By Jeremy Sollars
Southern Downs councillors will consider a request from residents of Cleary Street in Warwick to move the Warwick Rodeo and Campdraft from the Warwick Showgrounds to Morgan Park.
A petition from the residents will be presented to the February council meeting being held at the Warwick chambers next Wednesday 19 February.
Signed by 27 residents, the petition seeks to draw the attention of councillors to the “conduct of some patrons and visitors to the Rodeo” in October last year and in previous years.
“Throughout the years some patrons have become irresponsible with alcohol,” the petition states.
“Their behaviour has caused damage to property and distress to residents in Cleary Street.”
The petition also cites lack of transport from the showgrounds to nearby Australiana Park where many rodeo attendees camp, and lack of “proper supervision” of campers.
Examples of behaviour of “patrons…irresponsible with alcohol” on Cleary Street given include –
1. Destruction of letter boxes
2. Empty cans and broken bottles thrown into residents driveways and yards
3. Destruction of security screens
4. Banging on windows and security screens causing distress to residents
5. Patrons found in locked yards without lawful excuse
6. Turning water mains off in residents yards
The Cleary Street residents state in their petition “it appears that the Rodeo has outgrown its present location and should be relocated to Morgan Park ASAP”.
The council meeting agenda states the petition and joint letter from the Cleary Street residents will be referred to the Director Corporate and Community Services “for investigation”.
