By Lucy Waldron
Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton has weighed in on the ongoing youth crime debate, calling domestic and family violence the “issue of greatest concern“ for the community.
Upon taking her position in the Chamber, Mayor Hamilton established regular meetings with the Warwick and Stanthorpe police branches to stay informed about key issues and discuss how the council and police can work together to support community initiatives.
“The issue of greatest concern across the region is domestic and family violence, which takes up the majority of time for both branches,” Mayor Hamilton said.
“This is not unusual and is the same right across Queensland.”
Despite this, a survey conducted by the Today News Group across regional Queensland revealed that 86 per cent of Southern Downs residents see youth crime as a “high” or “very high” election issue, while only 13 per cent view it as a “low” priority.
Queensland Police research shows a link between domestic violence and youth crime, with 53 per cent of youth offenders exposed to or being victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.
The council has recently engaged with the Domestic and Family Prevention Champions Network, with plans to raise awareness of this issue and initiate community discussions on how to drive change.
Mayor Hamilton emphasised the importance of these initiatives, especially for the region’s young people.
In addition to these efforts, Mayor Hamilton highlighted the ongoing work on the Open Space Sport and Recreation Master Plan.
“Council is also looking at the facilities we provide for the community and whether there is more we can offer to young people in the region,” she said.
