Crime meeting, moving forward

Ms Nelson said she acknowledged some people felt the level of engagement was “a waste of time”. 

However, Ms Nelson said she is committed to following up on the concerns raised.  

The crime meeting, last Wednesday, brought together about 300 people to talk about growing crime rates, alcohol, housing and youth. 

She said overall it was property crime, antisocial behaviour and crime committed by youth which are of greatest concern. 

“I understand that some left the forum feeling frustrated and discontent with the format, the level of engagement, “a waste of time” as one participant told me as he walked out,” Ms Nelson said. 

The meeting, jointly organised by Ms Nelson and Katherine Town Council, was called as a response to community demand for information from government agencies and community organisations. 

In her statement, Ms Nelson said the meeting met the needs of residents as a forum to air their grievances, talk about issues and ask questions. 

“The community forum was an opportunity for residents to tell all levels of government what they want, what they need, what their concerns are, and for residents to come together and provide community based solutions that they believe are sustainable and effective,” Ms Nelson said. 

However, Mrs Nelson said that solutions will only work if the community stands together. 

“At the end of the day, there are social issues that affect all of us directly and indirectly, and we all need to find ways to address these social issues together as a community,” Mrs Nelson said.  

“Government can create legislation, implement and enforce restrictions, programs, support services - but all of that only works if there is community buy-in,” she said. 

Ms Nelson said she will be contacting individuals to follow up on concerns that were raised on the night and is committed with Katherine Town Council, to review all suggestions and find a way to move forward.