Bushland Beach Boatramp community needs assessment

In response to recent media coverage and police correspondence regarding perceived safety issues at the Bushland Beach Boat Ramp, Marina Drive Bushland Beach, the Townsville City Council is conducting a community needs assessment of the issues identified in this area.

The recreational fisher is an important component of Bushland Beach, being a popular boating and fishing destination in Townsville. The Bushland Beach Boat Ramp is most often used by recreational boat users accessing the local fishing areas. This facility is constrained by poorly defined vehicle access, limited lighting and poor signage. The boating community of Townsville, including permanent residents and visitors, will be invited to participate in a needs assessment, generally in response to:
  • an increase in demand through population growth within the region and growing level of interest in boating as a leisure activity; and,
  • the need for a safe environment for boat users.
This Assessment will include the collection and assessment of:
  • crime statistics
  • assessment of site for local evidence of crime/unwanted behaviour
  • assessment of site for environmental contributors to crime/unwanted behaviour
  • gathering anecdotal evidence from police and stakeholders, and
  • assessing vulnerabilities to particular types of crime.
This information will assist Councils decision-making, as it allows a determination of which strategies are likely to be effective against certain types of crime in particular applications.

I am seeking your assistance in obtaining relevant information on any safety concerns which you may be aware of as highlighted above. Further community engagement sessions will be conducted at the Bushland Beach boat ramp over the coming weekends. I will notify you on the proposed engagement session dates once confirmed.

If you could provide any information or statistical data to me by 17 October 2011, that would be appreciated.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any clarification or further information.

The second Community Engagement times for the Bushland Beach Boat Ramp are:

Location: Bushland Beach Boat Ramp
Date: Sunday 16 October
Time: 9.30am – 11.30am

Kind Regards

Yours faithfully,

Nyomie Sherrington
Team leader, Community Services
Community & Environment
P 07 4727 9719
F 07 4727 9235