Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said Council welcomed today’s (Friday, October 6, 2023) chance to join the community safety roundtable discussions at Toowoomba City Hall.
Mayor McDonald said Council appreciated the visit by Queensland Police Minister Mark Ryan and Queensland Police Service Commissioner Katarina Carroll, along with the input of community organisation representatives.
Mayor McDonald said the discussions centred on achieving long-term solutions to reducing youth crime along with better support for young people and their families.
“Council is thankful for the personal involvement of Minister Ryan and Commissioner Carroll, along with the daily work of our Police Service members who are working to safeguard the community every day,” Mayor McDonald said.
“There is great optimism that the Co-Responder Youth Teams can keep building on their positive work along with the Youth Justice teams and supporting services. The membership of Safer Toowoomba Regional Partnerships is a valuable resource that links with the Police Service and government service agencies.
“The Government has committed more funds to help in this area (for organisations like the PCYC) and early next year we will see the introduction of Operation Booyah in Toowoomba to offer additional engagement with at-risk young people.
“Today’s discussions heard ideas from community members who have been directly affected by crime or who work with young people across the various stages of the justice system. This input will help inform future solutions.
“We want to see all young people contributing positively to society, as they have much to contribute and can have a bright and productive future.”
