An incident involving a group of teenagers assaulting a young girl and an elderly woman at Nambour train station has sparked discussions about youth crime and the apparent lack of police presence in the area. 

The incident, recounted by a witness on Living in Nambour Facebook page detailed how two teenage boys attacked a young girl in the station’s lower carpark, with an elderly woman being assaulted while rushing the girl to safety. 

“Witnessed a couple of scumbag teenage kids assault another girl at the Nambour train station this afternoon,” he wrote. “Followed along behind her like a gutless pack of hyenas then set upon her in the bottom carpark. An old lady was also assaulted assisting the girl, and her car was damaged rushing her to safety. Never a cop in sight in this town and our station isn’t even manned. I rang police link and they simply sent me a suspicious behaviour form. The lack of police presence in this town is disgusting.”

The post has drawn numerous comments from concerned locals, many of whom echo the man’s frustrations over what they perceive as insufficient police resources. 

Sara commented, “I hope the young girl and elderly lady are okay. I agree [there] needs [to be] security or police patrolling more regularly.” Others expressed concern about whether the station is appropriately manned, with Kathryn pointing out that the station is indeed staffed.

While some commenters, like Sebastian, questioned the validity of the incident and raised concerns about it being “LNP propaganda,” others highlighted the real and present dangers in the community. 

Ruby shared, “As a youth in the community of the Sunshine Coast myself and many others are victims of unprovoked assault and harassment from other youths. Our stories have just been silenced.”

The conversation quickly evolved into a political debate, with Trevor pointing to the upcoming state election and calling for a change in government, while others emphasised the need to focus on social programs and initiatives to prevent youth crime.

Youth crime has been highlighted as a major issue by the LNP and its Nicklin candidate Marty Hunt.