Nambour businesses, staff and customers fear for their safety because of frequent public drug-taking and violent and anti-social behaviour in the Town Square, according to Shadow Minister for Finance and Better Regulation, Fiona Simpson.

The Maroochydore MP said crime in the Short Street-Lowe Street vicinity was “out of control” and it was time for action. She said Nicklin MP Rob Skelton was missing in action on fixing the issues.

“There has to be an appropriate and timely response to these issues, to deal with these issues, or else it’s going to get worse,” she said. 

“Why is the community giving up ... Police (boots on the ground) numbers are down and the government keeps fudging the numbers to hide the truth,” she said.

Ms Simpson said some crime rates in Nambour in the last twelve months had risen:

• Unlawful use of a motor vehicle up 40%

• Unlawful entry up 32%

• Other theft up 43%.

She said assault was reportedly down 13 percent but “this is because the community has given up reporting what is going on in the streets”.

“The Full Time Employee (FTE) number (of boots on the ground officers) I know is down,” she said. “I’ve heard from Police Officers that they have only half the number of FTE Police Officers they are meant to have available – I don’t blame the Police for the problems, I blame the State Government for lack of resources and weak laws.

“Support needs to be provided for the Police as a matter of urgency as the situation in Nambour is only going to get worse. 

“I have spoken to local businesses and they are too afraid to speak up – they are living in fear. Why is Rob Skelton not addressing this? Where is Rob Skelton? His community needs him. I am fielding concerned calls from his community. It’s time Rob Skelton stood up, took responsibility and was held to account before the town shuts down.

“I love where we live and will always fight for what is best for the Sunshine Coast community.”