A meeting last Monday night had people volunteering to patrol the streets at night , They will not be taking the law into their own hands they will simply report to the police and when needed call for a presence to show they are wanting to keep the thugs off the streets.
The down side of this is we have three levels of government and the community need to do this its clear we have too many bureaucrats in offices and not enought police on the streets
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Community Compromised by Ineffective Deterrents
Community Compromised by Ineffective Deterrents
The Burdekin Community Action Group Against Crime believe that changes such as those below are sorely needed to regain control of community peace and security, we believe that: Any person that has an interest in present law and order issues are very disappointed with the way the offenders are dealt with through the legal system,we continuously see that the majority of offenders are dealt with too leniently, also that the principal of deterrent is almost non existent, if those in power have let this escape them then it's time they took notice, the incidence of the rights of residents are being constantly violated , thefts, bashings, taunts, disrespect, home break-in's, smashing shop windows, destruction of public property, & vandalism have gone on for far too long and if any thing, they are getting worse and more frequent?
Do the law makers responsible for the activation of penalties live in another world and can't see what is happening nation wide,don't they realize that this community terrorism is not going to go away and that it's their responsibility to take action to curb this disturbing trend.
The juvenile justice act sees jail as a last resort, well what is the alternative:~ good behaviour bonds, community service, fines, these things have been tried an proven useless,although there are recent changes to the act such as:
1- Persons who do not comply with conferencing requirements, 2- Contravene a conference assessment, 3-Fail to attend a drug assessment session, can now be arrested and taken to court, but what then, if they are issued with a fine the majority just don't pay it, remand and good behaviour bonds are useless with these juvenile criminal elements.
Another recent change is that young offenders can now named, if the court believes it is in the interests of the community.
We must see detention centers as a re habilitation area, or we at least need minimum security centers that equates time served,as an off set, to work off their debt to society,let's say hard labour & just basic amenities, food, shelter medical etc. no television or common social pleasures unless they earn them, in effect it will be a place that they would not want to return to!!
Magistrates need to be able to say that this will be their fate after a third offence, for goodness sake give the deterrents some teeth!!
We also suggest that the department of youth services need to become more active, along with the dept. of child safety as many of these juveniles are roaming the streets at night with out parental control, (disenfranchised) there is also a dire need for local citizens to report matters that are of community concern, there is no need to feel intimidated as you can remain anonymous, although to be fully effective you need to stand and be counted , if you don't do this you as a local citizen are letting your self and the community down, we'll get no where unless people are prepared to take the bull by the horns!!
No! it's not some one else's job it's yours.
Yes if we're vocal enough, better futures will begin when laws are justly deployed to protect the continuous violation of citizens rights, and not seemingly pander the perpetrators.
The Burdekin Community Action Group Against Crime believe that changes such as those below are sorely needed to regain control of community peace and security, we believe that: Any person that has an interest in present law and order issues are very disappointed with the way the offenders are dealt with through the legal system,we continuously see that the majority of offenders are dealt with too leniently, also that the principal of deterrent is almost non existent, if those in power have let this escape them then it's time they took notice, the incidence of the rights of residents are being constantly violated , thefts, bashings, taunts, disrespect, home break-in's, smashing shop windows, destruction of public property, & vandalism have gone on for far too long and if any thing, they are getting worse and more frequent?
Do the law makers responsible for the activation of penalties live in another world and can't see what is happening nation wide,don't they realize that this community terrorism is not going to go away and that it's their responsibility to take action to curb this disturbing trend.
The juvenile justice act sees jail as a last resort, well what is the alternative:~ good behaviour bonds, community service, fines, these things have been tried an proven useless,although there are recent changes to the act such as:
1- Persons who do not comply with conferencing requirements, 2- Contravene a conference assessment, 3-Fail to attend a drug assessment session, can now be arrested and taken to court, but what then, if they are issued with a fine the majority just don't pay it, remand and good behaviour bonds are useless with these juvenile criminal elements.
Another recent change is that young offenders can now named, if the court believes it is in the interests of the community.
We must see detention centers as a re habilitation area, or we at least need minimum security centers that equates time served,as an off set, to work off their debt to society,let's say hard labour & just basic amenities, food, shelter medical etc. no television or common social pleasures unless they earn them, in effect it will be a place that they would not want to return to!!
Magistrates need to be able to say that this will be their fate after a third offence, for goodness sake give the deterrents some teeth!!
We also suggest that the department of youth services need to become more active, along with the dept. of child safety as many of these juveniles are roaming the streets at night with out parental control, (disenfranchised) there is also a dire need for local citizens to report matters that are of community concern, there is no need to feel intimidated as you can remain anonymous, although to be fully effective you need to stand and be counted , if you don't do this you as a local citizen are letting your self and the community down, we'll get no where unless people are prepared to take the bull by the horns!!
No! it's not some one else's job it's yours.
Yes if we're vocal enough, better futures will begin when laws are justly deployed to protect the continuous violation of citizens rights, and not seemingly pander the perpetrators.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Going to meet with James Bidgood
This Tuesday we are going to speak with James Bidgood ,I guess we have to try him and push for changes on a federal level as it appears the Bligh State government government seem to be of the opinion every thing is fine in Queensland
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Draft letter to reply recieved from attorney general
We recieved a reply from the attorney general relating to the petition ,our general feeling was that he did not address the issues and told us about other law changes being put in place.
We are drafting a letter to him to point this out and ask for a meeting with him and also invite him to come and discuss these issues
We are drafting a letter to him to point this out and ask for a meeting with him and also invite him to come and discuss these issues
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Got a bad neighbor who parties all night sleeps all day
And you work all day and then can not sleep due to noise next door below are some steps to get a good nights sleep.
On our Monday night meeting we were told some tips on how to resolve this issue , no its not buy ear plugs.
To ensure the noise is stopped the police have told us ensure the police are called and should the noise start again within 12 hours of the first call they can then take more action.
Also record the time you called and should the police not turn up for some reason call the officer in charge of Ayr Police the next day to find the reason they are keen to ensure these noise complaints are resolved.
This not about stopping someones fun its about being a good neighbor understanding people work and some do not.Some people in this area work around machinery and need to be alert a sleep deprived person in this situation can be injured.
Every call made is logged for data and the more you call does not make you a windger as long as its for a good reason.
Below is a draft of whats going out in the media
AYR POLICE 47903555
HOME HILL POLICE 47821300
PLEASE STAY ON THE LINE
EVERY PHONE CALL IS IMPORTANT
Your call may be diverted to the Townsville Police. Police officers are often patrolling our community and are not in the Police Station waiting for your call. The Townsville Police will contact our officers by radio and relay the details of your call for service to them.
TIPS:
Noise Complaints:
When Police attend noise complaints, dependent on the circumstances, directions are given to occupiers to abate the noise. This abatement direction remains current for the next 12 hours. On some occasions, the noise stops while the Police are present, only to start again a short time after the Police leaves. In these instances, concerned citizens should RING THE POLICE AGAIN. Under some circumstance, the appliance used to create the noise may be confiscated and charges instituted against the perpetrators.
PLEASE STAY ON THE LINE
EVERY PHONE CALL PROVIDES IMPORTANT INFORMATION AS TO WHAT IS OCCURRING IN YOUR COMMUNITY.
On our Monday night meeting we were told some tips on how to resolve this issue , no its not buy ear plugs.
To ensure the noise is stopped the police have told us ensure the police are called and should the noise start again within 12 hours of the first call they can then take more action.
Also record the time you called and should the police not turn up for some reason call the officer in charge of Ayr Police the next day to find the reason they are keen to ensure these noise complaints are resolved.
This not about stopping someones fun its about being a good neighbor understanding people work and some do not.Some people in this area work around machinery and need to be alert a sleep deprived person in this situation can be injured.
Every call made is logged for data and the more you call does not make you a windger as long as its for a good reason.
Below is a draft of whats going out in the media
AYR POLICE 47903555
HOME HILL POLICE 47821300
PLEASE STAY ON THE LINE
EVERY PHONE CALL IS IMPORTANT
Your call may be diverted to the Townsville Police. Police officers are often patrolling our community and are not in the Police Station waiting for your call. The Townsville Police will contact our officers by radio and relay the details of your call for service to them.
TIPS:
Noise Complaints:
When Police attend noise complaints, dependent on the circumstances, directions are given to occupiers to abate the noise. This abatement direction remains current for the next 12 hours. On some occasions, the noise stops while the Police are present, only to start again a short time after the Police leaves. In these instances, concerned citizens should RING THE POLICE AGAIN. Under some circumstance, the appliance used to create the noise may be confiscated and charges instituted against the perpetrators.
PLEASE STAY ON THE LINE
EVERY PHONE CALL PROVIDES IMPORTANT INFORMATION AS TO WHAT IS OCCURRING IN YOUR COMMUNITY.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Letter to Courier Mail Matthew Fynes-Clinton
Dear Matthew Fynes-Clinton
Courier Mail
Brisbane
On the 4-5th April 2009 your newspaper the Courier Mail ran an article The Drugs Scourge, Fast-Acting Remedy. The Courier-Mail outlined five steps to “help fix the deadly ‘party drug’ problem.”
The Burdekin Community Action Group Against Crime (BCAGAC) would like to lend it’s weight and support your article. In particular now that the State Election is over we will be writing to the relevant Ministers in support of your article. We would welcome any further work you have done on this article and any feedback you have received from the public or relevant Ministers of the Queensland Government.
We would like to offer the following suggestions in support:
1 Schools. Reverse the culture of ignorance in which teachers turn a blind eye to drug use. The government could support this by introducing random drug testing of high school students and make it part of the curriculum that high school students learn about the dangers of party drugs. Random drug testing is now part and parcel of many work places and also part of professional sport.
2.Police and Crime. Start arresting and detaining drug dealers rather than issuing them with a summons. Our group supports this suggestion and the introduction of harsher penalties especially for repeat offenders.
3. Hospital and Rehab. Make treatment more accessible and change voluntary admission rules. The Government has to acknowledge that drug addiction has an affect on society in general, the addict is not just harming himself or herself but is also causing a lot of pain and distress to society and their the immediate family. Members of the addicts immediate family should be allowed to submit impact statements on how their life is being affected and why they feel that the addict should be made to undergo rehabilitation.
4. Lawmakers. Change import laws and ban blackmarket pill presses. We support this move and any move that advocates a zero tolerance to illegal drugs of addiction. The sale of these drugs is not to enhance people’s fun but to get them addicted and make an easy living for drug pushers.
5. Pubs and Clubs. Time for owners to stand up and act to clean up their venues. The answer to this is easy but needs political will. Random drug testing should be introduced at licensed venues and owners given the power to refuse entry to patrons who test positive. Currently the State Prisons, makes people visiting prisoners undergo an arm swab visitor to see if they have been using or handling drugs.
Courier Mail
Brisbane
On the 4-5th April 2009 your newspaper the Courier Mail ran an article The Drugs Scourge, Fast-Acting Remedy. The Courier-Mail outlined five steps to “help fix the deadly ‘party drug’ problem.”
The Burdekin Community Action Group Against Crime (BCAGAC) would like to lend it’s weight and support your article. In particular now that the State Election is over we will be writing to the relevant Ministers in support of your article. We would welcome any further work you have done on this article and any feedback you have received from the public or relevant Ministers of the Queensland Government.
We would like to offer the following suggestions in support:
1 Schools. Reverse the culture of ignorance in which teachers turn a blind eye to drug use. The government could support this by introducing random drug testing of high school students and make it part of the curriculum that high school students learn about the dangers of party drugs. Random drug testing is now part and parcel of many work places and also part of professional sport.
2.Police and Crime. Start arresting and detaining drug dealers rather than issuing them with a summons. Our group supports this suggestion and the introduction of harsher penalties especially for repeat offenders.
3. Hospital and Rehab. Make treatment more accessible and change voluntary admission rules. The Government has to acknowledge that drug addiction has an affect on society in general, the addict is not just harming himself or herself but is also causing a lot of pain and distress to society and their the immediate family. Members of the addicts immediate family should be allowed to submit impact statements on how their life is being affected and why they feel that the addict should be made to undergo rehabilitation.
4. Lawmakers. Change import laws and ban blackmarket pill presses. We support this move and any move that advocates a zero tolerance to illegal drugs of addiction. The sale of these drugs is not to enhance people’s fun but to get them addicted and make an easy living for drug pushers.
5. Pubs and Clubs. Time for owners to stand up and act to clean up their venues. The answer to this is easy but needs political will. Random drug testing should be introduced at licensed venues and owners given the power to refuse entry to patrons who test positive. Currently the State Prisons, makes people visiting prisoners undergo an arm swab visitor to see if they have been using or handling drugs.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Letter from Attoney General did not address issues
Attorney General did not address the issues raised in the petition once again its clear that they must be too busy to read the petition and why people have concerns about crime in the Burdekin
We will be writting back to Cameron Dick at the next meeting
We will be writting back to Cameron Dick at the next meeting
Sunday, May 24, 2009
What we are in the process of doing
We are drafting letters to the following
Police Minister Neil Roberts
Attorney General Cameron Dick
cc to LNP several shaddow ministers
cc Burdekin Shire council
Scanning all news paper clippings relating to crime over the past year to put on the web site
Police Minister Neil Roberts
Attorney General Cameron Dick
cc to LNP several shaddow ministers
cc Burdekin Shire council
Scanning all news paper clippings relating to crime over the past year to put on the web site
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Its been going on for a while Minutes from meeting 2006
BURDEKIN SHIRE COUNCIL AGENDA & MINUTES
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MINUTES - ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 2ND MAY, 2006
CLAUSE 14
IN CONSULTATION WITH OFFICER IN CHARGE OF BURDEKIN POLICE, COUNCIL TO LIAISE WITH ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF POLICE (NORTHERN REGION) WITH VIEW TO EXTENDING INVITATION TO ADDRESS COUNCIL ON ISSUES IN RELATION TO POLICE SHORTAGE IN REGION
(A-MAYOR) / (I-SEC)
Cr. Loizou raised the issue of the shortage of Police in Home Hill as discussed earlier in the day at a Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Meeting and suggested that Council write to the Minister expressing its concern on this issue.
Discussion was held on issues in relation to the police shortage in the region and Cr. McLaughlin reported on discussions held with the Officer in Charge of Ayr Police, Snr. Sgt. Mick Isles, on this issue. She advised that she would be hesitant to write a letter to the Minister without the support of the Officer in Charge of Police in this district. Cr. McLaughlin suggested however that with the support of Snr. Sgt. Mick Isles, an invitation could be extended to the Assistant Commissioner of Police to address Council on the matter.It was noted that a community group had been formed (co-ordinated by Snr. Sgt. Mick Isles) to deal with crime related issues in the district in a pro-active manner.It was also acknowledged that steps were being taken by Council for the establishment of Burdekin BSCAT (Building Safer Communities Action Team) under the Queensland Crime Prevention Strategy - Building Safer Communities - Strategic Framework for Community Crime Prevention.Moved Cr. Loizou, seconded Cr. Marriott that, in consultation with the Officer in Charge of Burdekin Police, Council liaise with the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Northern Region) with a view to extending an invitation to him to address Council on issues in relation to the shortage of police in the region.FOR: Crs. McLaughlin, Loizou, List, Marriott, Dalle Cort, Gist, Gambino, Castelanelli and Lewis.AGAINST: Cr. McCathieCARRIED 9/1
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MINUTES - ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 2ND MAY, 2006
CLAUSE 14
IN CONSULTATION WITH OFFICER IN CHARGE OF BURDEKIN POLICE, COUNCIL TO LIAISE WITH ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF POLICE (NORTHERN REGION) WITH VIEW TO EXTENDING INVITATION TO ADDRESS COUNCIL ON ISSUES IN RELATION TO POLICE SHORTAGE IN REGION
(A-MAYOR) / (I-SEC)
Cr. Loizou raised the issue of the shortage of Police in Home Hill as discussed earlier in the day at a Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Meeting and suggested that Council write to the Minister expressing its concern on this issue.
Discussion was held on issues in relation to the police shortage in the region and Cr. McLaughlin reported on discussions held with the Officer in Charge of Ayr Police, Snr. Sgt. Mick Isles, on this issue. She advised that she would be hesitant to write a letter to the Minister without the support of the Officer in Charge of Police in this district. Cr. McLaughlin suggested however that with the support of Snr. Sgt. Mick Isles, an invitation could be extended to the Assistant Commissioner of Police to address Council on the matter.It was noted that a community group had been formed (co-ordinated by Snr. Sgt. Mick Isles) to deal with crime related issues in the district in a pro-active manner.It was also acknowledged that steps were being taken by Council for the establishment of Burdekin BSCAT (Building Safer Communities Action Team) under the Queensland Crime Prevention Strategy - Building Safer Communities - Strategic Framework for Community Crime Prevention.Moved Cr. Loizou, seconded Cr. Marriott that, in consultation with the Officer in Charge of Burdekin Police, Council liaise with the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Northern Region) with a view to extending an invitation to him to address Council on issues in relation to the shortage of police in the region.FOR: Crs. McLaughlin, Loizou, List, Marriott, Dalle Cort, Gist, Gambino, Castelanelli and Lewis.AGAINST: Cr. McCathieCARRIED 9/1
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Petition update and other information
Hello Rosemary, I seen you on the news tonight did a response come back from the government about the petition?
Listening to you speak indicated that they told you everything is good here. Well its not as you know, over the last few weeks i have heard like everyone else more incidents about the lawless peoples actions.
We need to press harder on this issue as it seems to be too hard for everyone, these people are untouchable and we are the cause and the communities are now saying if they can do it and get away with it why do we get scrutinized so harshly. To give an example the police done a blitz here several times they said it was a good way to pick up information etc which is fair enough to date the lawless people still drive unregistered cars with no windscreens etc down the road in daylight hours, drink beer on the courthouse steps while waiting to go to court.
While our town is not the only town dealing with these issues i wonder why we have allowed this to go so far, its been a long while since the community had several meetings where they had those dispute resolution people trying to cool everyone down.
We have spoken and written to many people including your self, we also did a presentation at a council meeting some say they know about it and are trying to do something about it and even one councillor did not know of any such issues.
At some stage maybe all the people who are representing the community should assign a lot of time to get together and be proactive with this issue, surely if all the community leaders voiced the concerns of the community openly with out fear of the thugs of this town we will get results.
We wrote to the police and were told that the police numbers are correct here yet 2 police are on after hours to deal with this area. The criminals know this also.
Just recently a police person said they have no police in Home hill at all after hours and on weekends they have run out of money in the budget. I asked what if you get a call from that area how long does it take you to get their he replied depends how urgent it is.
I was up river Home hill a farmer told me he woke early in the morning to see the security lights on in the shed he saw a person pilfering though his equipment he called the police and arranged for them to come.
As yet after 3 phone calls they still have not come along. He is disgusted with the efforts of our police force.
I urge you to keep constant pressure on the government, as they know they have issues yet they fail to act to protect our community.
Regards Kel Bunyan
Listening to you speak indicated that they told you everything is good here. Well its not as you know, over the last few weeks i have heard like everyone else more incidents about the lawless peoples actions.
We need to press harder on this issue as it seems to be too hard for everyone, these people are untouchable and we are the cause and the communities are now saying if they can do it and get away with it why do we get scrutinized so harshly. To give an example the police done a blitz here several times they said it was a good way to pick up information etc which is fair enough to date the lawless people still drive unregistered cars with no windscreens etc down the road in daylight hours, drink beer on the courthouse steps while waiting to go to court.
While our town is not the only town dealing with these issues i wonder why we have allowed this to go so far, its been a long while since the community had several meetings where they had those dispute resolution people trying to cool everyone down.
We have spoken and written to many people including your self, we also did a presentation at a council meeting some say they know about it and are trying to do something about it and even one councillor did not know of any such issues.
At some stage maybe all the people who are representing the community should assign a lot of time to get together and be proactive with this issue, surely if all the community leaders voiced the concerns of the community openly with out fear of the thugs of this town we will get results.
We wrote to the police and were told that the police numbers are correct here yet 2 police are on after hours to deal with this area. The criminals know this also.
Just recently a police person said they have no police in Home hill at all after hours and on weekends they have run out of money in the budget. I asked what if you get a call from that area how long does it take you to get their he replied depends how urgent it is.
I was up river Home hill a farmer told me he woke early in the morning to see the security lights on in the shed he saw a person pilfering though his equipment he called the police and arranged for them to come.
As yet after 3 phone calls they still have not come along. He is disgusted with the efforts of our police force.
I urge you to keep constant pressure on the government, as they know they have issues yet they fail to act to protect our community.
Regards Kel Bunyan
Friday, March 6, 2009
Ardella speaks at the council meeting
Meeting with Mayor and Council Members – 2/24/2009
Thank you Kel. Good Morning, Ladies and Gentleman, my name is Ardella Alberts. I would like to thank Mayor McLaughlin and Council Members, for allowing the Burdekin Community Action Group Against Crime this opportunity to share our concerns with you.
It is unfortunate that these criminal events continue to happen. In fact, for the short amount of time that I have lived in this community crime has increased and appears to happen regularly. For a community of this size, it is extremely alarming to read each week the number of victims that fall prey to these assaults. Honorable members of this council and Mayor McLaughlin, what I have to say, in the next few minutes, is not to offend anyone nor is this about personalities…I would also like to ask you to hold your questions until after I am finish speaking. Thank you.
Last year, this administration was elected into office because the people of this great community trusted that all of you would make a positive difference in their community.
Page 2
Mayor McLaughlin, I know, a few months ago, you reported that issues’ relating to “Crime and Safety” “is not the job of this administration.” However, Ms. Mayor and Council Members, according to the local government headquarters, this administration can be as vocal and as visible as it chooses to be. It was reported that this administration can address its concern for violence and crime in the community with the local police force, Townsville Police and the Queensland Police Service until this community receives the resources it needs to be safe and a viable thriving community it once was.
These crimes have been going on for many years and it appears that each administration in the past has “dropped” the ball and looked the other way. As Kel put it, “It’s not in my back yard” syndrome. If it hasn’t affected you directly, then it gets ignored. Today…right now, these crimes are growing and happening on your watch.
We believe that the community has spoken; as this group collected at least 3,000 voters’ signatures agreeing that they want a safer community and tougher laws. We are asking that this administration take a visible and vocal stand against crime in this community and let the community know that you do care about their safety and well-being.
Page 3
Ms. Mayor and Council Members, if this administration is serious about the development of Tourism for the Burdekin, then this administration is going to have to take care of the criminal element FIRST! It’s not going away until something is done….our group fears and has concerns that some good people of Ayr will take matters into their own hands, which is unfortunate that any tax payer should
have to resort to such drastic measures in order to protect their family.
How can this not be the responsibility and concern of this administration? WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
Once this upcoming election is over; our group will be requesting for a change in Queensland’s laws for stiffer punishment for re-offenders. We will be asking them to review a report on a California law called “3 Strikes”. The report covers the first ten years of implementation of this law and how it has lowered the crime in California considerably.
I hope that all of you will take what has been said here today to heart! These crimes are destroying families and
lives of this community. I hope that none of you will ever have to experience such hurt and loss.
Thank you.
Thank you Kel. Good Morning, Ladies and Gentleman, my name is Ardella Alberts. I would like to thank Mayor McLaughlin and Council Members, for allowing the Burdekin Community Action Group Against Crime this opportunity to share our concerns with you.
It is unfortunate that these criminal events continue to happen. In fact, for the short amount of time that I have lived in this community crime has increased and appears to happen regularly. For a community of this size, it is extremely alarming to read each week the number of victims that fall prey to these assaults. Honorable members of this council and Mayor McLaughlin, what I have to say, in the next few minutes, is not to offend anyone nor is this about personalities…I would also like to ask you to hold your questions until after I am finish speaking. Thank you.
Last year, this administration was elected into office because the people of this great community trusted that all of you would make a positive difference in their community.
Page 2
Mayor McLaughlin, I know, a few months ago, you reported that issues’ relating to “Crime and Safety” “is not the job of this administration.” However, Ms. Mayor and Council Members, according to the local government headquarters, this administration can be as vocal and as visible as it chooses to be. It was reported that this administration can address its concern for violence and crime in the community with the local police force, Townsville Police and the Queensland Police Service until this community receives the resources it needs to be safe and a viable thriving community it once was.
These crimes have been going on for many years and it appears that each administration in the past has “dropped” the ball and looked the other way. As Kel put it, “It’s not in my back yard” syndrome. If it hasn’t affected you directly, then it gets ignored. Today…right now, these crimes are growing and happening on your watch.
We believe that the community has spoken; as this group collected at least 3,000 voters’ signatures agreeing that they want a safer community and tougher laws. We are asking that this administration take a visible and vocal stand against crime in this community and let the community know that you do care about their safety and well-being.
Page 3
Ms. Mayor and Council Members, if this administration is serious about the development of Tourism for the Burdekin, then this administration is going to have to take care of the criminal element FIRST! It’s not going away until something is done….our group fears and has concerns that some good people of Ayr will take matters into their own hands, which is unfortunate that any tax payer should
have to resort to such drastic measures in order to protect their family.
How can this not be the responsibility and concern of this administration? WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
Once this upcoming election is over; our group will be requesting for a change in Queensland’s laws for stiffer punishment for re-offenders. We will be asking them to review a report on a California law called “3 Strikes”. The report covers the first ten years of implementation of this law and how it has lowered the crime in California considerably.
I hope that all of you will take what has been said here today to heart! These crimes are destroying families and
lives of this community. I hope that none of you will ever have to experience such hurt and loss.
Thank you.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Information presented to Burdekin Shire council
Meeting with Burdekin Shire council 24 Th February 2009
Mayor Lyn and Councilors
Purpose of meeting to update councilors and the community of what our group have discovered since the group was formed in 2008. This information is in no way meant to offended any person or group just making the council community aware of these findings.
I have a lot I would like to share with you so if you have a questions could you please wait until I have finished my address
Time line of events
Group was formed in July 2008? After several very vocal public meetings to discuss crime and lawless people re offending in the community.
Our group is made up of a broad spectrum of community people this ensures we just do not have a predetermined attitude to these issues
Street March held to state that the community was going to have zero tolerance against crime
A 3000-signature petition voicing community concerns about law and order presented to Member of Parliament Rosemary Menkins. (As yet we have had no response from Government)
Police
During this time we have worked with our police service to learn and understand the challenges the police and other community services endure to keep a safe community.
Some of our groups members have attended magistrates court on a regular basis to gain an insight on the sort of punishment repeat offenders receive for their disgusting attitude towards our community property and its citizens.
We wrote to the District Magestrate and had a meeting with him and the police prosecuters.
We gained an insight to our problem and also made them aware of some issues our group members had seen occur in the court. ( since that time they assured our group a police officer would be present at all court sittings )
In this short time our group have heard many substantiated events that go on in our community reported and not reported and you may ask why are they not reported, (here is why they are not reported)
Because of fear of retribution and intimation carried out by the perpetrators. These are manly theating the elderly and young families with threats like we are going to rape your daughter and burn your house down.
At this point you are possible saying where I live I have never been affected, well not yet anyway.
This is where we have a saying of (Its not in my back yard syndrome) where key members of the community have not endured these lawless people.
Though our correspondence with assistant commissioner Clem Oregan dated 28 November 2008 he acknowledged that at times the police station has only 2 persons on duty in afternoon and night shifts I am sure these lawless people also are aware of this situation and conduct their crimes during this time.
We have been assured by the acting police sergeant that he can call more officers should the need arise at his discretion I am sure the perpetrators are also aware of the time delay to have more police come on duty so that they can carry out their job and make a get away before the officers arrive
So its clear that we do not have enough police resources and enough training for the type of criminals. one member of our group Ardella Alberts has who has recently moved to our town has asked at one of the first town meetings if our police were trained in gang crime /violence the answer from a senior police person was no. She added that she though they fitted that profile and police should receive training in that area
Ardella would you like to speak about your experience and observation of our town and what we accept is just not acceptable
While we have surveillance Cameras in our main street these need to be added to and with the ever changing technology these cameras have become affordable and have greater flexibility for example a remote wireless camera can be easily installed in a crime hot spots and while earlier in this paragraph I said affordable I simply do not think we should be concerned about cost in this area as shown recently.
In the proceedings of the 2008 water festival at approx 10.09 pm 3 perpetrators attacked two persons in the street where the festival is conducted.
Our group was able to view the security footage which was used as evidence to jail these persons while the footage clearly showed the court these persons were responsible for the crime it also showed our group and the community these persons have no respect for our community and its events held in our community.
We have a folder available that one our groups members has kept highlighting the crimes in our town.
This is not a safe community to live in and will only get worse if we do not keep perusing the lawless people. We will not attract good people to our community if it’s not a safe community.
Most of us would recall the recent spate of backpackers robberies and bashing I am sure they will be writing to their fellow backpackers all around the world telling them what happened at Ayr.
Don Fulton
A recent incident that happened to a resident on beach road that has giving his permission for me to tell of his experience when he was attached. While the paper reported in a small section about the incident this incident has left Don Fulton with a detached retina to one of his eyes as it turns out that was his best eye the effects of this only gets worse, he had to travel to Melbourne for surgery and can not return for two months due to the surgery at this point the outcome is very bleak for his vision, yet despite a previous string of offences conducted by this perpetrator this person got bail while Don lays on his side for 5 days after surgery and can not return for two months due to the type of operation with or without sight only time will tell.
I am told council has the ability to put a curfew in place this would not be fair on the good citizens of the community and I prefer not to use the word curfew perhaps we could use another name. This would target these groups of people who walk/ride or Drive the streets in the cover of darkness looking for opportunity.
In Closing our group needs our elected council to put more pressure on the government to strengthen police powers and numbers, to empower magistrates to give harsher penalties to re offenders and to refuse bail to perpetrators already on bail for a jail able offence.
These issues I have spoken about today are only a small part of what our group has seen to date.
This issue is solvable by determined people who work together ensuring a safer community.
That’s all for now
Mayor Lyn and Councilors
Purpose of meeting to update councilors and the community of what our group have discovered since the group was formed in 2008. This information is in no way meant to offended any person or group just making the council community aware of these findings.
I have a lot I would like to share with you so if you have a questions could you please wait until I have finished my address
Time line of events
Group was formed in July 2008? After several very vocal public meetings to discuss crime and lawless people re offending in the community.
Our group is made up of a broad spectrum of community people this ensures we just do not have a predetermined attitude to these issues
Street March held to state that the community was going to have zero tolerance against crime
A 3000-signature petition voicing community concerns about law and order presented to Member of Parliament Rosemary Menkins. (As yet we have had no response from Government)
Police
During this time we have worked with our police service to learn and understand the challenges the police and other community services endure to keep a safe community.
Some of our groups members have attended magistrates court on a regular basis to gain an insight on the sort of punishment repeat offenders receive for their disgusting attitude towards our community property and its citizens.
We wrote to the District Magestrate and had a meeting with him and the police prosecuters.
We gained an insight to our problem and also made them aware of some issues our group members had seen occur in the court. ( since that time they assured our group a police officer would be present at all court sittings )
In this short time our group have heard many substantiated events that go on in our community reported and not reported and you may ask why are they not reported, (here is why they are not reported)
Because of fear of retribution and intimation carried out by the perpetrators. These are manly theating the elderly and young families with threats like we are going to rape your daughter and burn your house down.
At this point you are possible saying where I live I have never been affected, well not yet anyway.
This is where we have a saying of (Its not in my back yard syndrome) where key members of the community have not endured these lawless people.
Though our correspondence with assistant commissioner Clem Oregan dated 28 November 2008 he acknowledged that at times the police station has only 2 persons on duty in afternoon and night shifts I am sure these lawless people also are aware of this situation and conduct their crimes during this time.
We have been assured by the acting police sergeant that he can call more officers should the need arise at his discretion I am sure the perpetrators are also aware of the time delay to have more police come on duty so that they can carry out their job and make a get away before the officers arrive
So its clear that we do not have enough police resources and enough training for the type of criminals. one member of our group Ardella Alberts has who has recently moved to our town has asked at one of the first town meetings if our police were trained in gang crime /violence the answer from a senior police person was no. She added that she though they fitted that profile and police should receive training in that area
Ardella would you like to speak about your experience and observation of our town and what we accept is just not acceptable
While we have surveillance Cameras in our main street these need to be added to and with the ever changing technology these cameras have become affordable and have greater flexibility for example a remote wireless camera can be easily installed in a crime hot spots and while earlier in this paragraph I said affordable I simply do not think we should be concerned about cost in this area as shown recently.
In the proceedings of the 2008 water festival at approx 10.09 pm 3 perpetrators attacked two persons in the street where the festival is conducted.
Our group was able to view the security footage which was used as evidence to jail these persons while the footage clearly showed the court these persons were responsible for the crime it also showed our group and the community these persons have no respect for our community and its events held in our community.
We have a folder available that one our groups members has kept highlighting the crimes in our town.
This is not a safe community to live in and will only get worse if we do not keep perusing the lawless people. We will not attract good people to our community if it’s not a safe community.
Most of us would recall the recent spate of backpackers robberies and bashing I am sure they will be writing to their fellow backpackers all around the world telling them what happened at Ayr.
Don Fulton
A recent incident that happened to a resident on beach road that has giving his permission for me to tell of his experience when he was attached. While the paper reported in a small section about the incident this incident has left Don Fulton with a detached retina to one of his eyes as it turns out that was his best eye the effects of this only gets worse, he had to travel to Melbourne for surgery and can not return for two months due to the surgery at this point the outcome is very bleak for his vision, yet despite a previous string of offences conducted by this perpetrator this person got bail while Don lays on his side for 5 days after surgery and can not return for two months due to the type of operation with or without sight only time will tell.
I am told council has the ability to put a curfew in place this would not be fair on the good citizens of the community and I prefer not to use the word curfew perhaps we could use another name. This would target these groups of people who walk/ride or Drive the streets in the cover of darkness looking for opportunity.
In Closing our group needs our elected council to put more pressure on the government to strengthen police powers and numbers, to empower magistrates to give harsher penalties to re offenders and to refuse bail to perpetrators already on bail for a jail able offence.
These issues I have spoken about today are only a small part of what our group has seen to date.
This issue is solvable by determined people who work together ensuring a safer community.
That’s all for now
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Meeting with Government ministers
Update due to the floods we missed our opportunity to present our information
We have done the relevant forms to meet with the ministers relating to crime they will be here on the 2nd of February so we are gathering information to present to the ministers. We have 15 minutes so we will be planning our presentation to ensure our case is put across in this time. The government has confirmed that they have received the forms and will advise us of the time. I will let you know of the outcome
We have done the relevant forms to meet with the ministers relating to crime they will be here on the 2nd of February so we are gathering information to present to the ministers. We have 15 minutes so we will be planning our presentation to ensure our case is put across in this time. The government has confirmed that they have received the forms and will advise us of the time. I will let you know of the outcome
Saturday, January 17, 2009
First meeting for 2009 is Monday 2nd Feb
At Seven o’clock council chambers.
We hope to set out an agenda for this year, while we are only just getting started and have learnt allot we have lost a lot of time at our meetings going over similar issues, i guess it because the issue are recurring, crime, break and enters, robbery in our main street these thugs are getting further out of hand
No matter who you talk to people are concerned about crime and the lack of accountability of the repeat offenders while our goal is to have laws changed to have these repeat offenders held accountable I ask is this enough.
On this week end a long time friend visited and we were discussing crime he grew up in Bourke NSW where crime for a long time has been way out of hand. He told me of the many crimes committed in that town and its not in another country it in our country
So we need to set our direction for this year, reduce our time at our meeting going over issues, which we already know about not that these issues are less important than others.
We need to go further up the ladder to convince the people that we the community have elected to represent us do more for the community.
What I mean by this is the council doing its best for the community safety like for example if a councillors property was robbed or their were robbed walking up Queen street would we see more action from this side or would they say we are doing our best.
If they lived next to a Roundy family who partied all night and slept all day and found them selves lacking sleep what action would they take?
If where the police lived houses in their street were robbed weekly and hoons did burnouts covering the street in smoke daily would they say we are doing our best we cannot do more.
So lets go further up the ladder and ensure we are getting the best service we can get.
There is a lot of discussion in other communities about crime, both written in the papers and on national radio stations we all have the same issues yet I think until the people at the top have it happen to them they will be like we were before oblivious to what goes on.
The community needs to make changes to ensure we have a safe prosperous, productive community its time not to take second best why cant we have four police on duty after hours so when the lawless people get out of bed after sleeping all day and start doing burnout and robbing people we have the police at hand, why cant we have a curfew for thugs walking the streets in groups waiting for a soft target as it was called, should we put a sign at the back packers warning that walking up our main street could lead to being robbed and bashed maybe put on the internet so prospective visitors can make another choice of where to go. Or should we just bring these thugs into line instead of being scared to take action
Please add to the agenda for the first meeting
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