Community set to create safer suburbs


The city's leaders met for the first Safer Suburbs Forum for the year.

As part of the forum Mayor Tom Tate launched the new RAP – Report a Problem – website, saying locals now have a convenient, easily accessible way of reporting community problems throughout the city.

Conducted in partnership with the Queensland Police Service, the Safer Suburbs Forum brings together community, business and liquor industry representatives to map out concrete actions to improve safety.

"RAP provides a consistent approach to enhancing community safety in public spaces," Mayor Tate said.

"Our residents take great pride in their city and they expect us to act quickly when notified of problems. We heard the community loud and clear in our consultation and that’s why we’re delivering this system. Through RAP every citizen is empowered to report a problem and together we can keep the amenity of our city in tip top shape," he said.

"We’ve had more than 700 reports logged on our web page and highest on the list at the moment are water leaks, barking dogs and tree maintenance.

"The online service gives every resident on the Gold Coast a convenient way to report problems," he said.

Go to cityofgoldcoast.com.au and click the "Report A Problem" quick link on the front page.

"We’re also making the system easy to use on a mobile phone," Mayor Tate said.

"That system’s going into the testing phase right now, and we hope to have it up and running in March."

District Coordinator Peter Barrett says Neighbourhood Watch groups will strongly support the system.

"Neighbourhood Watch groups are made up of committed men and women who take great pride in their local areas," he said.

"The reality is locals know and understand their neighbourhoods best. They are the eyes and ears of the community. Allowing the city to get on top these issues quickly can make sure little problems that can create big issues are on the radar of decision-makers."

For more information visit City of Gold Coast