VANESSA HALL
EDITOR
ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour, littering and damage to public amenities are some of the repeated issues being reported by members of the public about Jack Morgan Park in Coolum.
The western part of the park, which features the community garden, the new amenities block and the covered picnic table, is the area where the near-weekly damage is being reported and excessive littering is being observed almost daily.
All stakeholders responsible for management of the park and ensuring public safety, including Council, Coolum Police and Ninderry MP Dan Purdie, are aware of the issues in the park.
Division 9 Councillor Maria Suarez said that Council has received complaints from residents and reports of destructive behaviour.
“Council have not identified the individual/s responsible,” Cr Suarez said.
Council is managing the situation as best it can on a daily basis.
“Litter is being cleaned up, graffiti is being removed, and damage is being repaired. However, all of these remedies are accumulated costs that are then funded through general rates.”
Long-term action and what that entails is being looked at in an effort to reclaim the peace of the park.
“I am coordinating a meeting with myself, Council staff, Dan Purdie, Minister for Police and member for Ninderry, and Coolum Police to discuss collective efforts to address the undesirable behaviour occurring in Jack Morgan Park,” Cr Suarez said.
Dan Purdie MP said that he would be working on solutions with the other parties.
“Local residents have raised serious concerns about anti-social behaviour in Jack Morgan Park over recent months,” Mr Purdie said.
“Examples include misuse of e-scooters and e-bikes, vandalism and destruction of community property, including public toilet facilities, drug use, intimidation and aggression directed toward vulnerable residents. Sadly, young people are overrepresented in these reports.”
Mr Purdie said that the use of e-mobility devices appeared to correlate with the rise in issues being reported.
“The rapid uptake and popularity of personal mobility devices such as e-scooters and e-skateboards, as well as e-bikes has certainly been a factor in many complaints. There are significant penalties for their misuse, and it is important to note that there is a big difference between legal and illegal e-bikes, the latter causing most of the reported safety issues.”
Mr Purdie reinforced the importance of the community reporting any issues to ensure priority.
“Coolum Police are currently patrolling the park at random times of the day as part of their daily operations.
“This is in response to the high volumes of complaints being reported. Police use the information they receive to target their response, so it is important for locals to report to Policelink on 131 444 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.”
Mr Purdie said that he would be working closely with both Council and Police to find a solution to the issues in the park.
“The installation of CCTV cameras is on the agenda for discussion at our next meeting, and I understand Cr Suarez is weighing up the cost of recurrent property damage as part of Council’s deliberations.”
Councillor Suarez furthered these statements and said that it was the right of the community to expect to feel safe in the park.
“Safe, inclusive public spaces are important and essential for communities,” Cr Suarez said.
“Surveillance and enforcement are what the broader community are expecting. These measures will be considered as well as exploring other potential solutions.”
Coolum Police were contacted for comment, however, they did not get back before our publication deadline.
The Advertiser will follow up on this story after the meeting with the stakeholders mentioned.
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