There is little doubt our town has been transformed for the better since the launch of the successful trial in December, but a question mark still hangs over whether or not the government will provide the funding needed to extend its lifespan beyond its current six-month incarnation.

Mr Chandler’s assertion that he “absolutely” wants to see an allocation in the upcoming budget to make police officers permanent fixtures outside Katherine bottle shops is the first real indication the government is viewing temporary beats as a win for the community and not just a media stunt.

While the minister’s comments are a positive for our town, it is disheartening to hear anecdotal reports that a few Katherine licensees are crying foul over lost revenue since the introduction of the temporary beats.

Police have vehemently denied claims officers on the ground have been given an unofficial instruction to “step back” following complaints from licensees, but it is impossible to ignore the fact that bottle shops have taken bumper hits to their bottom lines because of the presence of blue uniforms.

If licensees are viewing those abusing alcohol as a critical component of their economic prosperity, they need to urgently reconsider their business plans, because the community will not tolerate grubby ethics and selfish perspectives hindering the continued betterment of Katherine.