any decision to reduce the opening hours of the emergency department from its current 24/7 operation would not be made lightly.

“It will have flow-on effects for vulnerable residents of Yarrabah, as well as place additional demands on Queensland Ambulance and the retrieval helicopter,” she said.

The rock-throwing incidents have escalated in recent months, with teens targeting hospital transport buses and other vehicles, including police cars.

Ms Singh said CHHHS had implemented protective measures including roster changes, on-site accommodation and a bus to take staff to and from work.

“At a recent visit, the inspector from Workplace Health and Safety recognised … a wide range of actions in place and had gone above and beyond what would be expected … given it’s a community issue’,” she said.

Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services Aboriginal Corporation and Indigenous leaders have also condemned these attacks. Picture: Supplied

The situation further intensified in May when a Yarrabah police officer was injured after youths shattered their vehicle’s window with rocks, prompting the mayor to request additional resources from Queensland Police.

Ms Singh urges community leaders and partners to work with them to resolve the issue.

“So health staff can travel safely to and from work at the health centre and continue to provide care to the Yarrabah community,” she said.

Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services Aboriginal Corporation and Indigenous leaders have also condemned these attacks.

A spokesman for Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council said council was unaware of the most recent attacks.

“Council will be meeting with the police commissioner in the near future and intend to bring this matter, as well as other community issues, directly to the commissioner’s attention,” he said.

Yarrabah Mayor Daryl Sexton said there had not been a permanently appointed officer in charge of Yarrabah Police for a considerable amount of time. Picture: Supplied

The council spokesman said it supported any action which ensured the safety of all community members and services, however, they were concerned about potential reductions to hospital hours.

“The reduction of hours is a matter for Queensland Health to consider. Council’s concern of course is the impact this may have on service delivery to community members for emergency treatments,” the spokesman said.

The Queensland Police Service said they remained committed to working with the Yarrabah community to address incidents of rock throwing.

A QPS spokesman said any attacks on emergency personnel were unacceptable and were taken seriously.

“We continue to encourage the community to report these matters so appropriate action can be taken,” he said.

“QPS is committed to meeting community expectations around service delivery and response.”

A Queensland Ambulance spokeswoman said intentional damage to ambulance vehicles was not tolerated. Picture: File photo

The spokesman also confirmed Yarrabah was not solely serviced by officers stationed in Yarrabah, as the QPS adopts a borderless model to ensure a strong police presence.

A Queensland Ambulance spokeswoman said intentional damage to ambulance vehicles was not tolerated.

“It poses a risk to paramedics and the community,” she said.

The QAS confirmed any attacks on ambulances were reported to the Queensland Police Service to take appropriate action.

It is understood a meeting between council, police, ambulance staff and health services was due to be held on June 6, however, the meeting has been rescheduled.

A Together Union Queensland spokesman said it was aware of this workplace issue.

“We continue to engage with our members and monitor the situation closely,” the spokesman said.

The Cairns Post launched Operation Safe Zone earlier this year, calling for better safety outcomes for health workers scared to walk to their cars. The hospital has released 100 additional parks, with medium and long term plans to address staff’s concerns.

Originally published as Health workers in Yarrabah claim authorities have failed to implement adequate protective measures