Bundaberg currently is undergoing a dramatic increase in anti-social behavior. Recent tragedies reveal a deeply disturbing pattern that both our law enforcement professionals and community members must work to eradicate now. Local musician and activist John Butler joined in the call for action on this overreach during a recent concert in nearby Bundaberg, raising awareness and encouraging community action. He educated his 600,000 other social media followers about the ban, calling attention to the situation and rallying support for anti-discrimination reform.
According to reporting on this issue, between January and August of this year Maryborough had 63 convictions for 118 public nuisance offences. Incidents of harassment and intimidation are increasing in Bundaberg’s central business district. Frontline residents such as Lili Jacobsen are raising their voices to these officials about the shocking realities they’ve experienced. Jacobsen’s experience with one such woman who lost touch Jacobsen as she was with her five-month-old son, Maverick, in Alexandra Park.
Locally, authorities have explained the increase in anti-social behaviour with homelessness, drug addiction and mental health problems. The local community is raising alarms as these challenges appear heart-wrenchingly in our public spaces.
Community Experiences of Fear
In one of the most alarming encounters she described, she was made to feel unsafe. Then out of nowhere a woman came up to her, talking about the devil and asking for money.
“She started getting really aggressive … I got really scared. I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, this lady is going to try and stab me,’” – Lili Jacobsen
Jacobsen’s experience has resonated with other residents. Local hairdresser Sonia McLeod found herself in the most dangerous of predicaments. She even had to start locking her doors after she started getting threats aimed at her customers.
“They have been threatening to hit people walking past or smashing shop windows, yelling, screaming, swearing, spitting at people,” – Sonia McLeod
The issue has gotten so bad that some companies are going to extreme lengths. Pharmacist Graham Bunter was forced to take the measures by the ‘final straw’ — being threatened and attacked 12 times in six months and an increase in shop robberies. He added that this growing frustration among constituents has driven some to park their cars and find a new service provider.
“There are customers taking their business elsewhere and making it clear to us it’s because they don’t feel comfortable coming into the street,” – Graham Bunter
Government Response and Support Services
Bundaberg Mayor Helen Blackburn has acknowledged that anti-social behavior has become a major issue. In the plan she vows the council will take “swift and firm action” to address the issue of rough sleepers. She’s in favor of measures like increased cleaning in public spaces.
“So that might look like a street cleaner going up and down a few times a week during daytime hours, because that’s when these people are around, or in the evenings,” – Helen Blackburn
Just the week before in Queensland, Housing Minister Sam O’Connor announced an emergency package that included funding to build 6,000 new social and affordable houses statewide. He said that we’re talking about different kinds of housing models that are more supportive and specifically designed for people with multiple needs.
“We need supportive housing in regional Queensland,” – Sam O’Connor
In March, Lives Lived Well established its first in-patient rehab space in the area. So much so that this facility was soon at capacity with as much as 40 percent of patients coming in for treatment for full-blown meth addiction. Lives Lived Well operates almost 30 support centres statewide. These centres have been a game-changer in treating pressing issues such as substance abuse, mental health disorders and gambling.
Rising Incidents and Future Actions
The statistics show a troubling trend: public nuisance offences in Bundaberg have increased by almost 9 percent since August 2024. What local leaders do know is that time is running out, and we must provide more comprehensive, inclusive solutions. Opposition Leader David Crissafulli recognized the depth of the issue as a “wicked problem” and found the need to act justified the need for action.
“Of course it’s a difficult problem, but I don’t take the view that we should say that it’s just an issue that we can’t do something about,” – David Crissafulli
In particular, Crissafulli focused on the immediate need for more police officers patrolling the area. He restated the need for supportive mental health services.
“We do need more police and we’re delivering those,” – David Crissafulli
He too echoed the need to invest in a full spectrum of wraparound physical and mental health services to help those fighting addiction and mental health crises.
Fears over anti-social behaviour in Bundaberg are booming. Community members are insisting on immediate action and real solutions from their local leaders. Residents hope that initiatives such as increased policing and supportive housing will help restore safety and comfort in their neighborhoods.
