CRIME THE TOP PRIORITY FOR ALL
But candidates have plenty on agendas
DEALING with crime during a coronavirus downturn has emerged as a key priority for several Cairns Regional Council candidates for division 6 – including one whose home has been broken into a staggering number of times.
Incumbent Cr Max O’Halloran faces stiff competition with five other hungry wouldbe councillors nipping at his heels to represent an area that includes Edge Hill and Whitfield, and parts of Manoora, Manunda and Brinsmead.
The Tidal Seafood Traders owner and former Carlton and Footscray AFL player believed the Unity Team would get across the line on its track record of low rate rises, balanced budgets and big projects like the Centenary Lakes Nature Play area, the nearby boardwalk upgrade and the Cairns Botanic Gardens conservatory.
He said the council had a keen focus on doing its bit for crime prevention.
“We have a very large investment in CCTV and work very closely with one another including state and federal members,” Cr O’Halloran said.
Jules Steer, publisher of Oasis Magazine, said her Pease St home had been robbed nine times in the past 12 years – including three times while she and her kids were asleep.
“When one issue is affecting as many locals as this one is, it’s absolutely time council collaborates with the State Government to devise a long-term solution,” she said.
“Council could be leading the charge on crime prevention programs and working with local groups who are already successfully engaging with youths.”
Sam Byrd, youngest of the candidates and owner of restaurants NOA, Ozmosis and Hopscotch, said his division had some of the oldest basic infrastructure in the region.
“Sewerage, stormwater and our roads and pathways need to be made a continued priority especially in the older suburbs in Edge Hill and Whitfield,” he said.
Mr Byrd warned the council needed to be more proactive in the fight against crime – especially given the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis.
“Our city is going to see a dramatic economic downturn over the next few months and with that we will feel the effects of an even greater upturn in crime,” he said.
Special needs prep teacher Steve Brech has been one of the longest campaigners in this council election.
He was passionate about establishing a working public transport system for the city, multistorey carparks “in the right locations” and a free city bus loop – but he also had ideas about crime.
“I am open to ‘walking’ neighbourhood watch committees. Councillors are always at (these) meetings,” he said.
“Why not in the evening, instead of sitting on a hall or office, let’s see the police liaison officer escort citizens around their local ‘haunts’ – parks, shops, lit play areas, dog walking areas – and build capacity amongst volunteers and induce residents to engage at a personal level?”
Cairns NQSA Team member Jenny Clark wanted the Edge Hill shopping precinct to be developed into a bigger destination to attract locals and tourists, as well as greater commercial zoning to add to retail diversity.
“I am an advocate for keeping the wealth in Cairns for all the local residents,” she said.
She said the council should have an integrated security patrol supporting police and push for an expanded neighbourhood watch program.
Scott Clarke, a Cairns State High School teacher and army reservist, said he brought no preconceived policies around crime or infrastructure.
“My policy platform is simple. I want you to tell me what you want to see happen in your community,” he said.
“My own ideas about ways our community can thrive sit behind my commitment to actually listening to you and actioning your ideas.”