In August, during Local Government Week, an agreement was signed by the then President of the Western Australian Municipal Association (WAMA), Ken Pech, and the Premier, Richard Court, acknowledging that both spheres of government have an important role to play in tackling crime in local communities.
The ‘Safer WA’ agreement commits both spheres to work together to make communities safer. The State Government and Local Government have also each undertaken to ensure that the other is represented on crime prevention bodies and consulted on crime prevention measures at the community level.
The agreement also includes an undertaking to consult widely with local communities to find local solutions to local problems.
Funding is available to assist Councils with this program. Titled ‘The Safer WA Community Security Program’, this is a four year, $4 million program to assist Local Government to identify and address security problems at the local level.
Councils can apply for funding of up to $10,000 to assist them in developing and putting into action crime prevention strategies. This could include conducting crime audits, developing security management plans and reviewing existing plans and strategies.
Applications for first round funding closed on 30 November 1998. Councils receiving funding will be notified this month. A second funding round has now commenced. This has a closing date of 15 January 1999.
For further information contact Duncan Watson at the Department of Local Government, telephone (08) 9222 0380.
