Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Well, as I just mentioned, we have extensively covered on
this show various issues that we've experienced when it comes
to crime and anti social behavior. One of those locations
that has previously really struggled with some of that crime
and anti social behavior has been Casuarina Square. But according
to the owners Sentinel Property Group, the latest figures for
Casarina Square show there's been a ninety percent decline in
(00:24):
anti social behavior from May twenty twenty four to now.
Now joining us on the show is the CEO of
Sentinel Property Group, Warren Eerbers. Good morning to you, Warren.
Let's try that again. I think we're on the wrong
line there, have I've got you.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
Now, Warren, Yes, you've got me. Thanks Katie, good morning.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
To you now. Warren tell us, a ninety percent decline
sounds astronomical. Can you talk us through these numbers and
what kind of incidents you're talking about seeing a decline.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
In Katie, it's across the board. So I've got some
some facts and figures that I'll give to people, because
what none of the reasons I'm happy to be on
your show is, you know, with newspapers, not radio. But
if it leads it leads. If it's bad, if it's
a bad story, you get headlines. But I think people
(01:16):
need to know that the things really have turned around
in the Northern Territory. And you know, we have eight
point four million visitors a year out of one hundred
and forty people, So you know, our focus is really
getting Casarina Square so it's it's safe, it's enjoyable, and
if Casinea Square isn't safe and enjoyable, we're not going
(01:37):
to get people come to Northern Territory. So we've had
a forty seven percent decrease in daily incidents from March
to April, it's been a ninety percent increase in daily
incidents compared to May twenty four. Month and month ninety percent.
We've had now only thirteen percent of all incidents are
youth related. We're a year ago it was fifty percent.
(02:00):
So that's some of those measures that the new government
has put in it and particularly arresting the ring leaders
that the US are a little bit more directionless, so
we're just not getting the trouble. Also, we have seven
hundred people which are currently trespassed, so we have three
hundred and twenty CCTVs around the place. We have two
(02:24):
full time people monitoring for screens, and if we see
one of those people that have been banned from the center,
we march them out and ninety six percent of interactions
in our result by issuing a warning and escorting off
the property. We only had required police two times in April.
So massive changes.
Speaker 1 (02:45):
Yeah, well, it sounds like there's been a big change.
I mean, when you look at the number of incidents
that you're still having per day, I'm assuming that there
are still some incidents happening, but it's obviously not to
the degree that it once was.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
We certainly have having incidents, but it is nothing like
what it was. It was not enjoyable for anyone. And
we're still spending two point four million a year on security.
So we've had a new security group in Neptune, which
a lot of people would know who I wouldn't say
the heavy handed, but they take a firm stance where
(03:22):
some of the others are hands off and the news
would just laugh at them. Where they can't laugh at Neptune.
Speaker 1 (03:30):
You know.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
They make sure they abide by the law, but they
won't cop any rubbish. And our focus is to make
it safe and enjoyable. For families and we don't care
whose they are, but they should be able to even
if you just want to come there, have a coffee
and read a book. You shouldn't be getting harassed now. Also,
we're finding out from the retailers that the thefts are
(03:52):
at an all time low, so it's right across the board.
And some of the increase in turn over that we've seen.
There were figures out I think last year earlier this year,
and the population of Darwin was three thousand people less
in twenty twenty four compared to twenty fourteen. Now, if
(04:14):
you've had three thousand people leave, there's a lot of
other people are thinking about it. So if you're thinking
about leaving, you're not buying furniture, you're not buying more clothes.
You're just you're buy your graces and that's it. You're
not going to buy more things that you have to shift.
So worried what we've seen.
Speaker 1 (04:31):
Yeah, when you talk, I mean when you talk about
the changes that you're seeing, and when you talk about
this to Cline, what are you attributed to Do you
think that it is the fact that you've you know,
you've changed security or what do you think has really
seen this big.
Speaker 2 (04:44):
Change, Kayden. It's the one percentage. It's like a top
football team. You just can't have the best players. You've
got to have them working together. You've got to have
your diets right, You've got your training right. Now. The
government has put in significant changes. As a center, we
can only look after our center, and there's so much
(05:05):
we can do. But what we've had now, two weeks
ago we closed the BWS. We'll BWS closed with our encouragement. Now,
we thought we then may get a lot of a
lot more trouble down at liquor Land with some of
the trouble makers. So the police sent another four police
out of the center and there was two man of
(05:28):
the police in the car park. Now we didn't have
any extra trouble, but we're finding that the police are
more proactive where there's always been police there. I was
there two days ago, only got home last night and
there was four police walking together through the center. Well,
I think that sunds a pretty strong message to the
bad element. One police person only do so much, but
(05:49):
you've got four in what would be pretty brave.
Speaker 1 (05:51):
Well, you really can't beat that. I mean, the thing
is police on the beach has such a huge impact
no matter where it is.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
It's certainly the visibility. So it's working with the governments.
As I say, we've our current security people, make sure
they have training. You know, we slab the dogs downstairs
and you know, and ideally we'd have absolutely no security
because it would save us two point four million dollars
a year. Now we shifted the taxi rank from out
(06:20):
the rear near the quarter to out the front. Now
that cost us half a million dollars. Well, what that
has done, it's resulting in one of those the food
retailers out the back, it turnover being up seventy three
percent year on you.
Speaker 1 (06:32):
Now, what about when you look what about when you
look at things like the no school, no service policy.
I mean, it does sound as though you've got a
lot of different things happening all at once to try
and minimize these issues.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
We certainly have that, and we have the signage, and
we really encourage our retailers to have no schirl, no service.
But in addition that you have I think they call
them the truant officers walking around with the uniforms on,
you know, and if the children aren't school, the parents
are getting fined three hundred and seventy dollars. So you know,
I don't think that the government is doing particular favors
(07:09):
for us. I think it's everywhere. But when everywhere and
wo when the child comes to casar in a square
five one times a month, that's where most of the
people are. So I think it's deserve that we have
more there. But you have to work together with the
government and then it's going fantastic.
Speaker 1 (07:24):
Yeah, Now tell me. I mean when you look at
the incidents that you do still have happening, or when
you look at the volume that you used to have
happening as well, how does it compare to other centers
that Sentinel owns around Australia.
Speaker 2 (07:39):
Katie in Queensland, you spend on average sixty seven dollars
per square meter per anum on security in darw w
and it's forty two just spending seven times this month.
Now you know what that does is adds to the
cost of running a center. It's punishing for everyone. You know,
(08:01):
we've seen a massive turnaround. I think the way we're
going next year we'll be able to cut that back.
But you know, we've had a massive reduction. But you've
got to stay focused on it. You just can't cut back.
So I would have thought in twelve months time that
when the contract comes up for review we will certainly
be cutting it back. And I think with the amount
(08:21):
of CCTV and you have that manned and you know,
our center is six hectares under roof. And one of
the other things we've done is the loading base. We've
closing some of them now at lunch time, so there's
not as many places for the louts to come in
in and out of it. Catie, you might remember a
couple of years ago at the start of the school
year we had massive skill groups coming in just running
(08:43):
right with the post and boast and when the Great
Polly Lamon who unfortunately left to just move on to
bigger and better things. And I hope she's listening this morning,
no doubt, no doubts she's because she doesn't work as
hard in a new job. With that that that's another story.
So we actually had to be in some of the
(09:04):
quite a number of schools. Yeah, and then we let
them back in a few weeks. I don't have the
same problem this year, not one that's good. One incident.
So it is while we're spending all the money. You know,
when you do a contract, you have that for a
few years. But it is really heading the right way.
And we had our senior retail manager, Murray Scandon up
there all week and he went and spoke to a
(09:26):
number of retailers or a lot of retail we are
over two hundred, and every one of them commented on
how much better it's getting out. It's heading the right way.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
Warren. We are fast running out of time, but I
want to ask you. We've now learned that the youth
Hub is going to be built at the Leana water Park.
You were quite critical of the government for not choosing
a location last time you were on the show. What
do you think of this location decision.
Speaker 2 (09:52):
I can't say it's shit out on radio? Can I?
Speaker 1 (09:54):
You just did and we don't mind.
Speaker 2 (09:56):
I'm sorry, Katie. I don't live up so I don't
know if it is the right thing. It very well
could be, But what I was concerned with was the consultation.
Now they don't have to talk to us, but given
that we get eight point four million visitors, you know,
I thought it might have it may have been appropriate,
(10:16):
but given how massive reduction in crime, and a big
part with the youths is that the police have locked
up the ring leaders and with the government's change in
legislation with buyer laws, they're keeping them locked up. So
you have a lot, a lot of younger people who
probably are a bit directionless. So if we could put
them in the direction of doing good things, and as
(10:37):
I've said repeatedly, if we had something near Casina Square,
we would do everything we could to support it with
food and training, and you know, there'd be a lot
of kids if they've given the opportunity. Would you like
to work in a shop, you know, would you like
to learn how to be a security officer?
Speaker 1 (10:54):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (10:55):
Yeah, yeah. If it's a couple hundred meters from casinu Quare,
we can do that. So I had a little bit
of time with Minister Jensen Charles yesterday and I think
they may be looking at a at some other options.
But we're keen to work for the government now. I
know to be too critical because they've done such a
sensational job on reducing crime, and we'll do whatever we
(11:19):
can to work with them. But I just want the
best result, and I suppose I one thing I was
a little bit. Now I questioned the Labor government had
five million dollars to go to Casarina. Now I've seen
the budget papers that is there for everyone. They've allocated
four point six million to go to this other location. Now,
I don't know if the Feds the sillet him and
(11:39):
five million, but I just don't think well territory government
can all walk away from five Melbourne.
Speaker 1 (11:44):
Anyway, We'll we'll try and talk more about that. We
might try and get Luke Gosling. I think we are
getting Luke Gosling, the Federal member on the show on Monday,
so we'll talk further about it. Warren, we are going
to have to leave it there, though, always good to
catch up with you. Thank you very much for your
time this morning.
Speaker 2 (11:59):
Thanks Katie for the talking scene.
Speaker 1 (12:01):
Thank you, thank you. That is Warren Ebbittt there, who
is indeed the see of Sentinel Property group that own
Casuarina Square. Really interesting. I think to hear from Casurina
Square that they've obviously seen some really positive changes when
it comes to the issues of crime and anti social
behavior at Casuarina Square. Keen to hear from you this morning.
(12:21):
Have you felt the difference when you're there,
Well, as I just mentioned, we have extensively covered on
this show various issues that we've experienced when it comes
to crime and anti social behavior. One of those locations
that has previously really struggled with some of that crime
and anti social behavior has been Casuarina Square. But according
to the owners Sentinel Property Group, the latest figures for
Casarina Square show there's been a ninety percent decline in
(00:24):
anti social behavior from May twenty twenty four to now.
Now joining us on the show is the CEO of
Sentinel Property Group, Warren Eerbers. Good morning to you, Warren.
Let's try that again. I think we're on the wrong
line there, have I've got you.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
Now, Warren, Yes, you've got me. Thanks Katie, good morning.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
To you now. Warren tell us, a ninety percent decline
sounds astronomical. Can you talk us through these numbers and
what kind of incidents you're talking about seeing a decline.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
In Katie, it's across the board. So I've got some
some facts and figures that I'll give to people, because
what none of the reasons I'm happy to be on
your show is, you know, with newspapers, not radio. But
if it leads it leads. If it's bad, if it's
a bad story, you get headlines. But I think people
(01:16):
need to know that the things really have turned around
in the Northern Territory. And you know, we have eight
point four million visitors a year out of one hundred
and forty people, So you know, our focus is really
getting Casarina Square so it's it's safe, it's enjoyable, and
if Casinea Square isn't safe and enjoyable, we're not going
(01:37):
to get people come to Northern Territory. So we've had
a forty seven percent decrease in daily incidents from March
to April, it's been a ninety percent increase in daily
incidents compared to May twenty four. Month and month ninety percent.
We've had now only thirteen percent of all incidents are
youth related. We're a year ago it was fifty percent.
(02:00):
So that's some of those measures that the new government
has put in it and particularly arresting the ring leaders
that the US are a little bit more directionless, so
we're just not getting the trouble. Also, we have seven
hundred people which are currently trespassed, so we have three
hundred and twenty CCTVs around the place. We have two
(02:24):
full time people monitoring for screens, and if we see
one of those people that have been banned from the center,
we march them out and ninety six percent of interactions
in our result by issuing a warning and escorting off
the property. We only had required police two times in April.
So massive changes.
Speaker 1 (02:45):
Yeah, well, it sounds like there's been a big change.
I mean, when you look at the number of incidents
that you're still having per day, I'm assuming that there
are still some incidents happening, but it's obviously not to
the degree that it once was.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
We certainly have having incidents, but it is nothing like
what it was. It was not enjoyable for anyone. And
we're still spending two point four million a year on security.
So we've had a new security group in Neptune, which
a lot of people would know who I wouldn't say
the heavy handed, but they take a firm stance where
(03:22):
some of the others are hands off and the news
would just laugh at them. Where they can't laugh at Neptune.
Speaker 1 (03:30):
You know.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
They make sure they abide by the law, but they
won't cop any rubbish. And our focus is to make
it safe and enjoyable. For families and we don't care
whose they are, but they should be able to even
if you just want to come there, have a coffee
and read a book. You shouldn't be getting harassed now. Also,
we're finding out from the retailers that the thefts are
(03:52):
at an all time low, so it's right across the board.
And some of the increase in turn over that we've seen.
There were figures out I think last year earlier this year,
and the population of Darwin was three thousand people less
in twenty twenty four compared to twenty fourteen. Now, if
(04:14):
you've had three thousand people leave, there's a lot of
other people are thinking about it. So if you're thinking
about leaving, you're not buying furniture, you're not buying more clothes.
You're just you're buy your graces and that's it. You're
not going to buy more things that you have to shift.
So worried what we've seen.
Speaker 1 (04:31):
Yeah, when you talk, I mean when you talk about
the changes that you're seeing, and when you talk about
this to Cline, what are you attributed to Do you
think that it is the fact that you've you know,
you've changed security or what do you think has really
seen this big.
Speaker 2 (04:44):
Change, Kayden. It's the one percentage. It's like a top
football team. You just can't have the best players. You've
got to have them working together. You've got to have
your diets right, You've got your training right. Now. The
government has put in significant changes. As a center, we
can only look after our center, and there's so much
(05:05):
we can do. But what we've had now, two weeks
ago we closed the BWS. We'll BWS closed with our encouragement. Now,
we thought we then may get a lot of a
lot more trouble down at liquor Land with some of
the trouble makers. So the police sent another four police
out of the center and there was two man of
(05:28):
the police in the car park. Now we didn't have
any extra trouble, but we're finding that the police are
more proactive where there's always been police there. I was
there two days ago, only got home last night and
there was four police walking together through the center. Well,
I think that sunds a pretty strong message to the
bad element. One police person only do so much, but
(05:49):
you've got four in what would be pretty brave.
Speaker 1 (05:51):
Well, you really can't beat that. I mean, the thing
is police on the beach has such a huge impact
no matter where it is.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
It's certainly the visibility. So it's working with the governments.
As I say, we've our current security people, make sure
they have training. You know, we slab the dogs downstairs
and you know, and ideally we'd have absolutely no security
because it would save us two point four million dollars
a year. Now we shifted the taxi rank from out
(06:20):
the rear near the quarter to out the front. Now
that cost us half a million dollars. Well, what that
has done, it's resulting in one of those the food
retailers out the back, it turnover being up seventy three
percent year on you.
Speaker 1 (06:32):
Now, what about when you look what about when you
look at things like the no school, no service policy.
I mean, it does sound as though you've got a
lot of different things happening all at once to try
and minimize these issues.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
We certainly have that, and we have the signage, and
we really encourage our retailers to have no schirl, no service.
But in addition that you have I think they call
them the truant officers walking around with the uniforms on,
you know, and if the children aren't school, the parents
are getting fined three hundred and seventy dollars. So you know,
I don't think that the government is doing particular favors
(07:09):
for us. I think it's everywhere. But when everywhere and
wo when the child comes to casar in a square
five one times a month, that's where most of the
people are. So I think it's deserve that we have
more there. But you have to work together with the
government and then it's going fantastic.
Speaker 1 (07:24):
Yeah, Now tell me. I mean when you look at
the incidents that you do still have happening, or when
you look at the volume that you used to have
happening as well, how does it compare to other centers
that Sentinel owns around Australia.
Speaker 2 (07:39):
Katie in Queensland, you spend on average sixty seven dollars
per square meter per anum on security in darw w
and it's forty two just spending seven times this month.
Now you know what that does is adds to the
cost of running a center. It's punishing for everyone. You know,
(08:01):
we've seen a massive turnaround. I think the way we're
going next year we'll be able to cut that back.
But you know, we've had a massive reduction. But you've
got to stay focused on it. You just can't cut back.
So I would have thought in twelve months time that
when the contract comes up for review we will certainly
be cutting it back. And I think with the amount
(08:21):
of CCTV and you have that manned and you know,
our center is six hectares under roof. And one of
the other things we've done is the loading base. We've
closing some of them now at lunch time, so there's
not as many places for the louts to come in
in and out of it. Catie, you might remember a
couple of years ago at the start of the school
year we had massive skill groups coming in just running
(08:43):
right with the post and boast and when the Great
Polly Lamon who unfortunately left to just move on to
bigger and better things. And I hope she's listening this morning,
no doubt, no doubts she's because she doesn't work as
hard in a new job. With that that that's another story.
So we actually had to be in some of the
(09:04):
quite a number of schools. Yeah, and then we let
them back in a few weeks. I don't have the
same problem this year, not one that's good. One incident.
So it is while we're spending all the money. You know,
when you do a contract, you have that for a
few years. But it is really heading the right way.
And we had our senior retail manager, Murray Scandon up
there all week and he went and spoke to a
(09:26):
number of retailers or a lot of retail we are
over two hundred, and every one of them commented on
how much better it's getting out. It's heading the right way.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
Warren. We are fast running out of time, but I
want to ask you. We've now learned that the youth
Hub is going to be built at the Leana water Park.
You were quite critical of the government for not choosing
a location last time you were on the show. What
do you think of this location decision.
Speaker 2 (09:52):
I can't say it's shit out on radio? Can I?
Speaker 1 (09:54):
You just did and we don't mind.
Speaker 2 (09:56):
I'm sorry, Katie. I don't live up so I don't
know if it is the right thing. It very well
could be, But what I was concerned with was the consultation.
Now they don't have to talk to us, but given
that we get eight point four million visitors, you know,
I thought it might have it may have been appropriate,
(10:16):
but given how massive reduction in crime, and a big
part with the youths is that the police have locked
up the ring leaders and with the government's change in
legislation with buyer laws, they're keeping them locked up. So
you have a lot, a lot of younger people who
probably are a bit directionless. So if we could put
them in the direction of doing good things, and as
(10:37):
I've said repeatedly, if we had something near Casina Square,
we would do everything we could to support it with
food and training, and you know, there'd be a lot
of kids if they've given the opportunity. Would you like
to work in a shop, you know, would you like
to learn how to be a security officer?
Speaker 1 (10:54):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (10:55):
Yeah, yeah. If it's a couple hundred meters from casinu Quare,
we can do that. So I had a little bit
of time with Minister Jensen Charles yesterday and I think
they may be looking at a at some other options.
But we're keen to work for the government now. I
know to be too critical because they've done such a
sensational job on reducing crime, and we'll do whatever we
(11:19):
can to work with them. But I just want the
best result, and I suppose I one thing I was
a little bit. Now I questioned the Labor government had
five million dollars to go to Casarina. Now I've seen
the budget papers that is there for everyone. They've allocated
four point six million to go to this other location. Now,
I don't know if the Feds the sillet him and
(11:39):
five million, but I just don't think well territory government
can all walk away from five Melbourne.
Speaker 1 (11:44):
Anyway, We'll we'll try and talk more about that. We
might try and get Luke Gosling. I think we are
getting Luke Gosling, the Federal member on the show on Monday,
so we'll talk further about it. Warren, we are going
to have to leave it there, though, always good to
catch up with you. Thank you very much for your
time this morning.
Speaker 2 (11:59):
Thanks Katie for the talking scene.
Speaker 1 (12:01):
Thank you, thank you. That is Warren Ebbittt there, who
is indeed the see of Sentinel Property group that own
Casuarina Square. Really interesting. I think to hear from Casurina
Square that they've obviously seen some really positive changes when
it comes to the issues of crime and anti social
behavior at Casuarina Square. Keen to hear from you this morning.
(12:21):
Have you felt the difference when you're there,
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