A member of state parliament says crime and disorder are out of hand in her neighbouring electorate, but that’s a notion rejected by the local MP.
Fiona Simpson, the LNP member for Maroochydore, said crime had increased and business owners were living in fear in Nambour.
But Rob Skelton, the Labor member for Nicklin, said Nambour was one of the safest towns in the region and positive steps were being taken to revitalise it.
Queensland Police have also revealed what resources they have dedicated to the area, while a prominent business owner said the town’s vibe was improving.
Ms Simpson sent a press release lamenting the circumstances in Nambour and calling on Mr Skelton to take responsibility.
She said there was a significant increase in the unlawful use of a motor vehicle, unlawful entry and other theft. She also said the number of full-time police there “is down”.
“I have spoken to local businesses and they are too afraid to speak up,” she said.
“They are living in fear.
“Support needs to be provided for the police as a matter of urgency as the situation in Nambour is only going to get worse.
“Why is Rob Skelton not addressing this?
“I am fielding concerned calls from his community.”
Ms Simpson said she was a passionate Sunshine Coast resident who was sticking up for her neighbouring constituents.
“I love where we live and will always fight for what is best for the community,” she said.
Mr Skelton said the safety and prosperity of the community was his priority.
He said overall crime numbers had decreased.
“Statistics show a clear downward trend over the last five years. Nambour is one of the safest places on the Sunshine Coast,” he said.
“We’re investing in front-line services and local infrastructure to give the police the resources they deserve.”
He said Nambour was a burgeoning hub for business and the arts.
“Our town continues to grow as it transitions from being a former mill town to embrace a new creative and cultural identity with greater connections to community and country,” he said.
“The Special Entertainment Precinct … continues to attract significant investment into our town, with several new venues just about to open.”
An $8.3 million police station opened in the town last year and a Queensland Police Service spokesperson revealed what resources were dedicated to the area.
“The station is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and staffed with 30 police officers,” they said.
“The staffing numbers are considered appropriate to meet the policing requirements for the location.
“It (the station) is resourced with six marked police vehicles, two unmarked crime services vehicles and two forensic crash vehicles with drone capability.
“Operational police are on duty 24 hours a day, actively patrolling, being visible in the Nambour community and responding to calls for service.
“Additionally, police from neighbouring divisions will provide support when additional demands for policing services might occur.”
Specialist commands are also housed in the facility.
Queensland Police’s online crime map showed the number of offences in Nambour had increased from July 2021 to January 2023, but the number had decreased since.
There was a spate of break-ins and violent incidents, including a machete attack in a suburban street, last year.
There was also a Safer CBD for Nambour petition, which was aimed at addressing ‘youth crime, drug and alcohol abuse, in-street violence, vagrancy and menacing behaviour that has resulted in residents feeling unsafe and businesses suffering’.
Local business operator Michelle Dalton, spoke to Sunshine Coast News in November and said that crime and unruly behaviour were major problems. She told SCN on Tuesday that there were still issues but the situation had improved.
“Six months ago, we needed help and there was a really big cry for help,” she said.
“We felt absolutely set upon.
“And we still have issues – but it’s nothing like we did have.
“We’ve actually made some big inroads.”
Ms Dalton said there had been renewed efforts to reinvigorate the town.
“We’ve got new businesses, great investments and shopfront grants,” she said.
“We have an amazing chamber of commerce that’s powering on.”
Ms Dalton, who co-owns the charity Golf Programs Australia Inc, said local business owners, government officials, charity operators and residents had started to have regular meetings and catch-ups.
“We’re all working together and there is a new camaraderie,” she said.
“There are more people involved, there are some great places opening, there are community barbecues, and The Shack does a great job helping the homeless.”
She said parts of the town were being renovated and there was a growing entertainment precinct.
“As soon as we get investment here, they (disorderly people) will move on,” she said.
“And with more activity in town at night-time, the night life will change.”
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The restoration of an old hotel with a family friendly vibe was among the changes to the area in recent times.
There is more lighting in Nambour, there is money in the council budget for revitalising the area and there is even a bold plan to run a tram through the town, which used to be a hub for sugar cane industry.
Ms Dalton said local business owners were “upset” with Ms Simpson’s statements about Nambour.
“It was a bit disappointing. She is in Maroochydore, and we don’t really see her … and there is some fantastic stuff happening around the town,” she said.
But she admitted crime and disorder were still evident in Nambour.
“We’ve still got a drug problem,” she said.
“There have been issues at some parks, so we (community members) try and meet there and try and break up those hot spots.
“I have a personal phone number for council now, so if something is going on then they get on to it.
“We had an incident where some people emptied every rubbish bin in the car park, but I called council and they cleaned it up and the people haven’t been back since.”
But she said police officers were rarely sighted.
“No, they’re still not here,” she said.
“But I saw a Police Beat van in Buderim recently. There’s no reason for a Police Beat to be there, but that van and those police could change lives in Nambour.”
Division 10 councillor David Law has been approached for comment.
He said last month that funds would be allocated to the town.
“Council is committed to continuing to support the Nambour economy and is investing $3 million in council’s Nambour Administration Precinct,” he said.
“Another $1.68 million will be invested in the Nambour Namba Place revitalisation design, encouraging additional economic and social uplift to this hinterland town.”
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