THE recent meeting of Port Stephens Council commenced with an emergency motion put forward by Mayor Ryan Palmer, calling on Council to discuss mounting community unrest over the consistent loitering of young people in Raymond Terrace taking place after school hours on weekdays.

Identified as a growing problem that was first noted almost one year ago, groups of children and adolescents have been congregating close to the shopping centres in Raymond Terrace and “undertaking continuous anti-social behaviours”, according to the motion.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

Councillor Peter Kafer addressed the Council with regard to the issue and conveyed some of his own observations of how the youth in question were interacting with one another, with police and with members of the public.

While acknowledging that seeking solutions to deal with the poor behaviour of young people was “a nationwide” concern, Cr Kafer called on the council to maintain urgency about addressing this situation “in our backyard”.

Cr Kafer pointed out some of the particular behaviours that have caused conflicts with shop owners, pedestrians and police.

“Stealing, malicious damage, assault.

“You name it, they do it,” said Cr Kafer.

The motion calls for Port Stephens Council to facilitate a meeting between State Member Kate Washington, representatives from Raymond Terrace Police, schools and business operators who are being impacted and the Port Stephens West Ward Councillors.

Such a meeting would seek to identify positive outcomes for all parties, including the children and adolescents in question.

The motion was passed with unanimous support.

By Lindsay HALL