A new community renewal zone and the Beattie Government's commitment to an increased police presence were key issues discussed at the Greater Brisbane Ministerial Regional Community Forum at Acacia Ridge today.The Forum was chaired by Minister for Police and Corrective Services, Judy Spence, and Parliamentary Secretary Assisting the Premier in Multicultural Affairs, Karen Struthers.
Ms Spence, who presented a snapshot of policing in the Greater Brisbane Region, said regional forums provided an excellent opportunity to exchange information, discuss issues of concern and keep people informed about government services.
Ms Spence told the Forum the Greater Brisbane Region had benefited from the Beattie Government's commitment to increasing police numbers each year since coming to office.
"The number of police on Brisbane streets has increased by 24 per cent since 1998 - rising from 1620 in June 1998, to 2012 police officers at June 30 this year," she said.
Ms Spence said in addition, Queensland Police Service statistics revealed declining crime rates in the Greater Brisbane Region.
"Rates of crime against both people and property - per 100,000 people - have reduced when comparing 1998 to 2003 statistics, across both the Metropolitan North and Metropolitan South police regions.
"While these statistics are no comfort to victims of crime, the results show the police are continuing to deter would-be criminals and the Beattie Government's crime prevention strategies are working."
Ms Spence said policing services in the Greater Brisbane Region would continue to increase and election commitments would deliver new Neighbourhood Police Beats, new School Based Police Officers and Live-Scan fingerprinting equipment at Brisbane, Inala and Logan.
Ms Spence thanked Forum members for their representations on policing issues.
"I take great interest in the views and concerns of Forum members on the delivery of police services in their local communities," Ms Spence said.
Ms Struthers also launched the Department of Housing's Acacia Ridge Community Renewal program.
Ms Struthers said the new revamped Forums were more interactive, responsive and driven by the grass roots issues impacting on regional communities.
"State Government is listening to the concerns of Queenslanders and progressing issues in collaboration with their local representatives, the Forum members.
"Today's agenda and discussions were all about the issues impacting on this area and how government and local communities can work together to address them."
Ministerial Regional Community Forums were held in nine other locations across the State today at: Cairns, Richmond, Moranbah, Longreach, Hervey Bay, Caloundra, Beaudesert, Warwick and Nerang.
Today's round of Forums follows 146 previous Forums held throughout Queensland since 1999.
Media contact: Angela Bell - (07) 3239 6244.
Other languages