In 1997 a survey conducted by Western Australia’s City of Gosnells revealed a concern common across Australia. People are increasingly worried for their personal safety and see community safety as their number one priority.
Gosnells promptly responded, designing and putting in place a Safe City Initiative. This was launched in August last year.
The object of Safe City is to reduce crime, enabling people to feel safer and happier wherever they live or work.
Central to the Initiative is a holistic approach including as many community organisations as possible working in partnership to reclaim the streets and public places.
A Safe City Taskforce, comprising representatives from the police, other government agencies, business, and the community, advises Council on areas where they believe it can make a difference.
Other planks in the strategy include ways the physical environment can be modified to lessen the incidence of crime, a special Seniors Initiative to offer older people support, and establishing a Youth Resource Centre.
Other proposed strategies include upgraded lighting, closed circuit TV in targeted locations, and Safe City teams in neighbourhoods.
In March, Gosnells hosted a National Conference, ‘Safer Communities by Design’.
This brought together a range of experts to provoke discussion on this important issue for Local Government representatives and others.
For further information contact Arthur Kyron, Director Community Services, telephone (08) 9391 3222.
