Extra 30 police part of Townsville Strikeforce plan to tackle crime

An additional 30 police officers will be deployed to Townsville next week as part of a whole-of-government five-point plan to target youth crime.

Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland and Mundingburra MP Coralee O’Rourke said the extra police would be on the ground for the next month, as part of the Government’s Townsville Strikeforce initiative. 

“Earlier today, I convened a roundtable meeting of Directors-General from key Government agencies and the Townsville region local MPs to take decisive action so we can break the youth crime cycle in Townsville,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“We discussed immediate actions, such as 30 extra police resources on the ground immediately, in addition to the 15 police recruits who will be deployed by the end of the year,” she said.

“We also mapped out longer-term strategies to address community safety, service delivery, housing, education, training and health.

“As a result, the Townsville Strikeforce Group will be established in Townsville, with a dedicated coordinator, including representatives from local and state Governments, as well as non-government organisations.

“The Group will expand on the five-point-plan and finalise actions required to tackle youth crime and make sure our community can continue to thrive.”

Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper said a strong solution was needed to break the cycle of crime, identifying at-risk youth and providing targeted, local services and case management.

“We need to ensure young people are safe, and that they have opportunities to lead productive lives, that contribute to our community,” Mr Harper said.

“The best way to do this is with local resources on the ground, and I’m pleased to say we will co-locate Government services in Townsville to lead this local effort,” he said.

Townsville MP Scott Stewart said there were many causes of youth crime, and that young people often faced challenging situations.

“These young people are often from situations where they are faced with abuse, violence, neglect, drugs, alcohol, mental or other health issues, lack of education, and not fitting in,” Mr Stewart said.

“It is important our response is tailored to the community, and that our efforts are intensive and focused across Government and the community.”

The five priority areas to tackle youth crime are:

• targeted policing;
• local, community driven responses;
• addressing causes of offending;
• boosting jobs, training and education; and
• improving collaboration and integration of services.

Media Contact:                                                 Minister O’Rourke’s office                           3719 7170