General News
10 October, 2025
‘We want our town back’
NEW and upgraded CCTV networks and lighting systems are set for Mossman and Port Douglas after $2.7 million was allocated by the Queensland Government.
The finding under the Secure Communities Partnership Program throughout local small and family business precincts, include CCTV, bollards, lockable fencing and improved perimeter security.
Across Far North Queensland, seven councils will deliver projects including new and upgraded CCTV and lighting systems.
Small and Family Business Minister Steve Minnikin, who met business and community leaders in Mossman last Friday, said, the government was restoring community safety by preventing crime before it happens through supporting the Queensland small business sector.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Queensland and we’re proud to support them and deliver a range of safety measures as part of our small and family business first approach,” he said.
Member for Cook David Kempton said, while victim numbers were starting to fall across Queensland, there was still plenty of work to do.
“It’s great to see regional councils from Cooktown to Torres Strait from across my electorate put their hand up for funding to deliver a fresh start restoring community safety across the State,” he said.
“They know the value of providing safety measures for local businesses and their staff,” Mr Kempton said.
Mossman businesswoman and Beechwoods Café owner Sharon Beechey was pleased to learn about the funding.
“The new CCTV will enable authorities to identify the culprits,” she said.
“Anti-social behaviour has been out of control and recently it has been bubbling over again,” Ms Beechey said.
“We want to get our town back.”
In February of this year, Mossman experienced a spike in anti-social behaviour, with groups of people gathering in the town centre late at night, engaging in excessive drinking, fighting and causing property damage.
The disturbances prompted more than 100 community members and local organisations to meet and address the issues, resulting in the creation of the Mossman Community Harmony Working Group.
At the group’s last meeting, members reported the town centre had been quiet but, rowdy gatherings continued in George Davis Park affecting neighbouring homes and in Mill Street where children attended the Mossman Gym. A recent brawl in Middlemiss Street underscored the need for sustained action.
“Our main goal is to secure a more proactive police liaison officer, ideally two,” a group spokesman said.
“At the last meeting we learnt that Mossman Youth Services has been running youth evening sessions for four years, yet in all that time the local PLO has never attended. We firmly believe an effective PLO is vital for building positive relationships, encouraging communication, and supporting community safety.”
Read More: Douglas Shire
