Police and government representatives have highlighted the steps they’re taking to improve confidence in a prominent public space.
Officials said they are continuing to work on safety and amenity at Quota Memorial Park near the heart of Nambour, while acknowledging feedback from locals.
A police spokesperson said they were “aware of community concerns regarding anti-social behaviour” while local MP Marty Hunt said he had “heard the concerns from locals” regarding the area.
It comes almost a year after a Nambour resident’s petition to “make our parks and public spaces safe again” prompted a roundtable involving police, levels of government and support services last year, which led to a range of measures being implemented.
It also follows councillor Winston Johnston’s comments at a Sunshine Coast Council meeting last month, when he said some families from neighbouring towns Palmwoods and Woombye were reluctant to visit the playground at Quota Park.
The police spokesperson outlined some of the initiatives being taken there.
“The Queensland Police Service is committed to ensuring the Sunshine Coast community feels safe in the places they live, work and visit,” they said.
“Police are aware of community concerns regarding anti-social behaviour in and around Quota Park at Nambour and continue to work proactively to detect, deter and disrupt offending through high-visibility patrols, targeted policing operations and intelligence-led deployments.
“Local police regularly patrol the area as part of routine policing activities and continually assess operational priorities based on reported incidents, intelligence and community information. Patrols and targeted operations are adjusted as required to respond to identified issues.
“The QPS works closely with local government, community organisations and other partner agencies to address anti-social behaviour through a combination of enforcement, prevention and early intervention strategies aimed at improving long-term community safety.
“Community safety remains our highest priority and police encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious, criminal, or anti-social behaviour to report it promptly. Information provided by the community plays an important role in helping police identify emerging issues and deploy resources where they are needed most.”
Mr Hunt said efforts were ongoing there.
“Everyone should feel safe enjoying Quota Park. I’ve heard the concerns from locals, and I understand why people want to see continued improvements,” he said.
“The good news is Quota Park is in a much better position than it was 18 months ago, and we’ve made significant progress in addressing the issues.
“If you haven’t been down there lately, I encourage locals to go down and enjoy the playground and park.
“There’s no doubt many parks across the Sunshine Coast are facing complex social challenges, but at Quota Park we’re seeing real progress.
“We’ve delivered a significant Nambour Homelessness Response, which includes expanded outreach services now operating five days a week, and long-term accommodation solutions being rolled out to help tackle the underlying housing challenges.
“We’ve also delivered the Nambour Police Beat, with increased patrols in Quota Park led by Senior Constable Aaron Caldwell, and I continue to work closely with Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Rosanna Natoli and councillor David Law.
“While council is responsible for managing Quota Park, I’m doing all I can at a state level to ensure it is a safer and more welcoming place for everyone.”
A council representative said significant work was being done at the park.
“Sunshine Coast Council is committed to maintaining safe, welcoming and accessible public spaces for the community,” they said.
“Council has responded to community service requests about Quota Park undertaking work including clean-up activities, maintenance works, weed management, graffiti removal and signage improvements.”
“In collaboration with stakeholders and appropriate agencies, Council officers address issues as they arise and take a proactive approach to service delivery that addresses the safety and amenity of community parks.
“As with all parks, council will continue to monitor conditions at Quota Park and work with relevant agencies and the community to identify opportunities for further improvements.”
The aerial imagery in this story is from Australian location intelligence company Nearmap. The company provides government organisations, architectural, construction and engineering firms, and other companies, with easy, instant access to high-resolution aerial imagery, city-scale 3D content, artificial intelligence data sets, and geospatial tools to assist with urban planning, monitoring and development projects in Australia, New Zealand and North America.
Want more free local news? Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and sign up for our FREE daily news email.
