From Div 10 Cr David Law

I am writing in response to the recent claims that Nambour CBD has experienced “… a drastic increase in unlawful behaviour…” in the last 18 months. This assertion has since been admitted by the author to have no basis in truth. In fact, the opposite is true.  Nambour has had a reduction in crime over the last five years and specifically the past 18 months. 

The local Queensland Police Service along with other police units have played a significant role in this reduction of crime in Nambour.  However, while crime rates have dropped, I know that crime still occurs in Nambour’s CBD, but it is not increasing, Nambour is no worse than anywhere else. 

What we are left with then is the perception that Nambour is unsafe, or that you may encounter something on the streets of Nambour that makes you feel afraid or just uncomfortable. It is certainly true that in the area around Lowe Street, Ann Street and Short Street there are sometimes people who are visibly unpredictable. This may cause fear due to the loud, unexpected behaviour even when nothing dangerous or criminal is occurring. 

This natural human response is due to negativity bias. We are all hardwired to look for risk and danger, so we are more likely to see the things that create fear in us which then prepares us for fight or flight.

I will continue the work to understand these community perceptions so that together we can create a Nambour Centre in which everyone feels safe.  I work from a place of the actual reality of what is occurring on our streets to understand the problems. From a place of knowledge and understanding, we can do the work to find and implement solutions.  

Last year in collaboration with University of the Sunshine Coast we completed research for the report titled, “Nambour Community Safety Review”. The research findings include actual crime and safety data which showed that Nambour generally has a lower crime rate than many other areas.  Please contact me if you would like a copy of this report. 

Phase two, as recommended in the report, commenced in July this year.  A research survey is now open until 28 November to understand public perceptions of safety in Nambour Centre.  The outcomes will help to enhance the activation of public space, strengthen community cohesion and business confidence to create a vibrant, activated centre of Nambour.

Safety Feedback

• To complete the  Nambour Community Safety Research Project Survey go to www.haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au before November 28 and search “Nambour Community Safety Research Project” or similar.

• To see crime stats go to www.mypolice.qld.gov.au/queensland-crime-statistics

• To see Stage 1 of the Nambour Community Safety Review go to www.research.usc.edu.au and search “Nambour safety” or similar.

• To sign the Petition for a Safer Town go to www.facebook.com/iamnambour