‘Southport is dying a slow death and the problem seems to be swept under the carpet’

A Southport businesswoman says she is fed up with ‘fighting, public urination, vomiting, aggression’ on Southport streets. Now she’s decided to do something about it.

FRIDAY Flyer Community Newsletter founder Jo Sherline has announced she intends to stand at the March council elections in the Southport division in a bid to revitalise the city’s CBD.

“Southport is dying a slow death and the problem seems to be swept under the carpet,” the former newsletter publisher said.

Jo Sherline at the Women in Business awards launch at Sofitel Hotel, Broadbeach. Picture: Regina King.

“I work in Southport everyday and I see the problems first hand. I speak with locals and business owners and hear their frustrations.

“I struggle to get clients to come into Southport because they are put off by the anti-social behaviour on the streets. I have seen it all, fighting, public urination, vomiting, aggression, all in plain daylight. I feel sorry for the local businesses trying to make a buck and the local residents whose complaints fall on deaf ears.”

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Ms Sherline believes the Priority Development Area had “failed miserably” because the correct strategies were not put in place by council to attract the right developers to spend the millions of dollars on quality developments.

Dawn Crichlow at the great lawn at Broadwater Parklands with a community groups farewell day for her retirement, which sparked a Melbourne Cup field of candidates.

“Firstly, we must look at the serious homeless and anti-social problem on the streets. We can’t have up to a 100 homeless camping out in our business precinct, on footpaths, parks, public toilets and school grounds,” she said.

“Secondly, we must provide a safe environment for residents by installing more street lighting and CCTV cameras. Thirdly, Southport is in need of a major upgrade to its street scaping.”