Gold Coast police called to fight at Burleigh Heads as calls continue for a police beat
Several police vehicles were called to the main street of Burleigh Heads after a fight involving six people broke out, igniting calls for a promised police beat to be actioned. WATCH THE VIDEO
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Several police vehicles were called to the main street of Burleigh Heads after a fight involving six people broke out on Sunday night.
At around 8pm officers swooped in on the brawl, which was captured in footage filmed by local resident Jude Child.
The fight between up to six people was outside the LimLay Thai Street Food and Bar on the Gold Coast Highway.
The video of the incident showed a police car arriving at the scene within a minute of the fight starting and officers issuing two men “move on” directions.
Mr Child said he had heard the group yelling for several minutes before the fight broke out.
“It feels like the crime (in Burleigh Heads) is getting worse,” he said.
Mr Child said he hoped the suburb would get a promised police beat soon.
In February, a giant Queensland Police Service budget blowout was blamed for the delay in the promised new dedicated police presence in Burleigh.
The police beat at Burleigh Heads was part of a $4.1 million community safety pledge by Burleigh MP Hermann Vorster ahead of the state election in October.
On Monday, Mr Vorster said the response from police on Sunday night was a reflection of their new approach which “backs police, strengthens laws, and prioritises community safety”.
“Last night’s swift police response wasn’t a coincidence,” he said.
“As the local Member of parliament, I led the campaign to restore Burleigh’s relaxed coastal atmosphere, and the LNP Government is delivering on that vision.
“That’s why the Crisafulli Government made a $4.1 million election commitment to deliver a permanent police beat, more frontline officers, expanded CCTV, better lighting, and real support for the local liquor accord.
“This plan is being delivered over the term of parliament, and everyone involved – from police to OLGR to my colleagues in government – is fully committed to seeing it through.
“Locals can rely on our government to do exactly what we said we would.
“My message to those who think they can come to Burleigh and cause trouble is simple: the laws are tougher, the surveillance is stronger, and police are ready.
“There will be consequences.”
Calls for a police beat in Burleigh came after several incidents including the tragic death of 22-year-old Cameron Duce, who passed away in hospital days after an alleged coward punch in September last year.
In a separate incident, four teenagers were bashed by a gang of 30 youths near Justins Park on Australia Day.
Local Mr Child said he was worried the incoming light rail would make the crime worse.
“More bums coming this way,” he said.
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