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.



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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.




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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.