General News
27 March, 2026
Horror CBD figures
SHOCKING figures show that more than 33,000 incidents involving anti-social or disruptive behaviour have been recorded in the Cairns CBD between 2023 and 2025.
According to a submission Mayor Amy Eden sent to the Queensland Parliamentary Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee backing the ‘Expanding Adult Crime, Adult Time and Taking a Strong Stance on Drugs and Anti-social Behaviour Amendment Bill 2026’, there were 33,300 alcohol-related disorder, assaults, threats, harassment, theft, begging, public drunkenness and disruptive group behaviour in the CBD.
She said anti-social behaviour in the Cairns CBD continued “to undermine public safety, disrupt business operations and dimmish community confidence”.
“The majority of these incidents occur within a compact CBD footprint, heavily pedestrianised by residents and tourists, including our Esplanade lagoon, CBD transit mall, city heart nightlife area and our Esplanade dining precinct,” Cr Eden said.
“These areas are a drawcard for our city and should be welcoming and inviting,” she said.
“However, they are unfortunately becoming known for consistent harmful or disruptive behaviours,” Cr Eden said.
“This concentrated pattern highlights the need for a stronger regulatory mechanism capable of providing targeted, location-specific responses.”
She said the council backed a ‘Designated Business and Community Precinct’ (DBCP) which offered enhanced move on and location banning powers by the police.
“Community sentiment across the Cairns CBD is clear and consistent. Residents report feeling worn down by recurring behaviours in the same locations,” Cr Eden said.
“Many avoid certain streets at night, particularly around the transit mall and city heart due to concerns about verbal aggression, public drinking, groups blocking footpaths and unpredictable behaviour.
“Local businesses regularly encounter early-morning sleeping in doorways, intoxicated groups arguing or shouting and customers feeling uncomfortable entering premises.
“Businesses overwhelmingly support, and in fact demand, stronger action.”
Cr Eden said for a DBCP to be successful it must include extra police officers, available 24/7.
