Itinerant problem grows
said. “We make our issues someone else’s issues.”
Two long-term Sheridan St shop tenants, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal, said the impact on the tourism industry was huge.
One business operator described seeing a drunk itinerant abusing a Japanese family during the week and telling them to “go back where they came from”.
“I reckon our tourist industry is already wrecked. I give up now,” he said. “It’s an embarrassment when I have people visiting here.
“This is like my house, it’s my business.”
The other tenant said he wished he had a “crystal ball” to find an answer and said problems had been growing in the area over the past six months.
“I have (thought about relocating), but where would I go? This is the best location for my business.
“This is the only thing, there is nothing else that affects my business.” POLICE will launch a fresh offensive against what they describe as the “socially distressing” behaviour of itinerants roaming Cairns streets.
Senior officers say issues have escalated significantly, particularly within the past fortnight, with frequent reports of loud fights, abuse of tourists, public urination and begging in busy areas, especially the Esplanade and Sheridan St.
Cairns City Beat Senior Sergeant Gary Hunter said a new operation was planned on Monday with increased patrols of problem areas.
He said police would be liaising directly with the Cairns CBD business community.
“This operation will involve proactive patrols that are identified by business operators and concerned members of the public to prevent unacceptable behaviour,” he said.
“We are quite aware of current issues and locations that are subject to socially distress- ing behaviour. But we still want to keep the channels of communication open with businesses and members of the community.”
Sen-Sgt Hunter highlighted the Esplanade and a section of Sheridan St between Shields and Aplin streets as two problem spots.
He said there were currently larger numbers of itinerants from Aurukun, Lockhart River and Mornington Island.
Some of the incidents officers were called to this week included shutting down a camp behind Endeavour Park on Tuesday and an itinerant man taken to hospital on Thursday after being found with a bloodalcohol level of 0.35.
Medical experts rate any