Following the 2024 October State Election, with the LNP committing to establish a Safe Night Precinct (SNP) on Hastings Street and Noosa Junction, Sandy wrote to the new Attorney General to request that they confirm that implementation will incorporate consultation with the associated business associations, police, and Noosa Council. In addition, as to what will be put in place to ensure other areas in the electorate are not negatively impacted due to the redirection of resources to these SNPs. The following was provided in response.

I note you are also seeking confirmation that the establishment of a Safe Night Precinct (SNP) will involve consultation with relevant business associations, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and Noosa Regional Council. Further, that services within your electorate will not be reduced through the potential resource requirements of an SNP.

Stakeholder engagement and feedback is an important component of informing Government. I am pleased to be advised that in the week commencing 16 December 2024, the Griffith University team undertaking the independent review of Queensland SNPs will contact you and key stakeholders in Noosa, including the Hastings Street Association, QPS and Noosa Regional Council, to begin consultation on key matters relating to how an SNP in Noosa may balance community safety with a thriving night-time economy.

Although consultation with Noosa stakeholders was a scheduled activity of the SNP review project, it also serves as an important component in moving towards establishing a Noosa SNP. The information gathered by Griffith University will be analysed and reported to the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation, to assist with planning the next steps in the SNP process, including ongoing consultation with key Noosa stakeholders.

The Department of Justice will also consult across the Queensland Government to consider policing, transport and other public safety options.

Sandy appreciates the information provided and looks forward to engaging with the Griffith University team undertaking the independent review. We understand from the response that services within our electorate will not be reduced through the potential resource requirements of an SNP, however we have requested clarification on if extra funding and resources are provided to existing to achieve this and what extra supports does this classification for Noosa provide.

Background

Communications regarding implementing a SNP commenced with Noosa Council Business Roundtable, Noosa Council staff, and Hastings Street Association in 2023, including providing information regarding how to make application and relevant criteria sourced from the previous Queensland Attorney General’s office. An update obtained prior to the election advised that although no application has yet been received for Noosa, the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) was open to consideration of an application from Noosa Council; however, required the necessary information and inclusions to address the following as part of their application:

  • patronage during high-risk periods (generally after 12am)
  • economic sustainability
  • incidents involving violence and/or intoxication
  • number of venues which trade after 12am
  • hours of trade/licence types of venues in the proposed SNP
  • physical size of the proposed SNP
  • assistance call outs to QPS and Queensland Ambulance
  • use of security services
  • public transportation (including incidents)
  • street coverage for CCTV and lighting
  • initiatives already in place through local liquor accords (banning policies, safety campaigns)
  • current and proposed funding sources and use.

Having already approached the previous Attorney General in 2023 on behalf of any application lodged by Noosa Council and her efforts recently, Sandy will continue to assist with State Government, where needed.

Further information

Information regarding Liquor Accords is available at www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/hospitality-tourism-sport/liquor-gaming/liquor/liquor-accords

Information regarding Safe Night Precincts is available at www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/hospitality-tourism-sport/liquor-gaming/liquor/safe-night-precincts

To contact Noosa Council, please email mail@noosa.qld.gov.au or contact information for Councillors is available at www.noosa.qld.gov.au/about-council/councillors-meetings/mayor-and-councillors

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