CAMPAIGN TO CLEAN UP AITKENVALE
BUSINESSES and residents want action to tackle a volatile mix of youths and itinerant alcoholics gathering in Aitkenvale but fear worsening the problems by speaking out.
Meanwhile, property giant Stockland is being called on to reveal its plans for buildings which have become derelict opposite its premier North Queensland shopping centre.
People are frightened to walk in Elizabeth St and police patrol with dogs at night.
“(It) is a bad look,” one source said. Business and government stakeholders met at Tom’s Tavern about six weeks ago to discuss how problems with young people gathering at night and running through shops could be tackled.
Several sources say the idea of a youth centre at the Stockland-controlled former Westpac building, which has been vacant for almost two years, was raised.
In a statement, Stockland centre manager Malcolm Miller said no youth community space was “currently being considered for any Stockland-owned sites in Townsville”.
“Stockland centre management does regularly meet with business, government and community stakeholders and is always considering what additional value it can bring to the local community,” Mr Miller said.
Government co-ordinator of the Townsville Stronger Communities Action Group Acting Inspector Matt Lyons said at the request of Stockland, the action group had facilitated a forum with stakeholders in June to look at ways to reduce anti-social behaviour within the Aitkenvale business precinct.
“Discussions focused on causal