Tuesday 31 January 2012

Keep Port Safe

We all know Port Douglas is a beautiful place to live and visit, but recent events have made us look at how we can make the experience even better.

Community concern over isolated instances of violence in Macrossan and Grant Streets have grown over the past 12 months.

This concern has peaked with a recent incident which left Matthew Manns requiring surgery for a broken jaw. Cameras within a licensed premise captured the incident and lead to the arrest of two people.

There are many people who believe the installation of security cameras in strategically placed 'hot spots' will reduce these instances, while assisting police to prosecute offenders.

Pictured: Port Douglas Police's Damian Meadows, Maz Manns, Matthew Manns, and Division 10 councillor Julia Leu.

Of course, these cameras would also help to identify people committing other crimes such as graffiti and vandalism.

If the presence of inconspicuous cameras play a role in ensuring our night's out end on a positive night, then maybe it's time to make our voices heard.

Port Douglas Police, Division 10 councillor Julia Leu, Matthew Manns and his mother Maz have thrown their support behind the initiative.

If you'd like to do the same, The Newsport has created an online e-petition which has been registered with the State Government where Queensland residents can add their name.

If you live outside of Queensland then simply leave your name, town, and message (if you choose) in the Have Your Say section below.

On closure of the petition on 31 March, we'll make sure it gets noticed by the relevant government officials, elected or otherwise, in a bid to receive funding for cameras.

Add your name to the e-petition

Port Douglas has a reputation as a laid-back and relaxed place. This petition may play a part in keeping that reputation intact for years to come.

Need an employee or looking for a job. See our Employment page.

Have your say!

The comments made below are the opinions of the reader and do not represent the views of The Newsport. We ask you to provide your full name and valid email address to ensure your comments' legitimacy is acknowledged. Editor reserves the right to amend comments in accordance with Publisher’s Terms and Conditions. Click here for full publishers terms and conditions for reader comments.

Dianne Harper, 06-02-12 10:13:

These offenders are the same people who would kick a dog or bash their wives lock them up for a length of time and get them out of society.

Tony Woodall, 03-02-12 18:57:

If Security Cameras and regular Police Patrols result in control of loutish behavior, I'm all for it. Go all the way and include Mossman too.

melissa , 02-02-12 13:46:

Camera's wouldnt hurt, thank god this attack was caught on camera and now some justice can be done :)

John White, 01-02-12 16:25:

Let's bring back the Bobby on the beat (ON FOOT) at the right times & let's bring in suitable punishments for anti-social behaviour - a real deterrent not just a slap on the wrist. We don't need big brother cameras in this town, it's only a very very small percentage who are bad not most people. Prevention is better than cure.

Chris Bradsworth, 01-02-12 14:36:

We recently visited a part of Haiti on a cruise where the local village do not have police they have a committee.
The guide told us when "bad people come to town or are in town they are asked to leave and never to return" what a great concept !

Michael Casey, 01-02-12 10:19:

ah Bernard, because not all the trouble occurs in the licensed premise. Most of the trouble occurs after they close in the streets. Grant street near the Kebab shop, Warner st, anywhere along Macrossan st etc.
Cameras only identify the trouble makers and, as has been already been pointed out, many people in Port are transient. Watching videos of someone who caused trouble in Port last night but has already boarded their plane in Cairns today is a waste of time.
Having police around at closing times, actually having a police presence at night will reduce trouble before it happens.

Bernard Beers, 01-02-12 09:04:

So cameras in a licenced premise captured this incident and have led to the arrest of two people. Why then, would we need them on our streets?

gav , 01-02-12 08:36:

I could not have said it better Dave.

Maz Manns, 31-01-12 23:11:

Dave i couldnt agree with you more, public humility im up for, they dont deserve to be protected and nor do they deserve to live life normally, Matt sure isnt at the moment, and DOGS dont even hit from behind! These things are below animals and they WILL do time, i wont stop until they do

Denis NIHILL, 31-01-12 20:17:

Do not overreact to isolated instances of violence. We have been coming to Port Douglas for years and have attended most venues around town. We have never even seen anything like bad behaviour even late at night. It is easy to ban known troublemakers from licensed venues. Do not let troublemakers get an opportunity to act up, shut them down early and support your local police. PD is still the best place for a relaxing holiday in a superb environment with outstanding dining.

meg webo, 31-01-12 19:55:

install the cameras but the police should be around the town in the hot spots where the trouble is at the time the trouble starts..

Garry Deutsher, 31-01-12 19:32:

It's the bad attitude that gets me. No excuse because "I'm pissed"?....I don't give a rats ...who/what/when...get more respect for others on this planet, or simply GO AWAY.
Take care of your own actions and stop this nonsense. Begin to realize that YOU need to adjust. Do It

Brandi S, 31-01-12 18:50:

Our town is extremely transient and why there haven't been cameras is beyond me...have they checked the year? It's 2012, not 1955!

Dave , 31-01-12 17:54:

Shouldn't have to come to this. Police know the time when majority of problems occur. BE THERE. Having said that, install the camera straight away, worry about payment later. Also, tougher penalities for "unprovoked" violence is definately needed. THese guys will do zero time in lock up for there crime. slap on the wrist. Makes no sense. But while we grow grey waiting for the system to change, name and shame them at least, for the whole community to see what dogs look like... Hitting somebody from behind... pfft

lorraine white, 31-01-12 15:47:

we need cameras now