LONG-TIME Ipswich business owner Steve Rainbow says he no longer feels safe walking the streets of his own city – and he’s keeping his shop doors locked because of it.
Mr Rainbow, who has run Articulate Framing on Brisbane St since 2011, introduced a locked-door policy last year after a harrowing experience in March.
A thief slipped into the store as Mr Rainbow was closing for the day – and that was just the beginning.
Soon after, his car and a neighbour’s vehicle were stoned outside his home.
Despite lodging police reports, Mr Rainbow said the Queensland Police Service failed to act.
“If it is not a ‘lights and sirens’ job then it is not important enough,” he wrote in a social media post at the time.
“I have just spent a week in Singapore and never felt safer walking in a big city,” he said.
“Back in Ipswich I am back to having to look over my shoulder walking to the post office.”
A year on, Mr Rainbow says the risk remains, even if the criminal activity has reportedly died down.
For Mr Rainbow, this is not just about crime – it’s about community.
He believes the Ipswich CBD is effectively split into three distinct parts: the thriving Top of Town, the redeveloped Nicholas Street precinct, and what he calls the “lower neglected end”, where his business is located.
He added that the Nicholas Street precinct revamp has had no positive impact on his business.
“From my perspective, the Council’s duties stop at Bell St,” he said.
Local business owner Pat Evola – better known as The Bearded Hippo – has voiced frustration over what he says is a long-standing lack of support for the southern end of Brisbane St.
Mr Evola, who operates The Bearded Hippo Barber Shop and Market Mafia Tattoo and Piercing, echoed Mr Rainbow’s concerns.
“Our end of town has been highly ignored – at times we don’t even exist,” he said.
While he praised his loyal customers and community supporters, he highlighted the challenges facing businesses surrounded by vacant and neglected properties.
“We are amongst garbage and empty spaces. Our shops are some of the best in all of Ipswich, but there is nothing around us,” he said.
Mr Evola also questioned the Council’s priorities in investing millions into redevelopment projects while smaller businesses continue to struggle.
And he called on the Council to take stronger action on derelict or unused buildings.
“If these buildings are privately owned, then Council should be forcing owners to sell or rebuild,” he said.
State Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said that all safety concerns were taken onboard, but maintained that the Nicholas Street precinct was bringing the city together.
“I understand safety concerns – no one should feel unsafe in their own business, especially in the heart of our city,” she said.
“The Council’s revitalisation of Nicholas Street was not intended to create silos in our city.
“In fact, the Nicholas Street Precinct has made our city centre cohesive and thriving.”
Division 3 Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said he understood the challenges facing some business and wanted to reaffirm the commitment from Council to support them.
“I have also personally met with Mr Rainbow and am familiar with his concerns,” he said.
“Feedback from business owners is vital and helps inform Council’s planning, place management activities, and advocacy efforts.”
The Queensland Police Service says police numbers in the Ipswich District have increased over the past year.
It says it regularly adjusts resources based on demand to ensure effective policing across the area.
