Marshalling funding for a safer night out in Bundaberg

The Bundaberg Safe Night Precinct (SNP) local board has been awarded $45,000 to continue the highly successful taxi marshal service in the precinct until December 2019.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said the funding would be used to engage a licensed security provider as a taxi marshal service to oversee the safety of patrons and taxi drivers at the Bundaberg SNP taxi rank during peak periods.

“The taxi marshal will control crowds and minimise the risk of incidents at the taxi rank on busy Woongarra Street in Bundaberg,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“The service currently runs from midnight until 4am on Friday and Saturday nights and contributes significantly to the reduction of alcohol-fuelled violence in the area.”

Member for Bundaberg Leanne Donaldson said passengers surveyed had agreed that the taxi rank worked much better with the taxi marshal and they were more likely to use a taxi to get home safely.

“The taxi marshal service has also brought about a change with respect to acceptable behaviour at the rank, resulting in a reduction of offences against taxi drivers and their vehicles,” Ms Donaldson said.

“Local Bundaberg businesses want all patrons to have memorable nights out without harm. This initiative has made nights out safer but also improved the amenity of the area.”

The Palaszczuk Government has made funds available statewide under the SNP funding program.

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