Policing push pays off
Funding secure as Aurukun records drop in crime
EXTRA police will stay on the ground in Aurukun for at least another six months with senior officers saying crime in the Cape York community has plummeted.
An additional $569,000 was allocated in last week’s state Budget with the aim of keeping the police station operating on a 24-hour basis.
It has now been 18 months since extra officers were bought into the community due to unrest after an alleged murder in late 2015.
Far North Acting Chief Superintendent Rolf Straatemeier said issues within Aurukun community continued to improve and there had not been a car stolen in “weeks”.
“Where once car theft was very regular there hasn’t been one stolen for some time,” he said.
“Everyone is pulling in the same direction helping to create a sense of wellbeing in the community.”
Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said the current model involved an additional eight officers to keep the station operating around the clock.
The extra police were drawn from stations around the Far North and Acting Chief Supt Straatemeier said this was not impacting on staffing elsewhere.
He said a multi-agency approach had been the key to improved conditions in Aurukun and credited the efforts of school staff, on-site mediators and other groups along with the installation of 65 CCTV cameras.
Speaking to the Cairns Post earlier this year, Police Minister Mark Ryan said eventually the extra officers would need to be pulled out, but he would not detail when.
He said yesterday it was vital remote police, including those working in indigenous communities, were adequately resourced.
“The local police have done an outstanding job in strengthening the safety and security for everyone in the Aurukun community but there is more work to be done to achieve a long-term solution,” Mr Ryan said.
Commissioner Stewart said they were “grateful” for the extra funds they were receiving.
“The enhanced policing model is allowing for a rapid response to incidents, proactive work in schools and public spaces and a strong deterrent for alcohol and drugs being brought into the community.”