Efforts are being made to establish another Safe Night Precinct on the Coast.
Noosa Council is spearheading a push to potentially create the new precinct in Noosa Heads.
Safe Night Precincts were created by the state government to reduce late-night drug and alcohol-related violence in key entertainment areas.
There are 15 Safe Night Precincts in Queensland, including one on the Sunshine Coast that takes in Mooloolaba, Maroochydore and Caloundra.
Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart said there was wider business and community interest in the initiative.
“We have had preliminary discussions with Hastings Street Association, other business leaders as well as senior police, who fully support progressing the idea,” she said.
Council is working with state government agencies to clarify the process and to identify what steps are required to introduce the precinct.
“This type of precinct would assist our local police who already have a number of strategies in place to target anti-social behaviour,” Cr Stewart said.
“Noosa remains a safe and family-friendly shire and we’re all keen to ensure that continues to be the case.”
Cr Stewart has also written to Police Minister Mark Ryan seeking his support to bolster police numbers during peak holiday periods.
Noosa Liquor Accord chair Anton Mogg said the move had unanimous support from licensed venues.
“At our recent meeting, all members strongly supported the concept of a Safe Night Precinct, which can only benefit the shire,” he said.
Hastings Street Association president Emma Hull fully also any measures to bolster safety.
“Initiatives that can assist police in keeping Noosa safe are encouraged and our members fully support council’s endeavours in establishing a Safe Night Precinct,” Ms Hull said.
Council officers are now awaiting the state government’s advice.
“Ultimately it’s up to the Queensland Government to make the final call,” Cr Stewart said.
“We have also kept Noosa MP Sandy Bolton up to date with the council initiative.”
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