Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin has launched a direct lobbying campaign, urging Queensland state ministers to address a critical shortage of police officers in the mountain village of Kuranda. The community, which has been without a permanent police presence for years, is facing growing concerns over crime and public safety.
A Mayor's Direct Appeal to State Leaders
Mayor Toppin took her concerns straight to the top during a recent meeting of the Local Government Association of Queensland in Brisbane. She seized the opportunity to speak personally with Police Minister Mark Ryan and Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll. Her central plea was for the allocation of dedicated police resources to Kuranda, a popular tourist destination that currently relies on officers driving from Mareeba, over 30 minutes away.
The Mayor's argument is grounded in the community's escalating anxiety. "I raised the issue of Kuranda not having a permanent police presence and the need for that to be addressed," Toppin stated, highlighting the increasing reports of property crime, break-ins, and anti-social behaviour. Residents and business owners feel vulnerable, with response times stretched due to the distance officers must travel.
Community Frustration Boils Over
The lobbying effort is not happening in a vacuum. It follows a series of public meetings where Kuranda locals have voiced their anger and fear. A recent community safety forum saw residents passionately demand action, citing specific incidents that have left them feeling unprotected.
This sentiment is echoed by local business owners who worry about the impact on tourism and their livelihoods. The current model, where police from Mareeba or Cairns respond to incidents, is seen as fundamentally inadequate for a town of Kuranda's size and visitor traffic. The community's message is clear: they need boots on the ground, not just drive-through patrols.
What Happens Next?
While Minister Ryan and Commissioner Carroll listened to Mayor Toppin's arguments, no immediate commitment was made. The Queensland Police Service often points to broader resource allocation challenges across the vast state. However, the Mayor's direct intervention at a state level significantly raises the profile of Kuranda's plight.
Mayor Toppin has vowed to keep the pressure on, indicating this is now a top priority for her council. The next steps likely involve further formal correspondence and potentially mobilising local state members of parliament to support the cause. The outcome will be closely watched not just by Kuranda residents, but by other regional communities across Queensland facing similar policing shortages.
The campaign underscores a wider issue of resource distribution in regional policing. As Mayor Toppin fights for her community, the state government's response will signal how it balances the needs of growing tourist hubs against the constraints of its police budget.
