Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio has thanked the State Ministers and senior officials who attended a community forum this week in response to growing concerns from the community.
In thanking the senior Government representatives, Mayor Antonio has invited Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to visit Toowoomba to discuss the matter further.
“This is about the welfare of our community,” Mayor Antonio said.
“I’m informed that crime rates have risen over the past year and as a result, many members of our community fear for their safety.
“The Toowoomba Region has always been known as a family-friendly, welcoming, and safe community; however, recent events have changed that perception.
“We need immediate intervention.
“Our residents expect a more significant response from our State leaders and a detailed plan on how we can address these issues.
“While I’m encouraged by yesterday’s announcement of a Youth Co-Responder Team for Toowoomba and the commitments made by Minister Mark Ryan to new initiatives around intensive bail supervision, this is only the beginning.
“I would warmly welcome the Queensland Premier to visit our Region to continue this conversation and to discuss the next steps following the community forum.
“We need a coordinated approach to curb these crime rates so our residents can feel secure in their homes and that Toowoomba can return to being a safe community.”
