Council presses State Government to ensure sufficient police resources

Goondiwindi Regional Council is seeking assurance from the State Government that border checkpoints will not divert essential resources from the Queensland Police Service (QPS), following a sudden spate of criminality across the border town of Goondiwindi over the holiday period.

Mayor of the Goondiwindi region the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM has written to the Minister for Police and Corrective Services to request confirmation that local police will have the resources they need to protect the community as well as attend to duties on the Queensland border.

“Unfortunately, Goondiwindi town has been subject to a series of break-ins, thefts and anti-social behaviour in the past few weeks,” the Mayor said. “While Council supports efforts to keep Queenslanders safe in the current circumstances of COVID-19, it’s important that the balance is right and that state border closures do not compromise local security.

“Our local police have the full support and confidence of Council, and we need to make sure our officers are given the support and resources they need to continue to serve our community,” he said.

Residents should report any instances or concerns about crime directly to the Goondiwindi Police on (07) 4671 7777. If a crime is happening or in an emergency, residents should call 000 immediately.

“Our police, court and justice systems are ultimately State responsibility and it appears that current penalties are not a sufficient deterrent,” Cr Springborg said. “I can only commend the Goondiwindi Police and their swift and thorough service to our community, but the role of the police can be limited in the kinds of incidents we’ve seen recently, especially when we’re dealing with youth.

“I think it’s a balancing act with juvenile offenders, as a second chance can make a big difference at that age - but it should not make individuals immune from accountability or responsibility for continued offences. This is about making sure our courts are getting the balance right to best protect our community as a whole.”

Council announced in September 2020 that it would double the amount of security cameras in public places and Council-owned facilities in the Goondiwindi region. The project is in partnership with the QPS and the remaining cameras are scheduled to be installed in the coming months.

Council will also upgrade the imaging quality of a number of existing CCTV cameras in key locations to better support police with future inquiries.

“While the Goondiwindi region is generally very safe and family-friendly with a welcoming community, unfortunately nowhere can be immune all the time from sporadic, opportunistic criminality - which is exactly what this is,” Cr Springborg said. “I strongly urge all residents to continue to do what we do best, which is look out for one another. Lock up - and report any concerns immediately to the Goondiwindi Police.”

For advice about home security, visit: www.police.qld.gov.au/safety-and-preventing-crime/home-security