Aurukun mayor delivers tough-love message

A strong police presence will remain in Aurukun to monitor lingering tensions after the Cape York town's mayor demanded parents take more responsibility for their problematic children.

Dereck Walpo on Friday addressed a crisis meeting attended by the Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt, senior police and other community leaders after the Cape York Aboriginal Australian Academy was this week closed due to safety concerns.

The tipping point came when the school's principal was carjacked at night, allegedly by three students, when he went to help two teachers who complained about loitering youths.

Mr Walpo took particular aim at parents and guardians who failed to properly supervise their children late at night.

"You should be ashamed of yourselves for not playing your part," he said.

"It's more than a lack of respect and a lack of discipline.

"This is neglect."

Mr Pitt said a strong police presence would continue to make sure residents were safe.

But he stressed the drive for social change had to begin with the residents themselves.

Twenty-five school staff were evacuated to Cairns following the drama last weekend. However, Mr Walpo said the problems - including sly-grog, drugs and gambling - had been inherent in Aurukun for some time.