Riverway activation increases public safety

Community safety incidents have dropped by 66 per cent at Riverway since the opening of the new Citylibraries Riverway building.

Community safety data from Townsville City Council recorded an average of 24 reportable incidents per month before the library was opened, which reduced to an average of eight per month after it was opened in May this year.

Reportable incidents include stealing, drug use, assaults, graffiti, loitering and more.

Acting Mayor Mark Molachino said it was a good example of what activating a space can do to reduce anti-social behaviour.

“Citylibraries Riverway has been popular with the community and has attracted more people to visit the area and spend time there,” Cr Molachino said.

“More residents are using the facilities and as a result we have recorded a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour at Riverway.

“Activating public spaces was one of the key commitments Council has made to help further improve the liveability of the city and give residents increased confidence and security to use these spaces.

“Initiatives like our Boulder Protection Program has helped to activate more than a dozen parks and open spaces across the city and reduce the cost burden to repair them following hooning behaviour.

“Council announced close to $15 million in spending for community safety in the 2023/24 Budget, which included investment in infrastructure like lighting and CCTV cameras.

“Council has also extensively consulted with residents, community groups, police and businesses through its Community Safety Audits to help better inform decision making on area activation and infrastructure to reduce anti-social behaviour.

“The report from the audits will be presented to the public and councillors at a future Ordinary Council Meeting.

“The community safety data has highlighted the value in activating community spaces and the benefits it can provide to an area.”

For more information on community safety in Townsville, visit Community Safety.