Queensland citizens draws to the attention of the House that the night economy of a New Ipswich will be an important part of the city’s economy, as is the hospitality industry, and it’s timely to maintain the safe night precinct in Ipswich which has been effective, and made it safe for those who enjoy the nightlife and consume liquor. Evidence to date from hospitals and QPS shows that the lock out period has had a positive impact on harm minimisation. In Townsville, the percentage of the most relevant ambulance calls for service occurring during weekend drinking nights has reduced (by 5.4 percentage points), including a reduction (by 4.7 percentage points) in ‘assault/sexual assault’ calls.

Like Townsville, Ipswich is a Garrison city where the night life has been limited to a few hotels which stay open late for entertainment and event after parties.

The Public Safety Consultative Committee (PSCC) is considering voting to remove the only safe night precinct license in Ipswich, this will put a city of over 220,000 people at risk of not having a safety net when the New CBD is completed and foot traffic returns to the Ipswich CBD.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to call on the Queensland Government to urge the PSCC to undertake a full comprehensive study into the real benefits to the safety of Ipswich residents and retain the current safe night precinct License and funding for the 3am closing times.