Bundaberg Regional Council is advancing its Safe Spaces, Thriving Places project by working closely with local networks and services.
The aim is to better understand and respond to the complex issues of homelessness and antisocial behaviour in the CBD.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said Council’s involvement in local networks was critical to staying informed and ensuring advocacy was grounded in real experiences.
“Council is an active participant in the Bundaberg Rough Sleepers Network which keeps us up to date with what’s happening in the city centre and how we can provide support from a community perspective,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“Through our Compliance team we also receive regular updates on what is being observed in the CBD and have better access to data that can help us to ensure support services are targeted to where they are most needed.”
She said Council’s presence at the Bundaberg Service Integration Group Meeting was another important way of staying connected.
“These meetings bring services together to support complex individual cases,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“They give us valuable insight into the challenges faced by people sleeping rough and the pressures on local services which aren’t always visible to the wider community.”
Mayor Blackburn said Council’s strong relationship with Bundaberg Police had already delivered tangible results.
“We’ve been in regular contact with police who have been very supportive,” she said.
“Our advocacy has led to increased Police Beat Officers and a stronger police presence in the CBD throughout the day.
“Council has supplemented that activity with increased security patrols around its buildings and amenities.
“These partnerships mean we’re not working in isolation – we’re building a clearer picture of the challenges and ensuring Bundaberg’s CBD remains safe and welcoming.”
Bundaberg community members, traders and staff are encouraged to take part in the Safe Spaces, Thriving Places CBD stakeholder survey.
The data gathered will help Council advocate for the right support and resources to address these challenges and ensure the CBD remains safe, inclusive and thriving.
