LNP MP John Barounis has urged residents to curb what he described as “ongoing negativity” online about anti-social behaviour in Maryborough’s CBD, warning it is harming the city’s reputation and tourism.
Complaints have included reports of public disturbances, graffiti, discarded needles and rough sleepers in the city centre, with some business owners saying they feel unsafe or have been forced to close.
Criticism of Barounis intensified after he raised concerns about abandoned shopping trolleys, prompting calls for a promised police taskforce to be strengthened.
In a social media post this week, Barounis said the taskforce “remains very active” and continues to support those involved, while stressing that homelessness is not illegal and accepting assistance is not compulsory.
“I am working hard to restore Maryborough as the friendly, welcoming town it has always been,” he said, adding that “promoting negativity on social media only damages how both tourists and locals view our CBD.”
Barounis said similar challenges were being faced nationwide and backed proposed vagrancy law amendments, while encouraging residents to report anti-social behaviour to authorities.
Acknowledging the issue had been “a decade in the making,” he said some business owners were beginning to see progress and concluded: “Compassion is key to a positive outcome.”
Source: Courier Mail.
