Cross-border commissioner yet to impress border residents in Southern Downs

While the national coverage has died down, the insidious cycle of crime continues to haunt our border towns of Goondiwindi and Boggabilla.

Residents living on the border of Queensland and NSW remain fearful as the rate of serious crime continues to increase.

The former Miles Labor government’s decision to fast track the appointment of a cross-border commissioner to assist in Goondiwindi and across to NSW is yet to impress residents.

In the almost three months since Ian Leavers was given the tough job, terrifying crimes have only continued.

While the cross-border boss has made a number of visits since his appointment, residents say there’s been no change on the ground.

In late October a joint response between Queensland and NSW police saw a number of offenders charged over alleged cross-border crimes.

The malicious alleged offending has not only traumatised residents, they’ve now caused banks and insurance companies to blacklist border postcodes and send premiums through the roof.

As a fifth generation Goondiwindi man, Trevor Hoole still finds what’s happening to his beautiful, lively, country hometown incomprehensible.

“I would say there’s been zero change in (reducing) crime,” Mr Hoole said.

“Insurance has gone up because of it. Goondiwindi has worse crime per capita than Mount Isa and we have a smaller population.”

Goondiwindi resident Trevor Hoole has been a victim of crime in the city. Photo – Ange McMaster

Mr Hoole said there’s an overall feeling among residents that the cross-border commissioner’s appointment was simply a ‘Band-Aid’ solution.

“Twelve months ago we said how long before someone gets injured and it’s just become a dangerous escalation (of violence),” he said.

Border residents have grown tired of watching repeat juvenile offenders released back into the community, despite police objection.

“We just don’t understand how courts are releasing them. There was a 13-year-old who was charged with 60 odd offences and they were given bail,” he said.

There’s a universal feeling for residents across the border in Boggabilla, who are also bearing the brunt of the economic consequences of juvenile and repeat offenders.

When Boggabilla resident Garry Roberts tried to insure two properties, he says his requests were refused.

“They won’t insure them, as soon as I tell them the postcode they say no sorry, we’re not doing those postcodes,” he said.

Screenshots of burning cars from Goondiwindi and Boggabilla. Source: Supplied.

Mr Roberts said without an active police presence at night in Boggabilla nothing will change.

“We’ve got to get police here at night-time because that’s what we haven’t got,” he said.

Stanthorpe Border Post spoke with Mr Roberts back in August during the last major border crime wave, since then he says there’s been little change.

While it’s been reported that Mr Leavers has met with border residents on multiple occasions, Mr Roberts said residents were still waiting for action.

“If you’re going to appoint someone like that then give them the power to make their own decisions,” he said.

“There’s no good having them come out here and say this, that and the other and then not be able to give any answers because they have to report back to the premier.”

Warwick Daily News has contacted the cross-border commissioner’s office for comment.

Originally published as Cross-border commissioner yet to impress border residents in Southern Downs