Security at school lax

HINCHINBROOK MP Nick Dametto has called on the state government to improve security at Northern Beaches State High School after a reported increase in trespassers.

Mr Dametto said he had seen footage of a violent shirtless man, allegedly under the influence, entering the school grounds and verbally and physically threatening junior students with a length of garden hose.

“Intruders regularly enter the school grounds spraypainting graffiti on buildings and to destroy property, causing the school thousands in repairs,” he said.

“There’s also a history of aggressive dogs entering the school yards, which sometimes leads to a student lockdown procedure to manage the safety risk.”

He said $16m had been allocated on fences designed to lock students and teachers in safely.

“One hundred and forty state schools in the southeast are considered to have high security risks, therefore they are afforded the luxury of having 2m spiked black steel fences built around the school perimeters,” Mr Dametto said. “Here in Townsville, we have home invasions, car thefts and cars lit on fire nearly every day.”

The 2021-22 budget allocated $37.3m to maintain, improve, and upgrade schools in Townsville.

“I’m disappointed there was no allocation in the current state budget for improved fencing at the Northern Beaches State High School, yet other state schools in the electorate have enjoyed these improvements,” Mr Dametto said.

“I look forward to meeting with the education minister to discuss funding options that may deliver this important infrastructure upgrade before a major incident results in a student injury.”

Education Minister Grace Grace said she would meet Mr Dametto “as soon as possible”.

Ms Grace said CCTV had been installed at the school in late 2020, which had led to a decline in incidents. Security patrols the school twice a night.

“The department will continue working with Northern Beaches SHS regarding the security issues and develop ongoing strategies to mitigate security risks,” she said.