Regional Business HQ has welcomed a project which aims to address community safety concerns, describing the current state of the Bundaberg CBD as a “backward step for small business”.
The organisation has partnered with Bundaberg Regional Council and other local organisations, agencies and businesses to help reclaim and revitalise the city centre through the Safe Spaces, Thriving Places program.
The initiative focuses on improving public safety, focussing support where it is needed, reducing antisocial behaviour and creating a more welcoming environment for all.
Regional Business HQ CEO Brooke Fossey said safety concerns in the CBD had grown in recent months, affecting both staff and business operators.
“We have had the building on Quay Street, the Business Enterprise Centre, for more than 20 years and in the CBD for almost 35 years,” she said.
“We’ve had a bit of theft in the building and harassment from people in the CBD and our staff don’t feel safe.
“Businesses are now looking at exiting the building and working from home.
“It’s a backward step for small business.”
Through Safe Spaces, Thriving Places, partners aim to create practical solutions to restore confidence in the CBD.
These include increased safety measures, improved infrastructure, coordinated community responses and stronger collaboration between local stakeholders.
It couldn’t come at a better time, according to Brooke.
“We’ve got people that are closing doors, that are locking up,” she said.
“We’ve installed CCTV, we’ve locked doors permanently where it’s swipe card access.
“If you don’t have a thriving CBD, there’s not much else for the business community or people in general.”
Council’s priority actions under the Safe Spaces, Thriving Places framework include:
- Collaborating with CBD traders to explore activation opportunities.
- Increasing cleaning of CBD pathways and public areas.
- Strengthening coordination of local support services to improve homelessness responses.
- Advocating to government for greater accountability, transparency and support.
- Boosting Compliance Services presence for consistent local law enforcement.
- Reviewing CBD design options to balance modernisation, accessibility and affordability.
Find out more about Safe Spaces, Thriving Places or take the CBD survey here.
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