Hinchliffe slams Chaplain Watch snub

NEWS

The looming implementation of the Valley Drink Safe Precinct has hit a snag with strident criticism of a State Government decision to overlook a local organisation for a key role.

Local Labor councillor David Hinchliffe has broken ranks with his political allies at a state level and criticised the Bligh Government decision to award a major contract for the precinct to a youth group from the Gold Coast, overlooking local organisation Chaplain Watch in the process.
“I’m extremely annoyed that Lance Mergard’s Chaplain Watch, one of the best Valley initiatives I’ve seen in 20 years, has been overlooked in preference to the Gold Coast Youth Services organisation,” the Central Ward councillor told a recent meeting of the Drink Safe Committee.
“Lance and his organisation are local, they’re proven successes, they have the knowledge. In short, they have been outstanding. Chaplain Watch which is based in the Valley and supported by the local police, community members and the Brisbane City Church.
“This is a terrible blow and a bad way to kick off this major exercise to make the Valley safer,” Cr Hinchliffe said.
“I appreciate the state is putting more money and resources into the Valley, but it’s such a damn shame they picked the wrong people to lead the community initiative.”